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Provisional licenceJapan

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Japan. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Japan

58. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

Provisional licence
Honda Grace instruction vehicle of Neyagawa Driving School. (Japan)
Wikimedia.org • Tokumeigakarinoaoshima • CC BY-SA
What is a provisional driving licence?

The meaning depends on the jurisdiction. In Great Britain and Flanders, a provisional licence can authorise learning under specified conditions. In the Australian Capital Territory, a provisional licence follows the learner stage and assessment. It is not a universal synonym for a learner licence.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

Can you drive alone with a provisional licence?

Check the jurisdiction, licence stage and its conditions. In Flanders, some provisional licences require a registered supervisor, while another option permits independent practice after approved training. In Great Britain, car learners must follow the supervision rules. Other countries may use provisional for a later licensing stage.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

How long is a provisional licence valid?

There is no universal validity period or renewal procedure. Check the issuing authority’s rules for the particular licence. For example, Flanders distinguishes 18-month and 36-month provisional learner licences; another jurisdiction may use provisional for a different stage altogether.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...