This is one of the most common questions asked by Brazilians living in Japan, and the answer is often surprising.

Driving in Japan is no longer difficult. It's different.

Roads and organization

From a structural point of view, Japan offers well-signposted streets, organized traffic, high respect for the rules and predictable drivers. This makes everyday life safer and, in many cases, more peaceful.

Where's the difficulty?

The difficulty lies mainly in adapting to the local rules, understanding Japanese traffic logic and changing habits acquired in Brazil.

In Brazil, many situations are resolved improvisationally. In Japan, improvisation is seen as a risk.

Differences that take Brazilians by surprise

Some points often cause strangeness right from the start:

- Mandatory stops are taken very seriously
- Driving on the opposite side of the road requires extra attention, especially at turns and intersections
- Visual checks, known in Japan as kakunin, are not optional
- Pedestrians and cyclists have absolute priority
- Small mistakes are considered serious

What often goes unnoticed in Brazil can result in a failed exam or fines in Japan.

In addition, driving in the opposite direction to the one we are used to has a direct impact on the driver's spatial perception. At first, it's common to feel insecure when cornering, turning and positioning the vehicle correctly on the road, which reinforces the importance of proper adaptation and training.

With adaptation, everything flows

Once the driver understands the Japanese standard, driving in Japan becomes more predictable, safer and less stressful.

That's why the right preparation makes all the difference in the qualification process.

Uniserv's driving school helps students make the adjustment with support in Portuguese and specialized guidance. Find out more about our license transfer services by clicking here. (Link to the transfer services page).