Japan vs New Zealand
95 vs 35
Questions
90 vs 32
Pass Mark
50m vs 30m
Duration
Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Test Authority | NPA | Waka Kotahi |
| Number of Questions | 95 | 35 |
| Pass Mark | 90 | 32 |
| Time Limit | 50 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Question Types | multiple-choice, true-false | multiple-choice |
| Minimum Age | 18 years | 16 years |
| Test Fee | 2,100 JPY (~$15) | $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts) |
| Validity Period | 3-5 years (based on driving record: gold/blue/green license) | 10 years |
| Driving Side | left | left |
| Alcohol Limit | 0.03% BAC (near-zero tolerance) | 0.05 BAC (0.00 for drivers under 20) |
| Urban Speed Limit | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Highway Speed Limit | 100 km/h | 100 km/h |
Key Differences
🇯🇵 Japan
- • Test authority: NPA (National Police Agency (Prefectural Public Safety Commissions))
- • 95 questions, 50 minutes
- • Pass with 90 correct answers
- • Test fee: 2,100 JPY (~$15)
- • Minimum age: 18 years
- • Valid for: 3-5 years (based on driving record: gold/blue/green license)
- • Drive on the LEFT side of the road
- • No right turn on red (except where specifically marked)
- • Headlights required in tunnels
🇳🇿 New Zealand
- • Test authority: Waka Kotahi (Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency)
- • 35 questions, 30 minutes
- • Pass with 32 correct answers
- • Test fee: $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts)
- • Minimum age: 16 years
- • Valid for: 10 years
- • Drive on the LEFT side of the road
- • Graduated licensing system (learner → restricted → full licence)
- • Give way rules reformed in 2012 — vehicles turning right must give way to vehicles turning left at uncontrolled intersections
FAQ
Which is easier: Japan or New Zealand driving test?
The Japan test has 95 questions with a pass mark of 90, while New Zealand has 35 questions with a pass mark of 32. Both tests require thorough preparation regardless of the format.
How many questions are on the Japan driving test vs New Zealand?
The Japan driving test has 95 questions, while the New Zealand test has 35 questions.
What is the pass mark for Japan vs New Zealand driving test?
To pass in Japan, you need to answer 90 questions correctly out of 95. In New Zealand, you need 32 correct out of 35.
How much does the driving test cost in Japan vs New Zealand?
The driving theory test costs 2,100 JPY (~$15) in Japan and $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts) in New Zealand.
What is the minimum driving age in Japan vs New Zealand?
The minimum age to get a driving license is 18 years in Japan and 16 years in New Zealand.
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