ペーパードライバーからの挑戦 - 1日目の記録
The Background Story
これまでの経緯
For a year and a half, my Japanese driving license has remained just a piece of plastic in my wallet. Like many “paper drivers” (ペーパードライバー) in Japan, I:
- Passed the test but never drove
- Held the license without practical experience
- Felt increasingly anxious about starting
免許を取得して1年半、
実践の機会のないまま
時が過ぎていきました。
Essential Preparations
運転開始の準備
Before starting practical driving, several key elements were necessary:
- Insurance Coverage (保険加入):
- One-day insurance option (一日保険)
- Approximately ¥3,000/day
- Covers basic liability
- Easy online application
- Beginner Mark (初心者マーク):
- Legally required for new drivers
- Alerts other drivers
- Provides extra consideration in traffic
- Must be displayed front and back
- Safety Equipment:
- Reflective vest
- Warning triangle
- Basic tool kit
Finding Practice Support
練習方法を探して
After researching options:
- Professional driving schools (約2-3万円/日)
- Rental car services (要経験者)
- Community support networks
I found support through the Vietnamese community near Tanashi Station, offering:
- Experienced instructor
- Comfortable learning environment
- Affordable practice opportunity
Day 1 Experience
1日目の記録：
- Duration: 6 hours
- Vehicle: 8-seater
- Location: Tanashi area
- Conditions: Clear weather
Today’s Achievements
今日の達成項目
- Basic Operations:
- Starting and stopping
- Turning (right and left)
- Basic parking attempts
- Simple reverse maneuvers
- Essential Skills:
- Mirror adjustments
- Seat positioning
- Basic traffic awareness
- Following navigation
Challenges Faced
直面した課題
Main difficulties:
- Adapting to large vehicle size
- Tokyo’s narrow streets
- Confidence in turns
- Parking precision
- Lane positioning
Key Learnings
重要な気づき
- Vehicle Control:
- Larger vehicles need wider turns
- Importance of mirror usage
- Brake control sensitivity
- Traffic Reality:
- Tokyo vs. Shizuoka differences
- Reading road signs in motion
- Managing traffic flow
Next Steps
次回への準備
For future practice:
- Continue with daily insurance
- Keep beginner mark properly displayed
- Focus on parking skills
- Build confidence in traffic
Goals Ahead
これからの目標
Short-term:
- Master basic parking
- Confident lane changes
- Smooth acceleration/braking
Long-term:
- Solo driving capability
- Various parking situations
- Independent navigation
Reflections
振り返り
Breaking the “paper driver” status after 1.5 years feels like a significant step. The combination of proper insurance, beginner markers, and community support created a safe environment for this important transition.
ペーパードライバー卒業への第一歩。
保険をしっかり確認し、
初心者マークを付けて、
安全に配慮しながら
一歩ずつ前進していきます。
Important Notes
重要事項
For other paper drivers starting out:
- Always ensure proper insurance coverage
- Display beginner marks properly
- Start in less crowded areas
- Find supportive instruction
- Take it step by step
Looking Forward
これからに向けて
While 1.5 years without driving created some anxiety, today’s experience shows it’s never too late to start. Each small success builds confidence for the next challenge.
免許を取って1年半。
遅すぎることはありません。
これからも少しずつ、
確実に進んでいきたいと思います。
頑張ります！
Day 1 of transitioning from a paper license holder to an active driver in Japan. Follow my journey as I document each practice session.