Imagine you want to drive a bus or a taxi, but you’re not so good at Japanese. That’s a problem, right? Well, not anymore! In Fukuoka Prefecture, they’ve come up with a smart idea to help people who speak different languages.
Starting from March 27, if you want to take a test to get a special driver’s license, you can do it in four other languages besides Japanese—English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali. And guess what? This idea is the first of its kind in all of Japan!
But hold on, what’s this special driver’s license for? It’s for folks who want to drive buses or taxis. These big vehicles need careful drivers who know the rules of the road.
Now, these new language tests were made possible by the Fukuoka Prefectural Police. They worked with the National Police Agency to create test questions in different languages. They even set up special equipment to show test questions translated into 134 languages!
Why did they do this? Well, there are two big reasons. First, there aren’t enough people to drive buses and taxis. Second, there are new rules coming in 2024 that will limit how long drivers can work each day.
To help with the shortage of drivers, the government plans to let more foreigners work in transportation jobs. They’re going to add driving jobs to a special visa program called “Specified Skills.”
So, Fukuoka’s idea is a big help for anyone who wants to drive and doesn’t speak Japanese well. It’s a smart move that shows how Japan is adapting to changes in the world of transportation.
