Zero

It isn't easy. Scoring a zero on any test. No, I didn't take a test written in Japanese Kanji characters. It was my wife, in fact. You see, here in Japan they don't simply accept your existing non-Japan driver's license as proof that you can drive. If you want a driver's license here, you must pass a vision test, a written test, and a driving skills test.

In preparation for this, my wife has taken 2 practice driving skills tests at the local driving school. She scored a zero both times.

Not that my wife isn't a bad female Asian driver, she certainly is, but she isn't all that bad. Not a zero, maybe a 50%. The main problem is that here in Japan the driving skill test is sort of like a Japanese Kabuki theater show, minus the historical garb. It isn't at all practical. Rather, it consists of a very formulaic series of steps one must take, not for any reason other than to uphold traditional appearances.

For example, you don't walk over to the car, open the door, get in, put on your seat belt, and start the engine. Wrong, wrong, wrong, and wrong. First you must circle the car clockwise starting from the rear, checking to make sure there isn't anything under the chassis or otherwise obstructing the vehicle. Then, when entering the vehicle, make sure to put your hand on top of the open door, removing it prior to closing the door else fingers will be crushed. Finally, lock the doors, adjust the seat, check all three mirrors, and prepare to get your zero.

My favorite part is when stopping prior to a railroad track near an uphill slope you are supposed to put the car in park, look both ways to ensure no train is arriving, begin to accelerate, and then after pressing your foot on the accelerator, put the car into drive and proceed. Transmission repair shop owners must have paid dearly to have this specified in the driving rules.

After 4 or 5 more expensive lessons, I figure my wife will have learned the Kabuki steps and will be able to pass the test.

By the way, the drivers here in Japan are more polite, as one might expect, but they are otherwise just as lousy at driving as any American or anyone else.