運転免許試験
unten menkyo shiken
The English phrase "driving test" is translated into Japanese as 運転免許試験 (unten menkyo shiken).
運転免許試験 refers specifically to the examination required to acquire a driver's license.
Meaning: test required in order to acquire a driver's licence (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 運転 (unten, driving), 免許 (menkyo, license) and 試験 (shiken, examination/test).
Which one should you use?
While 運転免許試験 is the general term for a driving test, if you are referring specifically to the test for a learner's permit or provisional license, you would use 仮免許試験.
How do you pronounce it?
unten menkyo shiken
Did you know?
- In Japan, the practical part of the 運転免許試験 is often taken on a closed course specifically designed for the test, rather than on real public roads.
- If you fail the 運転免許試験, it is common to say you 'fell' or 'dropped' the exam, using the verb 落ちる (ochiru), which means 'to fall'.
- The character 免 in 免許 (menkyo) actually carries the connotation of 'being exempt' or 'escaping' a certain duty or burden, implying that the license is a formal release of restriction.
Examples in context
- 運転免許試験には受かりそうにないよ。I think it's unlikely that I'll be able to pass my driving test.This sentence shows how to use 運転免許試験 when discussing the likelihood of passing.Tatoeba #1528147 by bunbuku, translation #953644 by CK
- 教習生全員が、運転免許試験に受かりました。Every student passed the driving test.This sentence uses 運転免許試験 to describe a group of students passing the test.Tatoeba #10001921 by small_snow, translation #37534 by CK
- 運転免許試験に合格して彼はみんなをびっくりさせた。He amazed everyone by passing his driving test.This sentence shows how to use 運転免許試験 when describing the act of passing the test.Tatoeba #189423 by bunbuku, translation #26574 by CK
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about their upcoming schedules.
- 蓮 Ren来週、運転免許試験があるんだ。Raishū, unten menkyo shiken ga aru n da.I have a driving test next week.
- 美咲 Misaki頑張ってね！応援してるよ。Ganbatte ne! Ōen shiteru yo.Good luck! I'm rooting for you.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、美咲。緊張するよ。Arigatō, Misaki. Kinchō suru yo.Thanks, Misaki. I'm nervous.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮ならきっと大丈夫だよ。Ren nara kitto daijōbu da yo.You'll be fine, Ren.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
