CONCLUSION AND SURVEY RESULTS
The advice above is a conglomeration of information from different prefectures. To find out about your own prefecture's test, ask your supervisor, ask other JETs, check the internet, do as much research as you possibly can. Try to practice in your own car (if you can) to make some of the important tricks habitual and to lose bad habits. Expect that the first time you will be turned away or fail. It will be the hardest on your nerves. The second time will be easier.
Some prefectures that are known to be particularly strict (there may be more):
Ehime, Toyama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Niigata, Chiba, Oita, Nagoya, Kagoshima, Fukushima
Theories
There are a lot of conspiracy theories about why it takes foreigners so long to pass.
Some say that you will never pass your first (or second or fifth) try no matter what. Some
say that it is all up to the proctor - either you get a nice one or you don't. Some say
that all depends on timing - you will only pass on a day when it is relatively empty and the
staff do not have anything better to do and therefore you should go off-season (instead of early-mid
summer like most of us). These all may be true at some centers / for some proctors, but keep
in mind that these are certainly not exclusively true and that the test is difficult for the
Japanese as well.
Survey Results
According to a survey of JETs in Japan in 2004 (including 85 respondents from 23 prefectures)
the average number of times one must take the practical test before passing is approximately
2.4 times.
Approximately 35% of respondents passed their first time.
Of those who left advice, almost 15% recommended that you be polite, speak as much Japanese as
possible, have a positive attitude, or feel out your proctor before proceeding. Nearly 40%
recommended taking one to three lessons at a driving school or doing a practice course
(on the actual site or elsewhere) with a Japanese person you know (friend / supervisor / contact)
who can point out mistakes.
Good luck!