Differences Driving Vs UK

Hi there,

I'm getting my car next week, and I'm wondering what differences there are between driving in Japan vs driving in the UK (largely in terms of rules, etiquette and signage). I've noticed a few differences, such as traffic being allowed to pass over pedestrian crossings if they are turning onto them, and I have been told the centre yellow line means no crossing. I've also noticed that drivers tend to stop at rail crossings to check for trains before going over them (unlike in the UK where they just drive straight through).

Are there many other differences? Also, are there any recommended resources for rules, signage, and etiquette for English speaking people?

Err..do you have Japanese driving license with you or you'll be driving using your IDP?

This are basic Japanese traffic rules by Japan National Police Agency, in pdf. Print it out and read it.
http://www.npa.go.jp/policies/application/license_renewal/pdf/english....

Thanks! I have a Japanese licence.

The road traffic law is common(=only one) throughout the country.
I have to say that PDF in above post content is NOT enough.
If I actually took the written exam, it was such a matter of contents.
http://verfumi.web.fc2.com/international/license_test_exercise.htm

This is a Hokkaido version(including driving on snow/ice road),
but this is very helpful as a guide written in EN, especially not only about traffic law.
http://www.hkd.mlit.go.jp/topics/toukei/chousa/h20keikaku/e/e_all.pdf

Well, do not know how much Japanese you can read,
but getting a "交通教本(koutsuu-kyouhon, =bible/text book of driving)" is not so hard.
http://www.jtsa.or.jp/about/teaching.html
https://goo.gl/SqoKHX
Although it is in their private room, it is very famous as a book not in line with the bookshelf :)
Did not you get it when you got a license of Japan? (just cannot read?)

I've noticed a few differences
Basically, the yellow(orange) lines means can not over the line to lane change
(near intersections and blind curves and tunnels, mainly) and overtaking.
but only you can escape for parking cars, stopping vehicles (such as buses and trucks)
and constructions, or entering a shop on the opposite lane
and when the previous car deliberately slowed down speed for overtaking.
(move to left side with left blinker, or open window and signal "overtake" by hand)

Also, stopping at a railroad crossing is not must,
only in places where are controlled by traffic lights for cars,
this is one of exceptions, often used in exam questions, so basically have to "stop".
The reason is very simple, bc trains always need longer stopping distance,
and it is also necessary to predict that rail crossing machine is broken,
and in the countryside, without lights,alarm and rod/arm type is not so rare.
(In places where visibility is bad, train operators are required to use alarms,
however, this is not what you learn at school of driving.)
At driving school teaches,
have to check the sound of the train approaching by opening the window,
but in fact, most drivers are doing only visible, and even if you can not open the window it,
policeman/vehicles will not follow you as a violation, non or too short stop will be violation.

Also you can put/paste a "beginner sign(sticker, thin magnetic plate)" on the car.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoshinsha_mark
You can buy it at 100Yen(108Y,w/sale tax) shops, even you can make it by myself.
Although this is not an offense to the violation when you fail,
but if another driver intentionally disturbs your driving, they will suffer severe penalties than usual.

Differences in driving in Japan have been pointed out by some YouTubers.
You can search title of movies, I also watched it by famous YouTuber who(he) came from UK.
"Thank you! hazard(brinkers flashing)" is one of famous mannar,
but this is not formal action as law of driving, however, police man(car) of traffic won't move if watched.
https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/2dswe3/how_japanese_drivers_s...

US and more wide country drivers are surprised about direction of parking is also famous.
http://www.penchan.com/mak/img/us2012/parking-japan-vs-us.png
This is also not traffic law, just one of custom. (except Expway parking)
https://static.panoramio.com.storage.googleapis.com/photos/large/83445741.jpg

In recent years, attempts to increase this type of intersection, but it has not increased rapidly.
http://rabico.cocolog-tnc.com/gmt/2014/03/post-9be1.html
It has not been in Japan since long ago, but this is an experiment to prevent car accidents.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collision_course
https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2136151237248064201
https://carby.jp/topic/1031788

If you check at the table of penalties for traffic violations,
you will understand what violation is important as well.
http://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/menkyo/torishimari/tetsuzuki/hanso...
Line of 普通車(futsuu-sha) is so, including "kei(smaller size body and engine)" car.

In Japan, serious accidents such as "reverse run" increase
by aging progresses =elder drivers, which is one of new problem of traffic.
Also, many young people are getting away fr buying cars and motorcycles,
so bicycles are increasing, but they are not interesting in convenient vehicles,
just for paying cellphone and games, mainly in urban areas, though.

Anyway, recommend you to contract a good insurance ASAP, if yet.
Only with "liability insurance(=Jibaiseki)" is no enough.
http://qa.jaf.or.jp/accident/liability-insurance/01.htm

About driving Qs, would be better post to "Living" fr the next.
https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quedisplay.html?aTYPE=2

Thank you for that! That helps a lot. I passed my driving test in the UK, so converting my licence just required me to pass an eye test and fill in forms at the Japanese licence centre. Pretty much all of the regulations and practices are the same as in the UK, but I knew there were a few slight differences, and wanted to cover them before driving (especially with a family in the car).

Thanks!