Seibishi 3kyu › New system from 2027
The 2027 new system: Class 3 (general) replaces the three types
MLIT has revised the rules for the national automotive mechanic skills test. At Class 3 the chassis, gasoline engine and diesel engine types are merged into one, 三級自動車整備士（総合）. This page sums up what has been announced and what is still unclear.
Last updated: 2026-10-19
What has been announced
- MLIT has revised the automotive mechanic skills test rules (自動車整備士技能検定規則) and brought electronic control content into the higher classes.
- At Class 3, MLIT's diagram shows a new 三級自動車整備士（総合） in place of 三級自動車シャシ整備士, 三級自動車ガソリン・エンジン整備士 and 三級自動車ジーゼル・エンジン整備士.
- The new rules apply to tests held from 1 January 2027. The first tests under them come in March 2027 at the earliest; Class 1 from March 2028.
- JASPA's 2026 (令和8) registration test guide already lists the 三級（総合） type next to the old ones.
What is still unclear
The sources above do not say until when the old types (chassis, gasoline, diesel) can be taken, who may take them, or how many items the 三級（総合） paper will have. The information we have suggests the old tests will continue for people trained under the old courses until around 2028, but that is not an official announcement. Ask the 自動車整備振興会 where you apply.
What learners should do now
- The 2026 first session (written test on 4 October 2026) was held under the current rules. The next session in JASPA's schedule has its written test on 14 March 2027, with applications on 14–18 December 2026.
- For March 2027 onwards, confirm which type you will sit when you apply.
- Whatever you sit, the foundations are the same: engine, chassis, electrics, measuring and the law. Studying the current three types is not wasted.
How the app will change
Seibishi 3kyu currently covers the three old Class 3 types with 20 papers each. When JASPA publishes the 三級（総合） format, ViMai will add practice papers for the new scope. Papers 1–3 of every subject stay free.
VIP unlocks papers 4 to 20 in all three subjects (51 papers), the per-item tips and the detailed explanations for missed items. VIP is bought inside the iOS app with Apple payment, and Apple shows the price. The App Store version is coming soon. You can try the free exams on the web now.
Sources checked on 2026-10-19: the JASPA registration test page and its 2026 (令和8) guide, the JASPA results for the 2025 first session, the JASPA past papers page and the MLIT press release on the new mechanic qualifications. Rules can change, so check the latest version at these sources.
FAQ
When does the new system start?
According to MLIT's press release the new rules apply to tests held from 1 January 2027, with the first tests under them in March 2027 at the earliest (Class 1 from March 2028).
Until when can I take the old Class 3 tests?
MLIT's release gives no end date. Based on the information available, the old tests are expected to continue for a while for people trained under the old courses, roughly until 2028. Check JASPA's notices and the association where you apply.
Is an old Class 3 qualification still valid?
The release does not say old qualifications are cancelled. If you already hold one, ask your employer or the association how it is treated under the new system.
Is studying the old Class 3 papers now wasted effort?
No. The foundations of the current three types (engine mechanics, chassis, electrics, measuring, the law) are the core of 三級（総合） too. The app will be updated when official details of the new test are published.
Take a 30-item mock paper and see right away which items you missed and why.
Try it free nowPapers 1–3 of every subject are free, with furigana. Opens in your browser, no sign-up.
More topics
- Seibishi 3kyuClass 3 automotive mechanic exam practice (vi / ja / en)
- Class 3 exam format30 four-choice items, 60 min, pass at 21/30
- Registering for Class 3Eligibility, application, 2026 test dates
- Class 3 practice test3 subjects × 20 papers, papers 1–3 free
- Car mechanic vocabularyWork words and part names with readings
- Class 3 study tipsStudy by subject, read items carefully, review
- Class 3 chassisClutch, gearbox, brakes, steering, tyres
- Class 3 gasoline engineFour-stroke engine, fuel, ignition, electrics
- Class 3 diesel engineCompression ignition, injection, glow plugs, exhaust
- Measuring toolsVernier caliper, micrometer, dial gauge, tester
- Calculation questionsDisplacement, compression ratio, gear ratio, Ohm's law
- Safety standardsSafety standards, periodic inspection, lamps, tyres
- Four-choice itemsCorrect vs incorrect items, elimination
- 30-day study planA 30-day plan for one Class 3 subject
- Sample questions6 sample four-choice items with answers
- Car parts in JapaneseEngine, chassis, electrical and body parts
- Pass mark and pass rate21/30 pass mark and the latest JASPA pass rates