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How to get a Japanese driver's license? Includes types of licenses and driving schools

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For foreign residents in Japan, driving a car is a great attraction in terms of convenience in their daily lives. They will be able to move freely within Japan and will be useful in a variety of situations such as commuting, shopping, and leisure activities.

On the other hand, traffic rules are often different from those in your home country, and you will need a Japanese driver's license to drive. There are several ways to obtain a Japanese driver's license, and it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

This article will explain in detail how to obtain a driver's license in Japan. We will introduce the types of driver's licenses, the process of obtaining one, and the necessary documents and fees. We have also picked out three driving schools in Tokyo that we recommend for foreigners.

Get a Japanese driver's license and enjoy a comfortable car life!

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How to drive a car in Japan 

A valid driver's license is essential for foreigners to drive a car in Japan. In addition to simply being able to drive, compensation in the event of an accident can vary greatly depending on whether or not you have a driver's license.

Therefore, if you are considering driving a car during your stay in Japan, we recommend that you obtain a driver's license in a way that is suitable and reliable for you.

There are four main ways for foreigners to legally drive a car in Japan.

1. how to drive with an international driving permit

Holders of an international driver's license issued in accordance with the Geneva Convention may drive in Japan. However, please note that you can only drive for a maximum of one year after landing in Japan, and once your international driver's license expires, you will no longer be able to drive at that time.

In addition, an international driver's license alone is not sufficient; you must also carry a driver's license from your home country. If your home country driver's license is expired, you will not be able to drive in this manner.

2. driving with a driver's license from your own country

There are a limited number of countries in which you can drive in Japan with a driver's license from your home country.

The following seven countries are eligible for the program

  • Swiss Confederation
  • Republic of Slovenia
  • Federal Republic of Germany (former West Germany)
  • French Republic
  • Kingdom of Belgium
  • Principality of Monaco
  • Taiwan

However, this is not enough; a Japanese translation of the driver's license is required. This must be prepared by an organization designated by the Public Safety Commission of Japan (Japan Automobile Federation: JAF, Embassy of Japan, etc.).

This method requires some time and cost to prepare the translated text, but allows you to drive in Japan as soon as you have a valid driver's license from your home country.

3. switch to a driver's license from your own country and drive

If you have a driver's license from a country other than the seven countries listed above, you will need to switch to a Japanese driver's license. In addition to the document examination, you will be required to pass a written and practical test.

The conditions for switching applications are as follows

  • Must have a valid driver's license from home country
  • Have stayed in the issuing country for a total of at least 3 months after obtaining the driver's license.
  • At the time of application, a Japanese translation of the driver's license of the applicant's home country is required (prepared by JAF, etc.).
  • Pass both the academic and practical examinations.

However, if your home country falls into one of the 29 designated countries, such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, or Australia, you will be exempt from the academic and practical examinations, allowing for a smooth transition.

The documents and fees required when applying for the switchover are as follows

  • Valid driver's license from home country
  • Translated text of driver's license from home country (4,000 yen per copy for JAF)
  • Identification documents such as a residence card or a copy of resident card
  • Passport or other document that confirms travel record
  • Photographs for application
  • Commission fee (approximately 5,000 yen for a standard car)
  • Japanese driver's license if you had one in the past

4. obtain a Japanese driver's license 

If you do not have either an international driver's license or a driver's license from your home country, or if it has expired, you must obtain a new Japanese driver's license.

Japanese driver's licenses are renewed every five years thereafter, as long as you take a good driver's course at the time of your first renewal, three years after obtaining the license. For those who have been certified as an excellent driver, known as a gold driver's license, the renewal period is extended from five to seven years.

There are two main ways to obtain a Japanese driver's license: by attending a driving school or by participating in a training camp. After a certain period of training and passing a skills test, you will graduate from the school and then take and pass a written test at the Public Safety Commission to obtain a Japanese driver's license.

One important point to note when a foreign national obtains a Japanese driver's license is that the written test is given in Japanese. Therefore, a certain level of Japanese language proficiency is required. Some license centers in some prefectures allow applicants to take the test in English, so if you are not comfortable with your Japanese, please consider taking the test in English.

Types of Japanese Driver's Licenses

Japanese driver's licenses are broadly divided into the following three categories

  1. Class 1 license: License obtained by the general public to drive for non-commercial purposes.
  2. Class 2 license: License for professional drivers who drive for profit, such as cab and bus drivers.
  3. Provisional license: A limited license issued to students after graduation from a driving school until they pass the public safety commission's academic examination.

Foreign nationals normally obtain a Class I license. If you wish to drive for commercial purposes, you will need to obtain a second-class license, which requires a higher level of skill and knowledge.

The types of licenses are also subdivided according to the classification of the vehicle.

  • Class 1 regular driver's license: Motor vehicles with a seating capacity of less than 10 passengers, etc.
  • Class 1 medium type license: Vehicles with gross vehicle weight of less than 7.5 tons, etc.
  • Class 1 heavy-duty license: Vehicles with gross vehicle weight of less than 11 tons, etc.
  • Class 1 oversize license: motor vehicles with gross vehicle weight of 11 tons or more, etc.
  • Large motorcycle license: Motorcycle with a displacement of over 400cc
  • Standard motorcycle license: Motorcycle with displacement of 400cc or less
  • Moped license: motorized bicycle with displacement of 50cc or less

In most cases, the first driver's license that a foreigner will obtain in Japan will be a Class I regular driver's license.

Furthermore, depending on the transmission system of the vehicle, there are two types of vehicles: manual transmission (MT) vehicles (manual transmission vehicles) and automatic transmission (AT) vehicles (automatic transmission vehicles).

  • Manual transmission vehicles: Cars with manual clutch pedal and gear change
  • AT cars: Cars without a clutch pedal and with automatic gear change

In Japan, AT vehicles are the norm, but a MT-only license limits the types of vehicles that can be driven, so we recommend that you obtain a license that covers both MT and AT vehicles.

If you take MT driving lessons at a driving school, you will obtain a license that allows you to drive both MT and AT vehicles. On the other hand, if you take AT-only training, you can only drive AT vehicles.

To get a driver's license in Japan, go to a driving school! 

To obtain a new driver's license in Japan, it is common to attend a driving school. At a driving school, you will take a classroom class and a driving test, in which you will practice driving a real car.

After completing the prescribed curriculum and passing the graduation examination, students graduate from the driving school and are issued a driver's license after passing a written test at the Public Safety Commission.

Documents required for application

The following documents are required when applying to a driving school

  • Certificate of residence: Depending on the type of license to be obtained, the permanent domicile may be required.
  • Residence card or special permanent resident certificate
  • Passport or other identification
  • Photo ID to be attached to the application form ・Indan (personal seal) ・Application fee (amount varies depending on the driving school)

If your vision is not up to standards, you will need to wear glasses or contact lenses. If you have color vision problems, there may be conditions attached to your license.

tuition fee

The fee system of a driving school is generally based on the number of hours of technical training and classroom training. Although there are some differences among driving schools, the total estimated cost of obtaining a regular driver's license is approximately 250,000-320,000 yen.

However, this amount is only a guideline, and the actual cost will vary from school to school. Also, please note that additional fees may be charged for extended training time, re-testing, etc.

The method of booking technical training and payment of fees also differs from one driving school to another, so be sure to confirm the details when you apply.

Duration of attendance at a driving school

The time required to graduate from a driving school varies depending on the driving school and the individual, but it is generally around 2 to 3 months.

If you wish to attend while balancing work and school, it is important to adjust your schedule, for example, by using weekday evenings or weekends. Some driving schools offer childcare services, so it is a good idea to check with them if you are raising children.

As a general rule, the period between the start of training and graduation is one year or less, so it is important to plan your training as systematically as possible.

With a training camp license, you can get your license in about two weeks.

If time constraints make it difficult to attend a regular driving school, one option is to use a training camp license. A training camp is a short-term, intensive program that lasts from two to four weeks, and allows students to live in accommodations while taking lessons.

Compared to commuting to school, the cost may be lower, generally around 200,000 to 300,000 yen. It is said to be 50,000-100,000 yen cheaper than commuting to school, depending on the time of year, and is a recommended method for those who want to obtain a license in a short period of time without fail.

Foreigners can also participate in the training camp if they can show their residence cards, etc. at the accommodations. However, since communication in Japanese is required, a certain level of Japanese language proficiency is required.

Process from Entrance to Graduation and Issuance of License｜Explanation using a standard driver's license as an example

This section describes the general process of obtaining a regular driver's license, from entering a driving school to receiving a driver's license.

The first step is to complete the enrollment procedures at the school. If you normally wear glasses or other eyeglasses, bring them with you to the school.

STEP2. take the first stage of training (driving in the driving school)

Through technical and practical driving lessons, students learn basic driving skills and traffic rules. The number of hours for technical and practical training is set by law and varies depending on the type of vehicle (MT or AT). 1 period is 50 minutes.

The first stage of technical skills training consists mainly of on-street parking and hill starts on the driving course. The training time is 15 hours for MT vehicles and 12 hours for AT vehicles.

In the classroom training, students learn the knowledge necessary for driving, such as traffic rules, road signs, and the structure of automobiles. There are 10 hours of lessons for both MT and AT vehicles.

STEP3: Take and pass the provisional license test

Upon completion of the first stage, you will take the provisional license test in the driving school. You must pass both the skills test and the academic test.

If you pass the test, the Public Safety Commission will issue you a provisional driver's license.

STEP4. take the second stage of training (driving on the road)

Once you have obtained your provisional license, it is time to start practicing driving on public roads. While riding in the passenger seat with the instructor, you will experience driving in a real traffic environment.

The technical training time for this stage is 19 hours for both MT and AT vehicles. In most cases, driving schools in rural areas also offer "high-speed training," in which students actually drive on highways at speeds of 100 km/h. In urban areas, however, a high-speed simulator is generally used as a substitute.

The study course is also held in parallel with the training, and students learn more practical rules and driving manners. The second stage of the course consists of 16 hours of classroom training for both MT and AT vehicles.

STEP5: Take and pass the graduation examination

After completing the required training, a graduation examination is held at the school. Upon successful completion of the examination, a graduation certificate will be issued by the school.

Please note that the provisional license is valid for 6 months and the graduation test must be taken within the validity period.

STEP6: Issuance of driver's license

After graduating from a driving school, you must take the Driver's License Examination within one year at the Driver's License Center in the prefecture where you have your certificate of residence. If you pass this test, you will be issued a driver's license. The test requires a score of 90 or higher out of 100 points, which is enough to pass the test if you have the knowledge learned in the driving school.

Foreign nationals need to be well-prepared for the written exam, which is administered in Japanese. Some license centers in some prefectures conduct the written exam in foreign languages, so if you are unsure about your Japanese language ability, it is advisable to check with the center.

What is a provisional license?

A provisional license is a temporary driver's license issued prior to obtaining a full license. The official name is "provisional driver's license.

Upon successful completion of the driving school's skills test and the written exam, a provisional license is issued by the Public Safety Commission. Holders of provisional licenses are allowed to drive on ordinary roads only in a learner's car.

However, please note the following rules.

  • For the purpose of practicing driving
  • Carry a temporary license while driving.
  • Have a coach or other instructor who can drive in the passenger seat during practice.
  • Put a "Practicing for Provisional License" plate on the front and rear of the car you are driving.

Violation of these rules may result in "driving without a license. As a general rule, a provisional license is valid for 6 months, but if you do not pass the graduation examination within that period, the license will expire, so you must proceed with your training in a systematic manner.

3 Driving Schools for Foreigners in Tokyo

Finally, we would like to introduce three driving schools in Tokyo that we recommend for foreigners. All of these driving schools are capable of providing foreign language services and have a reputation for providing courteous instruction.

1. koyama driving school

  • 4 driving schools in Tokyo (Futakotamagawa, Seijo, Shakujii, Akitsu)
  • Support for English, Chinese, and Korean
  • Fee plans available for foreigners.
  • There are also driving schools in the city center, with good accessibility.

Koyama Driving School is the largest group of driving schools in Tokyo. It offers fee plans for foreigners, and instructors are available in multiple languages. Driving schools in central Tokyo are easy to get to after work.

【 Cost of studying in English 】

  • AT: 411,950 yen (tax included)
  • MT: 426,800 yen (tax included)

Reference:Koyama Driving School

Musashi Sakai Driving School

  • Located a 5-minute walk from Musashi Sakai Station
  • Open all year round and available for lessons until 9:00 p.m.
  • English and Chinese are supported
  • Foreigner discount plan available
  • Many female instructors

Musashi Sakai Driving School is located near Musashi Sakai Station on the Chuo Line and has excellent accessibility. A discount plan for foreigners is available, and English and Chinese are also available. The school has a large number of female instructors, so female students will be able to go to the school with peace of mind.

【 Cost of studying in English 】 (depending on age)

23-28 years old

  • AT: 429,000 yen (tax included)
  • MT: 440,000 yen (tax included)

29-35 years old

  • AT: 451,000 yen (tax included)
  • MT: 462,000 yen (tax included)

Reference:About English language instruction | Musashi Sakai Driving School

Shin-Tokyo Driving School

  • Large-scale driving school in Kodaira City
  • Instruction available in English and Chinese
  • Fee plans available for foreigners.
  • Minimum 17-day training camp license course established.

Shin-Tokyo Driving School is a large driving school located in Kodaira, Tokyo. English-language instruction is available, and fee plans for foreigners are also available. The school also offers a residential course that allows students to obtain a driver's license in as few as 17 days, and is recommended for those who want to obtain a driver's license efficiently in a short period of time.

【 Cost of studying in English 】

general

  • AT: 355,300 yen (tax included)
  • MT: 368,500 yen (tax included)

Heian-period student of government administration

  • AT: 349,800 yen (tax included)
  • MT: 363,000 yen (tax included)

Reference: English Driving Lesson

All of the driving schools offer fee plans and support systems tailored to the needs of foreign residents. However, we recommend that you check the latest information before applying, as fees and course content are subject to change.

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summary

In this article, we have explained in detail how foreigners can obtain a driver's license in Japan. A Japanese driver's license is essential for driving in Japan.

There are four main ways for foreigners to obtain a Japanese driver's license, of which the most common is to attend a driving school to obtain a new Japanese driver's license. At a driving school, you can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for driving through skills training and classroom instruction.

It generally takes two to three months to graduate from a driving school, but it is possible to graduate in two to four weeks if you use a training camp license. However, since all lessons are conducted in Japanese, a certain level of Japanese language proficiency is required.

It is true that there are hurdles to overcome in terms of time, money, and language in order to obtain a Japanese driver's license. However, being able to drive a car in Japan will make your life much more convenient.

Please enjoy your car life in Japan by learning Japanese traffic rules and driving safely.

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