There are three main ways to obtain a Japanese driver's license: graduating from a 'Designated Driving School,' attending an intensive 'Driving Camp,' or going through a 'Reported Driving School' and taking the exam directly at the license center (known as 'Ippatsu Shiken').
Comparison of Driving School Options
| School Type | Description | Practical Test | Estimated Cost (AT) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designated School (指定校) | Officially certified schools. Graduates are exempt from the practical driving test at the official license center. | Taken at the school (high pass rate). | ¥250,000 - ¥350,000 | Reliability, structured learning, and guaranteed test exemption. |
| Driving Camp (合宿) | Intensive, short-term courses (approx. 2 weeks) at designated schools, often in rural areas. Includes accommodation. | Taken at the school (high pass rate). | ¥200,000 - ¥300,000 | Speed, cost-effectiveness, and an immersive experience. |
| Reported School (届出校) | Non-certified schools offering practice. No exemption from the official practical test. | Taken at the official license center (difficult). | ¥100,000 - ¥200,000 | Budget-conscious learners with flexible schedules. |
| Self-Practice (一発試験) | Practicing independently and taking all exams directly at the license center. Known as 'Ippatsu Shiken'. | Taken at the official license center (very difficult). | ¥20,000+ | Experienced drivers confident in passing the notoriously strict official exam. |
Foreign License Conversion (to a Japanese License)
"Foreign License Conversion" (外国免許切替) is the procedure for changing a driver's license obtained overseas to a Japanese driver's license. This system allows experienced drivers to obtain a Japanese license without re-attending a driving school. However, depending on the country or region, you may need to take written and practical exams.
Procedure Flow
1. Prepare Necessary Documents (All originals required)
- Valid Foreign Driver's License
- Japanese Translation of the license (issued by JAF or your country's embassy/consulate)
- Passport (to prove you stayed in the issuing country for at least 3 months after obtaining the license)
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
- Photograph for application (3cm high × 2.4cm wide)
- Copy of your Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) listing your nationality, resident status, period of stay, Residence Card number, etc.
2. Aptitude Test (Vision, etc.)
- You must meet Japanese license standards for vision, color perception, and hearing.
3. Written Exam
- Covers Japanese traffic rules. Available in multiple languages (English, Chinese, etc.).
- Passing score is typically 45 out of 50 questions correct.
4. Practical Exam
- Required for licenses from many countries (e.g., USA, India, Nepal, etc.). Not required for some countries (e.g., UK, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, etc.).
- Focuses on safe driving maneuvers specific to Japan (S-curves, crank turns, etc.).
- Usually scheduled for a later date, not on the day of application.
5. License Issuance
- Once all checks and tests are passed, your Japanese license will be issued.
Application Notes & Tips
- The entire process can take a half to a full day. Be prepared for long waits.
- Reservations may be required, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka. Check the official police website for your prefecture in advance.
- If you are not fluent in Japanese, you may be asked to bring an interpreter.
- Document checks have become stricter. Be prepared to provide additional proof of stay, such as flight tickets or employment certificates, if your passport stamps are insufficient.
License Center Fees (Example)
| License Type | Application Fee | Issuance Fee | Approx. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Car | ¥2,500 | ¥2,350 | ¥4,850 |
| Moped | ¥1,600 | ¥2,350 | ¥3,950 |
| Large/Medium | ¥3,900 | ¥2,350 | ¥6,250 |
| Other | ¥2,800 | ¥2,350 | ¥5,150 |
Tips for Passing
- Thoroughly memorize 'Japanese traffic signs and priority rules' before the exam.
- When turning, follow the sequence: 'signal 3 seconds before → check mirrors → visual check → turn.'
- Examiners focus on 'safety awareness' and 'calm driving.'
Summary
The foreign license conversion is a crucial step to prove you can drive safely while understanding Japan's road conditions. With prior preparation for the written and practical tests, passing on the first attempt is entirely possible. For efficient preparation, using a driving school or practice course specializing in foreign license conversion is also recommended.
📋 Basic Requirements for Getting a License in Japan
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older for a regular car license. 16 years or older for a regular motorcycle license. |
| Vision | 0.7 or higher with both eyes, and at least 0.3 in each eye (corrective lenses allowed). |
| Color Perception | Must distinguish red, yellow, and green. |
| Hearing | Must hear a 90 dB sound from 10 meters (hearing aids allowed). |
| Physical Ability | Must be able to drive safely with or without reasonable accommodations. |
🗓️ Application & Licensing Steps (Summary)
- Enroll in a designated, reported, or camp-style driving school.
- Complete training and pass the provisional license exam.
- Obtain a provisional license (仮免許).
- Complete on-road training (if applicable).
- Pass the graduation or final practical exam.
- Take the written exam at the test center.
- Receive your Japanese Driver’s License (運転免許証).
🏁 Final Thoughts
Each driving school option in Japan offers unique advantages:
| Priority | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Convenience & Security | Designated Driving School |
| Low Cost | Reported Driving School or Self-Practice |
| Fastest Route | Driving Camp Program |
If you value peace of mind and efficiency, designated schools are the best choice. If you’re confident and want to save money, reported schools or self-practice can work — though they require more effort. For those short on time, driving camps provide the perfect balance of cost, speed, and fun.