Introduction
If you’ve lived in Japan for a while, there comes a point where you start thinking about getting a car. Maybe you’re tired of missing the last train. Maybe you’re dreaming of countryside road trips, or maybe you just want to stop renting tiny kei cars on weekends. But before you get behind the wheel, there’s one big hurdle: getting a driver’s license in Japan.
Acquiring a driver’s license in Japan opens up many opportunities for exploration and convenience.
Many expats find that having a driver’s license in Japan enhances their experience living here.
Locals often joke that it’s like joining a secret society—full of strange rules, high fees, and endless patience. And yes, it’s true: getting your driver’s license in Japan is nothing like walking into the DMV back home. But once you understand the steps and system, it’s totally doable. This blog will walk you through the process, including going to driving school, passing the tests, and the different routes depending on where you’re from.
It’s crucial to understand the specific requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Japan based on your nationality.
For many, the ultimate goal is to successfully obtain their driver’s license in Japan, which can be quite a journey.
Why It’s Complicated
Japan is known for its strict standards, and that applies to driving too. The process to get a driver’s license in Japan depends on your nationality and whether you already hold a license from another country. For example, if you’re from countries like Germany, France, the UK, or South Korea, you can convert your license with just a paperwork check and a short vision test.
But if you’re from countries like the U.S., China, or the Philippines, you’re required to take both a written and practical exam—even if you’ve been driving for years. This has become a common source of frustration for expats who expect the process to be more straightforward. That’s why many people end up attending a full driving school, even if they already know how to drive.
Two Main Routes to a Driver’s License in Japan
There are two common ways to get your driver’s license in Japan:
- Go through a certified driving school (指定自動車教習所)
- Take the test directly at a driving center (飛び込み試験)
If you go with Option 1, you’ll attend a driving school, complete classroom and practical lessons, and then take a final test. The advantage here is that driving schools are connected with the licensing system. Once you pass, you don’t need to retake the practical at the licensing center.
Option 2 is cheaper but much harder. Known as the “one-shot test,” this route is infamous for low pass rates. Most people fail several times before passing—mainly because the standards are high and examiners are very strict about technique.
What Driving School in Japan Is Really Like
Most people opt for the driving school route. These schools are extremely structured and follow a detailed curriculum approved by the police. You’ll be required to:
- Take over 25 hours of classroom lessons
- Complete driving on a closed course
- Drive on real roads after passing the internal test
- Attend lectures on traffic rules and emergency response
- Practice skills like parking, turning, and merging
Depending on your schedule, you can finish in a month with an “accelerated plan,” or take your time over 2–3 months. You’ll have a training book (in Japanese, or sometimes in English), and some schools offer interpreters for foreign students.
One thing you’ll notice is that driving schools are much more intense in Japan than in many countries. You’ll be drilled on things like checking your mirrors a certain way, pausing at blind corners, and how to grip the wheel. These habits are key to passing your driver’s license in Japan.
How Much It Costs
Passing your test grants you a driver’s license in Japan, allowing you to experience the freedom of the open road.
Getting your driver’s license in Japan isn’t cheap. Driving school can cost between ¥250,000 to ¥350,000 (about $1,700 to $2,500 USD). This fee includes all lessons, textbooks, practice hours, and the final test. Accelerated courses can be more expensive.
The cheaper route—taking the test directly—costs under ¥10,000 per attempt, but the real cost is time and effort. Many people take the test 3–5 times before passing, which can end up being more stressful than the driving school option.
The costs associated with obtaining a driver’s license in Japan can vary significantly based on your chosen route.
The investment in your driver’s license in Japan can ultimately lead to a richer experience living and traveling here.
Can You Take the Test in English?
Yes, the written test is available in English at most licensing centers. However, the driving test and driving school lessons are almost always in Japanese. Some schools in larger cities (like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka) offer English support, but full English instruction is rare.
Knowing about the tests in Japan can greatly improve your chances of passing and obtaining a driver’s license in Japan.
To increase your chances, it helps to study Japan-specific road rules. Websites like the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) offer English-language materials and translated rulebooks to help you prepare.
What Happens After You Pass
With your driver’s license in Japan, you can enjoy the flexibility of traveling beyond public transport limitations.
Once you pass the test (whether through school or at the center), you’ll receive your driver’s license in Japan, known as the “Menkyosho.” If it’s your first time driving, you’ll get a green license valid for 3 years. During this time, you’re considered a beginner and must display a “Shoshinsha mark” (beginner mark) on your car.
If you already have a license from your home country and have been driving for over 3 years, you may receive a regular blue license valid for 3 to 5 years, depending on your driving record.
Do You Really Need a Car in Japan?
Getting a driver’s license in Japan is a great step, but do you need a car? In big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, probably not. Public transport is incredibly reliable and convenient. But in rural areas, having a car is often essential. Even in suburban parts of Chiba, Kanagawa, or Saitama, life becomes easier with a car.
Having a license also allows you to rent a car, join car-sharing apps like Times Car Plus, and explore parts of Japan you’d never reach by train.
Having a driver’s license in Japan is often viewed as a rite of passage for many young adults.
The Nickname Everyone Uses
When talking to locals, you might hear people refer to driving school as “Menkyo Juku” (免許塾), kind of like saying “license cram school.” It’s a tongue-in-cheek nickname for how intense and structured the lessons can be. But it’s also a rite of passage, especially for teens and university students. Getting your driver’s license in Japan is seen as a step into adulthood—and maybe even independence from the train schedule.
Ultimately, securing a driver’s license in Japan is a rewarding achievement that enhances your living experience.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Is Worth It
Getting your driver’s license in Japan isn’t just about driving. It’s about understanding the culture of precision, patience, and preparation that runs through Japanese society. From bowing before driving lessons to mastering the exact angle of a three-point turn, the process teaches you more than just the rules of the road.
Whether you choose the one-shot test or go through a full driving school, the result is the same: freedom, mobility, and a deeper connection to life in Japan. So if you’re ready for the challenge, buckle up—your Menkyosho awaits.
