This site exists to guide foreign residents of Japan, those having a residence card, on how to get a driver's license in Japan.
Before you start the process of getting your driver's license in Japan, it's important to have a goal. Compare these two goals:
I want to take road trips with my friend and family
I want to have a driver's license
Between the two goals, the first one will help you through the process. You can have any goal, that's your business. If you live in a major city, there's no need to have a license in Japan. You can always take the trains, bus, or taxis, millions of people live happily in Japan without a license. On the other hand, one can be even more happy with a driver's license in Japan, because you can:
go on nice driving dates ❤️❤️❤️
drive to remove hiking and camping sites 🏕️
travel and wander on your own schedule 🧭🗺️
enjoy road trips 🚙
be the envy of your friends and coworkers 🔥
and more...
Convert a Foreign License - Residents of Japan who have a driver's license from another country can often convert their license. This is the best option if you know how to drive and have really driven in your home country. It's also the cheapest and fastest option.
All other options follow the same basic steps:
Pass the Aptitude Test
Eyesight test of visual acuity and color recognition
Hearing ability
Obtain the Provisional License
Pass the written test of 50 true-false questions, scoring at least 90%
Pass the technical test on a closed course under a certified evaluator
Practice Driving
Drive for at least a total of 10 hours over 5 separate days with a qualified driver or instructor
Obtain the Driving License
Pass the written test of 100 true-false questions, scoring at least 90%
Pass the technical test on public roads under a certified evaluator
There are several possible paths to getting your driver's license in Japan depending on your budget and starting point. Your starting point is likely the best way to decide. Each path has its good points and bad points explained on its own page, but the summaries here should help you decide.
Designated Driving Schools and Driving Camps - A driving school is a school for learning to drive. There are a few key types and the prices vary, if you can speak Japanese then you'll have more options. If you cannot speak Japanese your options will be very limited and very expensive. This option takes a very long time, usually several months.
Non-Designated Driving Schools - Hiring a private driving instructor is not a common option for foreigners in Japan. This is a very affordable option. It's less structured than a designated driving school, it's also less expensive. This option can be as short as a couple of weeks or several months.
Independent Learning - The last option, which rarely comes up is to get the license without converting or attending a driving school. This option is not often discussed, but it's completely possible.
Because there are several paths and rules can change, we will keep this information as accurate and timely as possible.
The first and most important question you must answer is:
Do you know how to safely operate an automobile?
Automobile accidents can be life changing events, even if you hold a license, being unable to safely operate an automobile puts you and everybody around you in serious danger. If you hold a license, but cannot really drive, then you must choose from among the options in Learning to Drive in Japan. Even if you hold a license and somehow manage to convert it, you will be a danger to yourself and others if you cannot safely operate an automobile. Imagine how embarrassing it would be to have an automobile accident on the way out of the car rental shop before you even get to the road. Your date will not be impressed.
The second question has multiple parts, really it's a couple of questions.
Do you have a valid and unexpired driver's license from your home country or prior country of residence?
This is very simple, do you have a driver's license where you are from? If not, then you will have to start from scratch just like a normal Japanese person trying to get their license. An expired driver's license cannot be converted.
Did you live in your prior country of residence for at least three months before arriving in Japan?
This can be shown at the driving center by bringing your foreign driver's license and your passport. If your entry visa is at least three months after the date you received your license, you'll be OK. If you license was less than three months old due to renewal, having the expired and unexpired licenses which clearly show you held a license for more than three months, then you are OK.
If you can reasonably answer "yes" to both of these questions, read Converting a Foreign License as it's the easiest and fastest way to get your driver's license in Japan. Not everybody can convert their license, but those situations are explained on Converting a Foreign License.
If you are still reading, there's only one question left on this page.
Do you have a good reason to get a driver's license in Japan?
If you have a good reason and are ready to commit the time and energy to get a driver's license in Japan, you must learn Learn to Drive in Japan. If your goal is just to have a driver's license with no plans to use it, you may become discouraged by the time and money required.