Independent Learning

Independent learning for your license is possible in Japan. You will need to study and acquire your provisional license before you can rely on your instructor to help you on public road. It's very similar to a Non-Designated Driving School, but your teacher is not a professional teacher.

If you live on a farm and can drive on private land away from public roads, this might work out for you. It's not an advised method.

Time and Money

📅 This is entirely on your own pace, but you will still be restricted by available test times at your local driving center.

💵 This costs almost nothing, because your teacher is probably a friend or family member with their own car.

The Good

It costs almost no money.

The Bad

Your driving instructor, who must meet certain requirements, is exposed to liability during your practice lessons and you could easily ruin relationships with a small mistake.

First-aid training is part of the standard process, you will have to find a training provider on your own.

Your instructor can only help after you have your provisional license.

Your instructor is probably not a professional driving instructor and might incorrectly prepare you for the practical tests.

The Process

1. Pass the Aptitude Test

   1. You will take the Aptitude Test at the driving center

2. Obtain the Provisional License

   1. You will go to the driving center, fill out the forms and take the provisional license test with 50 questions and require 90%

   2. If you pass the provisional written test, you will make a reservation for the technical test

   3. When your reservation time has arrived, which can be up to a month later, you will take technical test on the closed course at the driving center

   4. If you pass the provisional license practical test, you will receive your provisional driver's license

3. Practice Driving

   1. After you obtain your provisional license, you'll be able to practice with your instructor on public roads

4. Obtain the Driving License

   1. You will go to the driving center, then take the class 1 driver's license written test of 100 true-false questions, scoring at least 90%

   2. If you pass the provisional written test, you will make a reservation for the technical test

   3. When your reservation time has arrived, which can be up to a month later, you will take technical test on the closed course at the driving center

   4. If you pass the class 1 driver's license technical test, you will receive your driver's license