Obtaining a Driver’s License (運転免許 – Unten Menkyo) is one of the things that will make life easier here in Japan. There will be times when going by car would be more convenient than using trains or public transport. And it’s not just about being able to drive — having a Driver’s License is also a good personal identification document that will be useful for some applications.

So, how do we get a driver’s license? Where should we start?

1. Enrolling in a Driving School

If you’re thinking of getting one, I suggest you look for a driving school near your home. Not only is it more convenient, but many schools also offer shuttle bus services for their students.

Usually, it takes around 2–3 months before you can get your license. For some, it can take up to 6 months, depending on your schedule and how often you can attend lessons. Some schools even offer “intensive driving courses.”

Nowadays, some driving schools offer courses in English, and sometimes even in Portuguese, Tagalog, and other languages. The final written exam can also be taken in English. Please check with your preferred driving school. If you have difficulty with Japanese, I recommend bringing a friend who can translate or choosing a school with English-speaking staff.

2. Payments

Costs vary depending on the school, but as a guide:

• Automatic Vehicle License course: about 300,000–400,000 JPY

• Manual Vehicle License course: around 30,000–40,000 JPY more

(Confirm prices with your chosen driving school.)

3. Required Documents

You’ll need to prepare several documents (requirements may differ slightly by school):

1. Health Insurance Card (Kenko Hokensho)

2. Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) – from City Hall

3. Passport

4. Residence Card (Zairyū Card)

5. Student Certificate (if studying)

6. Employee Certificate (if working)

7. Certificate of Completion (First Aid Class) – if already taken, you can skip the 3-hour lesson.

4. Eye Test

After submitting documents, you’ll take an eye examination.

• Regular vehicles / motorcycles: each eye must be 0.3 or better, or both eyes combined 0.7+

• Medium / semi-medium vehicles, towing vehicles: each eye must be 0.5 or better, or both eyes combined 0.8+

5. Loan Payment Option

Some schools allow you to pay by loan or credit card. Check directly with the school for eligibility.

6. Obtaining a Learner’s Permit

If this is your first time, you must first obtain a Learner’s Permit. This involves classroom lessons plus driving lessons inside the school grounds.

• This is often called “The First Stage.”

• You’ll learn traffic rules, road signs, and basic driving skills.

Written exam for the Learner’s Permit:

• 50 questions total

• Must score 45 points or higher to pass

• Valid for 6 months (if it expires, you’ll need to retake it)

7. Obtaining a Driver’s License

Once you have a Learner’s Permit, you’ll continue lessons and prepare for the actual driver’s license exam.

• Driving lessons will now include practice outside the school grounds with your instructor.

• The final written exam has 100 questions, and you need 90–95 points to pass.

• Many people fail on their first try, so study carefully and take mock exams in advance.

Once you pass:

• You’ll receive your license on the same day.

• License card issuance fee: about 2,000 JPY.

8. Tips

• Talk to acquaintances who already went through the process — their advice can be very helpful.

• Do as many mock exams as possible (many are available online). Some questions from the mock exams often appear in the real test.

✨ Congratulations in advance! Getting a Japanese driver’s license will definitely make your life here easier.