1-4 How to obtain Japanese driver’s license
(1) Requirements to obtain Japanese driver’s license
Regardless of your nationality, you must take the following check and tests. In some cases you can take the knowledge test in English and other languages. Specifics must be confirmed.
●The inspection and tests you must take
| Aptitude check |
Measurement of your eyesight and other basic aptitudes |
| Knowledge test |
Confirmation of your knowledge about traffic rules
(questions are basically given in Japanese) |
| Technical test |
Confirmation of your driving technique
(the inspector gives directions in Japanese) |
(2) Attending a driving school
In Japan people generally go to a driving school to gain the technique and knowledge needed to acquire a driver’s license. Acquiring a Type I driver’s license designed for most ordinary, non-commercial driving costs about 300,000 yen. The duration period differs among driving schools and specifics must be enquired at each school. If you complete courses at one of designated driving schools, you are exempted from the technical test. In that case, you will acquire a driver’s license after passing the knowledge test and aptitude check held by the Public Safety Commission. Every lecture at driving schools, as well as the tests, is given in Japanese.
|
