How To Get A Driving License In Japan For Foreigners: A 2024 Guide

Being able to drive in Japan offers a new way to travel. Depending on your lifestyle situation, it is essential to be able to drive to get to where you need to be.

This guide covers how to get a driving license in Japan for foreigners to use so you can drive legally and confidently in Japan.

Switching a foreign driver's license to a Japanese

If you already have an existing license, you can convert it to a Japanese license if you have a valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). 

Since we already have an article about converting your driver's license into a Japanese one, we’ll quickly review their steps.

International Driver’s Permit (IDP)

If you already hold an international driver's license or a valid foreign license, you can convert it to a Japanese driver’s license.

There are two main international driving permit treaties, but Japan only signed the 1949 Geneva Convention. So, only International Driver’s Permits (IDPs) issued under the Geneva Convention are valid in Japan.

These IDPs are only valid for one year from the issue date or one year after landing in Japan, whichever comes first. 

Home country driver’s license

Japan has bilateral driving agreements that make their domestic drivers license valid between both countries. 

There are 7, which includes 

• Switzerland

• Germany

• France

• Belgium

• Monaco

• Estonia

• Taiwan

These agreements allow you to drive in Japan up to one year from the landing date or one year after the issue date, whichever is shorter. You must carry a certified translation license when you drive.

How to get a Japanese driver’s license as a foreigner

If you cannot obtain your home country or international license, you can get a driving license in Japan. 

Key points

• Learner’s permit: It’s only valid for six months.

• Written driving test: Must pass with at least 45/50.

• Practical driving test: Must be at an accredited driving school

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be physically able to drive

• Have good eyesight

• Have good hearing

Additionally, you may need to be certified in first aid. If you go to a driving school, a practical first aid course can be added.

Application process

Getting a Japanese license can be broken down into 3 steps.

Step 1: Get a learner’s permit.

Also called a learner’s license or a provisional license, it'll allow you to practice driving under supervision before getting an official Japanese driver's license.

You’ll need: 

• A certificate of residence (juminhyo)

• Two headshot pictures (3×2.4cm)

• Resident card

• Glasses, if needed

You’ll also need to pass a 50-point driving knowledge test with at least a 45-point score.

After getting your permit, you’ll have 6 months to get a Japanese driving license. Otherwise, you’ll need to start again. 

Step 2: Practice driving.

Japan's beginner driver sticker | BTimes

While driving school is not required, it makes learning how to drive in Japan easier. 

Japanese driving school fees differ by school, location, and the type of license you want. A driving course can take about 2-3 months, but there are also intensive courses that last for a few weeks.

If you decide to go to a Japanese driving school, you will be exempt from the practical driving test. At the same time, they will help prepare for your written test, which you will take at the driver's license center.

Step 3: Take the final written test.

You’ll need to bring these items when you take your final written driving test:

• Certificate of graduation from a driving school

• Your learner’s license

• Residence card or My Number Card

• Certificate of residence

• A photo (3 × 2.4cm) taken in the last six months

The final written driving test is 95 questions that can broken into two sections:

• 90 multiple choice (similar to the learner’s permit written test)

• 5 illustration-based questions (2 points each)

You need to pass with 95 points. Once you pass, you’ll receive your license on the same day.

How to renew a Japanese driver’s license

When you receive a Japanese driver's license, it is valid for 5 years. 

So when you renew it, here’s what you’ll do at a driver's license testing center.

• Handle some paperwork.

• Take another eye test.

• Take a new photo for the license.

• Watch a road safety lecture.

Renewing your Japanese license will cost about 3,000 yen, depending on your license type and if you have any penalties. Then, your driver’s license is valid for another 5 years. 

Updating your Japanese driver's license when moving

When moving within Japan, you’ll need to update your driver's license address at the nearest police station that is not a koban. They will write your new address on the front, similar to when you update your My Number card.

Do I need a Japanese driver's license?

It depends on your situation.

Many people living in the city do not need a car as public transportation and taxis are available.

However, having a car for daily tasks will be extremely useful if you’re in the countryside or the suburbs.

English-friendly Japanese driving school

Here are 4 driving schools in Japan that English speakers can take.

Koyama Driving School (Tokyo) 

Koyama Driving School offers English support for foreigners and has branches in Tokyo and Kanagawa. Their classes are the most expensive but convenient since their tests will be in English.

Ogikubo-Driving School (Tokyo)

Ogikubo-Driving School (Tokyo) offers English support for foreigners learning to drive in Japan. While you must follow the procedures and register yourself, this school prepares you for the driving test. You will have to study the written test yourself. 

Okui Driving School (Saitama)

Okui Driving School (Saitama) has one of the lowest driving school courses, making it budget-friendly. They also offer an intensive course that lasts for about 2 weeks. 

EDS Driving School (Tokyo and Saitama)

EDS Driving School (Tokyo and Saitama) is also affordable, offering many courses to accommodate your schedule. 

Frequently asked questions

How to get a driver's license in Japan as a foreigner?

If you already have a valid foreign driver’s license, getting an official translation by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) is best. It must be an international driver's permit or have a bilateral driving agreement with Japan. If not, you’ll need to pass the written and practical Japanese driving test to get a driver's license in Japan as a foreigner.

How much does it cost to get a driving license in Japan?

It varies depending on the course type and license you want to have. In general, the written test and getting the physical license cost about 2,000 yen each. If you decide to take driving school, it can cost between 230,000 to 330,000 yen. However, some companies will help pay the fee, reducing the amount you pay.

What is the fastest way to get a driver's license in Japan?

​​The fastest way to get a driver's license in Japan is to take an intensive driving course that lasts about a week or two. These intensive courses allow you to learn how to drive, study for the written test, and be exempt from the practical test. 

Can I take a driving test in English in Japan?

The driving test is available in English and other languages, though it varies by driving license center. 

In closing

Learning how to get a driving license in Japan for foreigners is more difficult than in your home country. But it's important to understand the process so that you can drive safely in Japan.