Driving License in Japan - Required Training

Required Training

The Japanese driving examination consists of a written examination and a practical examination for each level of license. Most Japanese go to a licensed driving school prior to taking these examinations (though it's not required), and upon completing the course, register for the examinations in the prefecture where they are registered as a resident. The practical examination consists of driving a vehicle through a purpose-designed driving course while obeying relevant rules of the road.

Japan also allows Japan-resident holders of foreign driving licenses to convert their foreign license to a Japanese license through an abbreviated examination process. This consists of an eyesight test and, depending on the issuing country of the foreign license, may also require a short written examination and a practical examination. However, the pass rate for the practical exam is only about 35% for Americans, for example, but those who take the regular, lengthy and expensive course and test reportedly have a 90 to 100% pass rate, even though this exam is much harder. The fee for an English speaking foreigner to obtain a license from a Japanese driving school is about ¥400,000 (about $4,880).