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Differences between "Non-Designated" and "Designated"
Driving School

In Japan, there are two (2) types of driving schools where you can obtain a driving license, they are "Designated" and "Non-designated" schools. 


Below are the basic differences between the two (2) to help you decide which journey to take.

Designated Driving School

Is a driving school authorized by the "Public Safety Commission". There is a curriculum to follow and complete during the course of the training. For instance, when acquiring a Regular Motor Vehicle for AT (automatic transmission), a minimum of 26 lessons for the classroom and 31 for AT / 34 for MT lessons of practice driving need to be completed.

One needs to attend the training sessions based on the school's schedule.

Similar to a university, after completing and passing the course's final examination at the school, a "graduation certificate" is issued. This serves as proof of attendance from a driving school. It will then be submitted to the driver's license center of jurisdiction to take only the final written exam.

 

If passed, a driver's license is issued.
 

Non-Designated Driving School

Is a non-official driving school where you can learn the Japan Rules of the Road and train for practice driving following the rules.

The lesson contents are flexible. An individual has an option to focus only on the weak points in addition to learning about safe driving in Japan.

The training schedules for classroom and practice driving are flexible. 

The person taking this journey needs to visit the driver's license center to take all the four (4) examinations based on once's availability.

The best benefit is, since it is a non-official driving school, the minimum number of the lesson is not required thus you can acquire your Japan driver's license faster and cheaper.

Finally, if you are concern about your time, needs and budget, selecting this school is your best option!

Comparison Table
 

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