How to get a license from the scratch

Japan sometimes gets a reputation for being difficult and expensive when it comes to getting a driver’s license. But keep in mind that the process here is designed with strict safety standards and clear procedures — there aren’t really any shortcuts compared to many other countries. If you’re a foreign resident planning to get your first driver’s license in Japan, the process may feel overwhelming at first. Don’t worry — while Japan’s licensing system is strict, it’s also very structured and predictable. With the right preparation and guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.

This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect when applying directly at the Driver’s License Center. The one-shot exam (一発試験 / ippatsu shiken) is a practical option for those who prefer flexibility and independence, allowing you to prepare at your own pace and complete all required tests directly through the license center. With the right preparation, this route can be an efficient and cost-conscious way to obtain a Japanese driver’s license.

Regardless of whether you have prior driving experience or are a complete beginner, everyone must follow the same standard licensing procedures in Japan. The process typically takes around 3 to 9 months, this is due to scheduling availabilities at the license center and depending on how smoothly you progress through the required examinations. For this reason, it is important to set realistic expectations—obtaining a license in just two weeks or one month is generally not possible.

If your goal is to complete the process as quickly as possible (though it is not guaranteed), you may consider enrolling in a Japanese designated driving school that offers intensive programs. These courses are usually more expensive, and all lessons are conducted entirely in Japanese. Some schools offer a two-week residential program, commonly referred to as “gasshuku (合宿)”. You may search online for this term to find more information.

Here’s what you need to bring with you:

Requirements Upon Applying at the License Center

• Residence Card (validity should be more than 3 months. If less than, you need to renew first to accept your application).

• Residence Certificate (Jyuminhyou) – from city hall, record of legal domicile without the “My Number” record (as this is confidential).

• Photo size of 3 cm x 2.4 cm: 2 pieces (can be taken at the license center)

• Eyeglasses or contact lens, if applicable.

• Driver’s license, if applicable i.e. old, expired

• Payment at the driver's license center (refer below for the approximate amount).

Cost and Payment of enrolling at a "Non-Designated School" such as our school, EDS International Driving School. Please refer to the link below to see the Plans and Pricing.

• Course Plans and Pricing

What are the differences between Designated and Non-Designated School (Training school)?

• Learn and See here

Now the processes, steps and procedures:

STAGE 1: OBTAINING LEARNERS PERMIT

Step 1: Written Examination

The first step is the written examination, which consists of 50 true-or-false questions. To pass, you must score at least 45 out of 50. This written test is available in English at all Driver’s License Centers.

While the exam is offered in English, it is important to prepare carefully. The translations can be confusing due to sentence structure, and some questions are intentionally tricky. However, the passing rate is 90% or higher for applicants who have a solid understanding of Japan’s traffic rules and safe driving practices. Read each question carefully and avoid rushing.

Step 2: Practical Examination (Driving Test)

After passing the written exam, the next step is the practical driving examination. You will need to make a reservation for this test, and availability varies by prefecture and license center.

Some centers offer both written and practical exams on the same day. However, in high-demand areas such as Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, advance reservations are required due to the large number of applicants.

The practical test is conducted inside the Driver’s License Center on an “indoor course”, a controlled driving track designed to simulate real road conditions.

Preparation for the Practical Exam

We strongly recommend practicing in advance, as the practical exam is not based on driving skills alone. Examiners closely evaluate your knowledge of Japanese traffic rules and safety procedures.

Key areas that are strictly assessed include:

• Proper safety checks

• Correct use and timing of turn signals

• Handling narrow roads and tight turns

• Overall awareness and driving etiquette

A police officer will sit in the vehicle during the test and observe every detail.

Use Your Waiting Time Wisely

You can use the waiting period before your practical exam to continue practicing and preparing. This helps keep procedures fresh in your mind and improves overall performance.

We recommend practicing until your driving meets the exact standards required by the license center. Failing the practical test means you will need to make a new reservation, which can result in an additional waiting period of one to two months—or sometimes longer.

After Passing the Practical Exam

Once you pass the practical examination, you will receive your learner’s permit (仮免許 / Karimenkyō).

Congratulations — you are officially halfway to obtaining your Japanese driver’s license.

Requirements Before Proceeding to Stage 2

Before moving on to the second stage of examinations, there are several mandatory requirements that must be completed in order to qualify for the Stage 2 practical (on-road) test.

10 Hours of On-Road Practice

Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of on-road driving practice. This practice may be done either before or after the Stage 2 written examination.

• You must drive for at least 2 hours per day on public roads in Japan.

• The Driver’s License Center will provide an on-road practice log sheet to record your driving activity.

• You are not allowed to practice alone. A supervising driver is required and must:

  • Hold a valid Japanese driver’s license for at least 3 years

  • Provide their name, license number, vehicle plate number, and practice location on the log sheet

    
    

A friend or family member may act as your supervisor, as long as they meet the licensing requirement and properly complete the log.

This on-road practice is a mandatory condition for taking the Stage 2 practical examination.

Safety Driving Seminar (Specified Course)

The Safety Driving Seminar, also known as the Specified Course, is another mandatory requirement for your license to be issued.

• This seminar can be taken any time after passing all Stage 1 exams or after completing Stage 2 exams

• The seminar is conducted in Japanese

• No written or practical examinations are required

During the seminar, you will participate in driving exercises and lessons covering:

• First aid procedures

• Hazard perception and danger anticipation

• Expressway driving

The seminar lasts approximately 7 hours, typically taking most of the day.

Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the seminar provider. Be sure to keep this certificate and present it at the Driver’s License Center after passing your final Stage 2 practical (on-road) examination, as it is required for your license card to be issued.

Stage 2: OBTAINING DRIVERS LICENSE

Final Written Examination

You will first take the final written exam, which consists of 100 questions.To pass, you must score 90 out of 100 or higher.

• The exam is available in English

• Read each question carefully, as some translations can be tricky

After passing the written exam, the Driver’s License Center will give you a reservation for the final practical driving test.

Final Practical Driving Examination

Before taking this exam, you must have completed your 10 hours (minimum 5 days) of on-road driving practice.Please refer to the 10 Hours On-Road Practice section above.

The final practical exam is conducted on public roads around the license center.

• You must first pass the on-road driving portion

• After that, you will return to the license center’s course to complete either back parking or parallel parking

• Both the on-road test and the parking test must be passed

  • Even if you pass the on-road portion, failing the parking test means you fail the exam

Those who did not pass will need to get another reservation from the license center. Again, possibly another waiting period of a month or 2, or even more.

Important Reminder About the Practice Log Sheet

• Practice log sheet signatures are valid for 3 months (90 days) only

• If you complete your 10 hours of on-road practice before the Stage 2 written exam, be sure to take the written exam as soon as possible to avoid expiration

After clearing this practical examination, you will receive your Japanese driver’s license card on that same day, (If you have completed the mandatory seminar and have the certificate of completion. So, don't forget to bring it with you).

Summarised flow when you are enrolled in a non designated driving school

UPDATE FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION**********

When applying for a manual (MT) license from scratch, the overall process is the same as for an automatic license. However, there is an important difference during the practical examinations.

On the test day, you will be required to take both the automatic and manual driving tests on the same day, with each vehicle assigned a different route. The automatic vehicle test is taken first. Only after passing the automatic test will you be allowed to proceed to the manual driving test.

If you do not pass the manual portion, you may still continue the licensing process using an automatic-only license, but you will not be allowed to proceed with the manual test at that time.

If you wish to continue pursuing a full manual license, you will need to retake both the automatic and manual driving tests again on a future date. ⚠️ Important Notice for Manual License Applicants

Choosing a manual license carries a higher risk of delay.Failing the manual test means:

• You may be limited to an automatic license, or

• You will need to repeat both automatic and manual driving tests, including new reservations and additional waiting periods.

Please consider this carefully before choosing a manual license, especially if you are working within a limited timeframe.