How to Get a Japanese Driver’s License from Scratch

If you do not have a driver’s license and want to legally drive in Japan, you must complete a two-stage licensing process through your local Driver’s License Center. Although the process may seem complicated, proper preparation can significantly improve your chances of passing both the written and practical examinations.

This guide explains each step, the expected timeline, the government fees, and how EDS International Driving School can support you throughout the process.

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.

Estimated Timeline (Approximately 4 Months)

This timeline is intended as a general guide. The actual duration may be shorter or longer depending on your availability, lesson schedule, Driver’s License Center appointments, and whether you pass each examination on your first attempt.

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

• Valid identification, such as your Residence Card.

• Official 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).

• Requirements differ according to residence status and prefecture, so check your Driver’s License Center’s official checklist.

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

• Find Your Best Plan

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 LEARNER’S PERMIT

Step 1: Written Examination

The first step is the Learner’s Permit written examination, which consists of 50 True-or-False questions. To pass, you must score at least 45 (90%) out of 50. English written examination is available at Tokyo’s License centers (Samezu or Fuchu).

Availability, examination dates, and supported languages differ by prefecture, so confirm with your local Driver’s License Center.

While the exam may be offered in English, it is important to prepare carefully. The translations can be confusing due to sentence structure, and some questions are intentionally tricky. Read each question carefully and avoid rushing.

Applicants who understand Japanese traffic rules and carefully practise the examination procedures are better prepared for the test.

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 closed and 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 skill 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 of your journey 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.

5 days of On-Road Practice

Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 5-days of on-road driving practice.

This practice may be done either before or after the Stage 2 written examination.

• We recommend to practice driving for at least 1 to 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 a must:

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

  • 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 driving is a mandatory condition for taking the Stage 2 practical exam.

Acquisition Training / Specified Course (取得時講習・特定教習）

Applicants using the direct-examination route must normally complete the required acquisition training before their license can be issued.

Completing an approved Specified Course may satisfy this requirement. Confirm the timing, certificate requirements, language, and availability with the course provider and Driver’s License Center.

• 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 only.

• 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 may 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 DRIVER’S LICENSE

Final Written Examination

The final written examination for an ordinary driver’s license contains 95 questions and is scored out of 100 points. You must achieve at least 90 points to pass.

• 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 the final practical examination, applicant must complete a qualifying on-road practice driving at least five days within the required period.

Practice driving must be supervised by an eligible Japanese license holder, and a Road Practice Declaration must be submitted.

Requirements and documentation can be differ, so confirm the latest rules with your Driver’s License Center.

Please refer to the 5-days On-Road Practice section above.

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

• You must first pass the on-road driving portion

• After that, you will return to the license center’s indoor 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 5 days 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).

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

Note: If the mandatory seminar is to be taken after the last practical exam, the seminar’s name is “Acquisition Training (取得時講習). The certificate is needed to receive the driver’s license.

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

When applying for a manual (MT) driver’s 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 (AT) and manual (MT) 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.

The MT examination procedure may differ by prefecture and examination center. The following reflects the procedure currently communicated for certain centers; confirm it directly when making your reservation.

⚠️ Important Notice for Manual Driver’s License Applicants

Choosing a manual driver’s 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 an MT driver’s license, especially if you are working within a limited timeframe.

Obtaining a Japanese driver’s license from scratch may seem challenging at first, but thousands of applicants successfully complete the process every year.

EDS International Driving School is here to support you throughout your licensing journey—from your first study session to the day you receive your Japanese driver’s license.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Now that you understand the process of obtaining a Japanese driver’s license from scratch, the next step is choosing the training plan that best matches your driving experience.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have driving experience, EDS International Driving School offers flexible training plans designed to help you prepare confidently for both the written and practical examinations.

Explore your options below:

• Find Your Best Plan

And submit your pre-enrollment form now:

• Pre-Enrollment Form