For foreign nationals who want to drive in Japan
更新日:
To drive in Japan, you must either convert your overseas driver’s license into a Japanese driver’s license or obtain a driver’s license in Japan.
To obtain a driver's license in Japan, you can take a test at a driver’s license center, but it is generally recommended to apply to a driving school because the test is difficult and the pass rate is low. For people who want to obtain a Japanese driver's license, we recommend going to a short-term “training camp license” program at a driving school.
Please feel free to contact us.
If you do not speak Japanese, please contact us by filling out the contact form or by having a Japanese speaking friend call for you.
Available year-round 9:00～21:00
- Many foreign national graduates★合宿免許WAO!!（ワオ）provides full support for obtaining a driver’s license!
- There are various advantages to choose 合宿免許WAO!!（ワオ）!
- We also support corporations who encourage employees to obtain a driver's license!
- How to obtain a driver’s license in Japan
- Training camp schools also recommended to foreign nationals
- Payment methods
- What is a training camp license program?
- Stop! That's a crime in Japan!
- How to apply for the training camp license program
- FAQ
Many foreign national graduates★合宿免許WAO!!（ワオ） provides full support for obtaining a driver’s license!
We offer multilingual training camp license programs in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages! Many foreign nationals graduate and obtain a Japanese driver's licenses every year through training camp license programs! We offer full support for foreign nationals so that they can obtain a driver's license with confidence.
Number of 2024 Foreign National Graduates
Total1,346students
*February 2025 result (schools directly managed by us)
Reliable Support System
- Textbooks are available in various foreign languages!
- Written tests can also be taken in your native language!
- Consult us if you cannot eat certain foods due to religious reasons♬
Supported Languages
-
English
-
Chinese
-
Vietnamese
-
Indonesian
-
Portuguese
-
Spanish
*Lectures are provided in Japanese.
*Supported languages are different for each school.
There are various advantages to choose 合宿免許WAO!!（ワオ）
Five advantages of choosing
合宿免許WAO!!（ワオ）!
-
point1
Lowest price guaranteed!
(If the same program is sold at a lower price on another website, we will sell it at the same price.)
-
point2
No cancellation fee until 21 days before the day of enrollment!
-
point3
Support available for injuries and illnesses during the training camp license program!
(Hotto Support)
-
point4
You can consult our personnel on phone in relation to any problems during the camp!
(Hotto Support Dial)
-
point5
A variety of payment options!
We also support corporations who encourage employees to obtain a driver's license!
If you are a company or organization wishing to have your foreign employees obtain a driver's license in Japan, please contact us.
Are you having any of the following problems?
-
Want to introduce personnel from overseas, but a driver's license is required for the job.
-
Want to hire foreign nationals living in Japan and have them obtain a driver's license.
-
Need to provide assistance in obtaining a license to hire staff as a specified skilled driver.
合宿免許WAO!!（ワオ） can provide assistance for any industry, including transportation, construction, staffing services, educational corporations, unions, and sending organizations! We provide careful support for foreign nationals who want to obtain a driver’s license.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Please feel free to contact us.
If you do not speak Japanese, please contact us by filling out the contact form or by having a Japanese speaking friend call for you.
Available year-round 9:00～21:00
How to obtain a driver’s license in Japan
For people who have an overseas driver’s license
If you have a driver’s license obtained in a foreign country, you can convert it to a driver’s license that permits you to drive in Japan by going through the procedures at your local driver’s license center. Basically, you can convert your driver’s license if it was issued by a member country of the Geneva Convention. With the exception of exempt countries, it is still necessary to confirm your ability through a knowledge test and driving skills test. *Please check the website of the Metropolitan Police Department for information on eligible countries and corresponding exemptions.
For people who do not have an overseas driver’s license
If you do not have a driver’s license, you need to obtain one to drive in Japan.
Japanese driver's licenses are issued by your local prefectural public safety commission. There are two ways to take the exam. One way is to take and pass the knowledge test and driving skills test at a driver’s license center (generally referred to as a “one-off test”). The other way is to complete the curriculum at a designated driving school, and then take and pass the knowledge test at a driver’s license center. The main difference is whether or not you take the driving skills test at a driver’s license center.
One-off test
If you can pass the knowledge test and driving skills test at a driver's license center, you will be issued a driver’s license. The advantage is that the cost of the one-off test is inexpensive and you can obtain your driver’s license in as little as one day. However, the driving skills test is quite difficult. Therefore, even Japanese people tend to go to a designated driving school and take the driving skills test at the school.
Studying at a designated driving school
Students who complete the curriculum at a designated driving school approved by the public safety commission are issued a driver’s license after passing the knowledge test at a driver’s license center. This is the way most Japanese people obtain their driver's license, because they can learn proper driving skills at a designated driving school and then take the driving skills test directly at the driving school. In addition, students can choose from two types of designated driving school programs: “commuter” or “training camp”.
Features of the commuter license program
- Study at a driving school near your home or workplace.
- You can learn at your own pace on holidays, etc.
- It generally takes 2 to 3 months to graduate (for ordinary vehicle AT).
- Schools are often crowded from August to September and February to March.
Features of training camp license programRecommended!
- Training camp style where students lodge at the school until they graduate
- Available at convenient locations throughout Japan
- Curriculum designed to ensure students graduate quickly
- Graduate in 2 weeks at the shortest (for ordinary vehicle AT)
Training camp schools also recommended to foreign nationals
These recommended driving schools have support for foreign nationals. They offer foreign language support for the learner’s permit test and have foreign language textbooks available for purchase.
*The price of textbooks may vary by school.
Ibaraki Kennan Driving School (Ibaraki Prefecture)
- Close to Tokyo, so it is recommended for people in the Kanto area!
- Offers lessons in English.
- Reservations available only through our company!
- Please contact us if you cannot eat certain foods due to religious beliefs.
- Textbooks in the supported languages are provided.
Number of 2024
Foreign National Graduates
Total309students
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese
Tsuchiura Kita Inter Driving School (Ibaraki Prefecture)
- Please inquire if you cannot eat certain foods due to religious reasons.
- Many foreign nationals have graduated from the school!
- Excellent accessibility from Tokyo!
- Reservations can be made only through our company!
- Textbooks in the supported languages are provided.
Number of 2024
Foreign National Graduates
Total510students
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Nepali
Chirihama Beach Driving School (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Many Vietnamese nationals have graduated from this school (about 80 in 2023).
- Please contact us if you cannot eat certain foods due to religious beliefs.
- We also offer a plan without meals.
- Reservations available only through our company!
- Textbooks in the supported languages are provided.
Number of 2024
Foreign National Graduates
Total478students
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Spanish
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Ajima Driving School (Nagano Prefecture)
- Just one bus ride away from Nagoya and Shinjuku.
- Reservations available only through our company!
- Offers various foreign language textbooks.
- Please contact us if you cannot eat certain foods due to religious beliefs.
- Textbooks in the supported languages are provided.
Number of 2024
Foreign National Graduates
Total49students
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
None
Hokuban Driving School (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Many Vietnamese students have graduated from the school!
- Easy access from the Kansai area!
- Free shipping of one item of baggage both ways!
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese
Ahoku Driving School (Tokushima Prefecture)
- Many foreign nationals have graduated from the school!
- Easy access from the Shikoku and Kansai areas!
Available foreign language textbooks
Vietnamese, Portuguese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Portuguese
Atago Driving School (Nagasaki Prefecture)
- Offers lessons in Chinese.
- Offers a graduation gift of 10,000 yen to students who graduate in the shortest number of days.
- Recommended for people in the Kyushu area!
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Nakamura Driving School (Miyazaki Prefecture)
- Recommended for people in the Kyushu area!
- Hotel stay offers comfortable private stay!
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Vietnamese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Keiyu Driving School (Miyazaki Prefecture)
- Recommended for people in the Kyushu area!
- Hotel stay offers comfortable private stay!
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Vietnamese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Umeda Gakuen Driving School Kiyotake (Miyazaki Prefecture)
- Cottage plans offering a tropical resort atmosphere are popular with women!
- Recommended for people in the Kyushu area!
Available foreign language textbooks
English, Vietnamese
Available foreign languages for learner’s permit test
English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Payment methods
Multiple payment options are available!
Lump-sum payment
or
Installments
(Training camp license loan)
or
Credit card payment
What is a training camp license program?
Students can graduate from driving school in a minimal amount of time.
The training camp curriculum follows a schedule that enables students to graduate in 14 days at the shortest for ordinary vehicles with an automatic transmission (AT).
You can obtain a driver’s license in a short period through a training camp license program!
What is included in the training camp fee?
The fee for the training camp consists of the cost of the training, meals, lodging, and transportation (the transportation allowance varies depending on the place of departure, and is subject to a maximum amount).
*Some driving schools require an additional fee for moped training. Please contact us for details.
*The training fee does not include the learner’s permit test fee of 1,800 yen per test and the learner’s permit issuance fee of 1,100 yen. The fee must be paid additionally at the driving school after entering the school.
Compensation during training camp
Regardless of whether or not our company is liable, we will compensate you for any damage to your life, body, or personal belongings caused by a sudden and unexpected accident during your participation in the training camp, in accordance with the Provisions for Special Compensation in the Section of the Agent-Organized Travel Package Contract in the Terms and Conditions for Travel Business.
| Payment item | Payment details*1 |
|---|---|
| Compensation for accidental death or disability | Up to 15,000,000 yen |
| Allowance for hospitalization (up to 30 days) | 3,000 yen per day of hospitalization |
| Allowance for outpatient hospital visits (up to 30 days) | 1,500 yen per day of visit |
| Compensation for damage to personal belongings | Up to 150,000 yen (3,000 yen deductible) (up to 100,000 yen per item or pair of items) |
*(1) The amount of compensation shall be in accordance with the Provisions for Special Compensation in the Section of the standard Agent-Organized Travel Package Contract in the Standard Terms and Conditions for Travel Business. For details, please refer to the Travel Terms and Conditions.
Please feel free to contact us.
If you do not speak Japanese, please contact us by filling out the contact form or by having a Japanese speaking friend call for you.
Available year-round 9:00～21:00
Things to keep in mind during your stay at the camp
There are several rules that must be followed to ensure the comfort of all participants in the camp. Especially for those who have just arrived in Japan, the cultural differences from their own country may be confusing. To avoid having to wonder "Why did I get warned...," let's review some important points to be aware of during your stay at the camp in advance.
-
1.Dispose of garbage in designated places.
In Japan, there is a rule that garbage must be thrown into garbage bins and separated by type. Separate combustible, non-combustible, and recyclable garbage (bottles, cans, plastic bottles, etc.) according to the signs and dispose of them in the designated places.
-
2.Let's have a quiet time.
In Japan, it is important to be quiet in communal areas. Especially in your own room, be careful not to talk loudly or turn up the volume of music or TV too much. It is good manners to be considerate of those around you and to maintain a calm environment so that everyone can feel comfortable.
-
3.Flush the toilet paper used in the toilet down the toilet bowl
In Japan, toilet paper used in the toilet is always flushed down the toilet bowl and should not be thrown in the rubbish bin. Japanese toilet paper is made of water-soluble material and can be flushed down the toilet. Be sure to follow this rule to maintain a clean environment.
-
4.Use of cell phones while driving or walking is prohibited.
In the driving school, you must never use your cell phone while driving. It is an important time to learn safe driving, and this would be a serious violation of the rule that impacts the safety of those around you. Calling, messaging, and looking at smartphone screens are strictly prohibited. Also, ""Aruki-sumaho (literally, smartphone walking),” which refers to the act of using a smartphone while walking, is very dangerous. You may be unaware of the surroundings, potentially resulting in a fall or colliding with others. When you use your smartphone, both in the driving school and in public places, be sure to stop walking before use.
-
5.Be quiet when traveling by train, bus, etc.
In Japan, it is considered good manners to be quiet when using public transportation such as trains and buses. Loud talking or talking on the phone is annoying for people around you. Even when listening to music through earphones, be aware of the volume and be considerate of others around you and behave quietly.
-
6.When using public bathhouses and hot springs
In Japanese communal bathhouses and hot springs, it is good manners to wash oneself before getting into the bathtub, not to put towels in the bathtub, and to use the facilities quietly. We appreciate your understanding of Japanese culture and your cooperation to ensure the comfort of you and others.
Stop! That's a crime in Japan!
Bringing illegal drugs to Japan is strictly prohibited!
-
Marijuana, opium, cocaine, etc.
-
Designer drugs, stimulants, etc.
In Japan, possession or use of illegal drugs is a crime and is severely punished by the law. If you are convicted of a drug offense, you will be deported (forcefully repatriated) regardless of whether or not it is a suspended sentence. If a student is found to possess or use illegal drugs even during the training program, the training will be immediately suspended and the student will not be allowed to continue the program. Please be very careful not to get involved with illegal drugs.
No knives are allowed!
In Japan, carrying knives is prohibited by the law unless there is a valid reason. Carrying of knives may be punished under the Act for Controlling the Possession of Firearms and Swords or the Minor Offense Act. Even if you are not violating the law, it is prohibited to bring knives into driving schools.
How to apply for the training camp license program
Step 1: Please contact us by phone.
Please call us after deciding on your preferred driving school, date of enrollment, and type of vehicle. If you do not have a preference, we will suggest the best plan for you, so please call us for a consultation and we will process your reservation over the phone. We will send you a confirmation of your reservation details.
Please feel free to contact us.
If you do not speak Japanese, please contact us by filling out the contact form or by having a Japanese speaking friend call for you.
Available year-round 9:00～21:00
Step 2: Payment
Please make payment according to the instructions we send you. The contract will be completed upon receipt of payment.
Step 3: Preparation of necessary documents
Please prepare the following items before enrolling in the school. Also, please make arrangements for transportation, if necessary.
- Residence card or special permanent resident certificate (Ensure that there is at least one month remaining until the expiration date, since it takes approximately one month to graduate. Please contact us in advance if your expiration date is approaching or if you are in the process of renewing your credentials.)
- Passport
- Resident record (must indicate applicant’s nationality and your identity only, and must be within 3 months of the effective date.)
- Seal (a type that is used with a vermilion inkpad. Self-inking and rubber stamps are not acceptable.)
- Japanese driver’s license (if you have one)
FAQ
- Can I get a license even though my Japanese isn’t very good?
-
Basically, it is desirable for students to be able to hold daily conversations in Japanese.
However, some schools offer foreign language textbooks and tests, so if you are worried about your ability to communicate in Japanese, please contact us for more information. - I have a driver’s license from my home country. What should I do?
-
With the exception of some exempt countries, it is still necessary to pass the written exam and driving test at a driver’s license center (driving test center) to obtain a driver’s license in Japan.
However, the driving skills test is quite difficult. Therefore, we recommend that you enroll in a training camp license program to obtain a driver’s license issued by a public safety commission in Japan. - Do you have foreign language textbooks?
-
Yes, foreign language textbooks are available.(*They must be purchased additionally.)
Textbooks are available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Korean, etc. There are also locations where you can take your learner’s permit test in a foreign language. Please contact us for details. - Do you have any instructors who can speak foreign languages?
-
Yes, some of the driving schools have instructors who can speak English or Chinese.
- What documents do I need to enroll in a training camp license program?
-
Please prepare the following documents by the date of enrollment.
- Residence card or special permanent resident certificate (Ensure that there is at least one month remaining until the expiration date, since it takes approximately one month to graduate. Please contact us in advance if your expiration date is approaching or if you are in the process of renewing your credentials.)
- Passport
- Resident record (must indicate applicant’s nationality and your identity only, and must be within 3 months of the effective date.)
- Seal (a type that is used with a vermilion inkpad. Self-inking and rubber stamps are not acceptable.)
- Japanese driver’s license (if you have one)
タイプ別おすすめ！
検索した合宿免許教習所の『入校日カレンダー』から入校日を選んでクリック！
株式会社インター・アート・コミッティーズは、財団法人日本情報処理開発協会による「プライバシーマーク」の認定を受け、個人情報保護対策について継続的な改善、向上に努めております。
個人情報保護方針と個人情報の取り扱いについて
株式会社インター・アート・コミッティーズは指定自動車教習所公正取引協議会の賛助会員です。
当協議会は、運転免許を取得されるお客様が「価格の不当表示や虚偽の広告等のない、安心で信頼できる教習所」を選んでいただくために、公正取引委員会の認定を受けた全国組織です。弊社は、健全な発展を目指す指定自動車教習所を応援しています。
