Types of Driver’s Licenses in Japan
A wide variety of vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota, Suzuki, Honda, and Nissan are driven on roads in Japan.
In Japan, different types of driver’s licenses are required depending on the size, structure, and purpose of the vehicle.
Class 1 Driver’s Licenses
The main types include:
Moped License
A license required to ride a moped.
Small Special Vehicle License
A license required to operate agricultural tractors and certain other special-purpose vehicles.
Ordinary Vehicle License
A license required to drive ordinary passenger cars and similar vehicles.
Medium-Sized Vehicle License
A license required to drive medium-sized trucks, buses, and similar vehicles.
Large Vehicle License
A license required to drive large trucks, buses, and similar vehicles.
Large Special Vehicle License
A license required to operate large special vehicles such as bulldozers.
Heavy Trailer License
A license required to tow certain vehicles, such as trailers.
Class 2 Driver’s Licenses
A Class 2 driver’s license is required to drive vehicles used to transport passengers for payment, such as taxis and fixed-route buses.
Among the various types of driver’s licenses, the ordinary vehicle license is the one that many people obtain for driving a car in their daily lives.
Some people also obtain a moped license as a simpler and more economical means of transportation.
Mopeds can be inconvenient on rainy days, but they are easier to use for transportation than a bicycle in many situations.
Mopeds are also relatively inexpensive. Depending on the model, some can be purchased for around ¥70,000 to ¥200,000.
The moped license examination is also generally easier to pass than the process of obtaining an ordinary vehicle license.
Minimum Age for Obtaining a Driver’s License in Japan
The minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license depends on the type of license.
- Moped license: 16 or older
- Ordinary vehicle license: 18 or older
- Large special vehicle license: 18 or older
- Medium-sized vehicle license: 20 or older
- Large vehicle license: 21 or older
For a medium-sized vehicle license, certain requirements apply, such as having held an ordinary vehicle license or another qualifying license for at least two years.
For a large vehicle license, certain requirements also apply, such as having held an ordinary vehicle license or another qualifying license for at least three years.
Vision and Other Physical Requirements
The required level of vision and other standards differ depending on the type of driver’s license.
Moped License
- Visual acuity of at least 0.5 with both eyes
If vision in one eye is unavailable, certain conditions apply, such as having visual acuity of at least 0.5 in the other eye.
Ordinary Vehicle License
- Visual acuity of at least 0.7 with both eyes
- Visual acuity of at least 0.3 in each eye
Medium-Sized Vehicle License
- Visual acuity of at least 0.8 with both eyes
- Visual acuity of at least 0.5 in each eye
Large Vehicle License
- Visual acuity of at least 0.8 with both eyes
- Visual acuity of at least 0.5 in each eye
- A depth perception test is required
The depth perception test checks a person’s ability to judge the distance and relative position of objects using a method known as the three-rod method.
Other Physical Requirements
In addition to vision, applicants must meet certain physical requirements to drive safely.
These include:
- Having sufficient hearing ability for safe driving
- Being able to move the arms, legs, and other parts of the body sufficiently to operate the vehicle safely
The specific requirements vary depending on the type of driver’s license.
Languages Used in Driver’s License Examinations
Driver’s license examinations in Japan are generally conducted in Japanese.
However, the written examination for an ordinary vehicle license may be available in multiple languages, including English and Vietnamese, depending on the prefecture.
For the moped license written examination, Japanese is generally used, although some areas may offer examinations in languages such as English or Chinese.
Regardless of the type of license, applicants taking a practical driving test must be able to understand instructions from the examiner or instructor.
Therefore, having a certain level of Japanese language ability is important when obtaining a driver’s license in Japan.
How to Obtain a Driver’s License in Japan
How to Obtain a Moped License
A moped license is mainly obtained by taking a written examination.
Compared with obtaining an ordinary vehicle license, the process is relatively simple, and in some cases the entire process, from taking the examination to receiving the license, can be completed in one day.
1. Apply at a Driver’s License Center
Submit the required documents and complete the application procedures.
2. Take the Aptitude Test
Take the required aptitude tests, including a vision test.
3. Take the Written Examination
Take a written examination covering traffic rules, road signs, and other basic traffic knowledge.
The examination format varies by prefecture and may use paper answer sheets, computers, or tablets.
4. Take the Moped Training Course
After passing the written examination, complete the required moped training course.
5. Receive Your Driver’s License
After having your photograph taken and paying the required fees, your driver’s license will be issued.
Estimated Cost
Moped license: approximately ¥5,000–¥10,000
The actual cost varies depending on the prefecture and the procedures involved.
How to Obtain an Ordinary Vehicle License (AT or MT)
When obtaining an ordinary vehicle license, many people attend a driving school.
1. Enroll in a Driving School
Submit the required documents and complete the enrollment procedures.
2. Classroom Training – Stage 1
Learn traffic laws, road signs, traffic rules, and other basic knowledge.
3. Practical Training – Stage 1
Practice basic driving skills on the driving school’s course.
4. Stage 1 Practical Test
After passing the Stage 1 practical test, proceed with the procedures for obtaining a provisional driver’s license.
5. On-Road Training – Stage 2
Drive on actual roads under the instruction of a qualified driving instructor.
6. Graduation Test
Take the driving school’s final practical test. After passing, you will receive a graduation certificate.
7. Written Examination at a Driver’s License Center
Take the written examination for the full driver’s license at a Driver’s License Center.
The examination format varies by prefecture and may use paper answer sheets, computers, or tablets.
After passing the written examination, you can obtain your full driver’s license.
8. Receive Your Driver’s License
After having your photograph taken and paying the required fees, your driver’s license will be issued.
Difference Between an AT and MT License
Most cars commonly used in Japan today have automatic transmissions (AT).
Therefore, unless you have a specific reason to drive a manual-transmission vehicle, an AT-only license is often sufficient for everyday life.
On the other hand, if you need to drive a manual-transmission vehicle (MT), you need a license that allows you to drive MT vehicles.
Estimated Cost
- AT-only ordinary vehicle license: approximately ¥250,000–¥330,000
- MT ordinary vehicle license: approximately ¥270,000–¥350,000
The cost varies depending on the driving school, region, and method of obtaining the license.
Although the initial cost is not inexpensive, having a driver’s license can greatly improve daily convenience for people who are accustomed to living in Japan and plan to stay for a long time.
For this reason, many foreign nationals who plan to live in Japan long-term choose to obtain an ordinary vehicle driver’s license.
Estimated Time Required to Obtain a Driver’s License
Assuming that you have a basic understanding of Japanese, the following are general estimates of the time required to obtain a driver’s license.
These are only rough estimates. The actual time required depends on your level of understanding, study pace, the availability of driving school lessons, and other factors.
Moped License
Approximately 1–2 months
This is an estimate for studying independently for about one hour a day using study materials.
The main focus is understanding traffic rules and road signs and preparing for the written examination.
Ordinary Vehicle License
Approximately 3 months
This is an estimate based on following a standard driving school curriculum.
It includes classroom lessons, practical driving lessons, the provisional license examinations, the graduation test, and the written examination for the full driver’s license.
If you receive instruction from professional driving instructors and study seriously, you can work toward passing the examinations.
Documents Required to Obtain a Driver’s License in Japan
When taking a driver’s license examination in Japan, you will generally need to prepare documents such as the following.
Residence Card
Foreign nationals generally need to present their residence card as proof of identity.
Bring the original residence card with you on the day of the examination.
Certificate of Residence
When preparing a certificate of residence, the following points generally need to be considered:
- It should include your nationality or region.
- It should not include your My Number.
- It should have been issued within the required period.
- In principle, it should be your own certificate of residence.
The Driver’s License Center uses this document to confirm information about the applicant.
The required information and validity period may vary depending on the prefecture and the type of procedure.
Identification Photograph
Requirements for photographs vary by region.
At many Driver’s License Centers, your photograph is taken on the day of the examination, so you may not need to bring your own photograph.
If you are required to bring a photograph, the following specifications are generally used:
- Size: 3.0 cm × 2.4 cm
- Taken within the previous six months
- No hat or head covering
- Facing forward
- Plain background
Glasses and Contact Lenses
If you do not meet the required vision standards without correction, you can take the vision test while wearing glasses or contact lenses.
It is recommended that you bring the glasses or contact lenses you normally use so that the vision test can be completed smoothly.
Fees
The cost of obtaining a driver’s license includes examination fees, driver’s license issuance fees, and fees related to aptitude tests.
The exact amount varies depending on the prefecture, the type of license, and the method used to obtain the license.
Therefore, before applying, it is recommended that you check the latest information from the Driver’s License Center or prefectural police department responsible for your area.
14 Traffic Rules in Japan for Foreign Residents
15 Licenses for Driving Cars and Other Vehicles in Japan
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