Types of Driving Schools in Japan
A Complete Guide to Designated, Reported, and Driving Camp Schools Obtaining a driver’s license in Japan can seem complicated at first, but understanding the three main types of driving schools and the testing process makes it much easier. This guide explains the differences between designated schools, reported schools, and driving camp programs, along with costs, exam procedures, and key requirements.
Types of Driving Schools in Japan
🏫 Designated Driving Schools (指定自動車学校)
- Known as “Public Safety Commission Designated Driving Schools”, these institutions are officially certified by the prefectural Public Safety Commission (公安委員会).
- Graduating from a designated school exempts you from the practical driving test at the Driver’s License Test Center — making this the most popular and reliable option.
Test Process
- Attend classroom and practical driving lessons.
- Pass the Provisional License Exam (written and practical) at the school.
- Complete on-road training on public roads.
- Pass the Graduation Examination (practical) at the school.
- Visit the Driver’s License Center and take the Final Written Exam only.
✅ Practical exam exemption makes this the most secure and efficient route.
Estimated Cost
- AT-only: ¥250,000 – ¥350,000
- Manual (MT): ¥270,000 – ¥370,000
- (Costs vary by region and season.)
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Exemption from the practical test.
- Structured schedule managed by the school.
- Consistent, high-quality instruction.
❌ Cons
- Higher tuition costs.
- Requires frequent commuting.
🏫 Reported Driving Schools (届出自動車学校)
- Reported driving schools (届出自動車学校) are not officially designated by the Public Safety Commission. They only “report” their existence to the authorities.
- Graduating from a reported school does not exempt you from the practical driving test — you must take it at the Driver’s License Center.
Test Process
- Learn theory and practice driving at the school.
- Take the Provisional License Exam (written & practical) at the test center.
- After obtaining a provisional license, complete on-road practice (independently or with the school).
- Take the Final License Exam (written & practical) at the test center.
👉 You must pass two practical exams at the official test center.
Estimated Cost
- AT-only: ¥100,000 – ¥200,000
- Manual (MT): ¥120,000 – ¥220,000
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Significantly lower cost.
- Flexible scheduling.
❌ Cons
- Practical exams at test centers are difficult.
- May take multiple attempts and more time overall.
🏕️ Driving School Camps (合宿免許)
- Driving camp programs (合宿免許) are short-term intensive courses offered by designated driving schools nationwide.
- Students live in dormitories or hotels and complete all training in about two weeks.
- These are considered designated schools, so graduates only take the final written test at the test center.
Test Process
- Receive intensive classroom and practical training.
- Pass the Provisional License Exam at the school.
- Complete on-road training and pass the Graduation Practical Exam.
- Take the Final Written Exam at the test center to obtain your license.
Estimated Cost
- AT-only: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000 (including meals & accommodation)
- Manual (MT): ¥220,000 – ¥320,000
- Discounts are common during off-season periods.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Obtain your license quickly (around 2 weeks).
- Cost-effective when including accommodation and meals.
- Fun and immersive environment.
❌ Cons
- Requires a continuous block of time off.
- May be stressful if the shared environment isn’t a good fit.
🚗 Self-Practice / One-Shot Exam (一発試験)
- This method, known as “Ippatsu Shiken” (one-shot exam), involves bypassing formal schools entirely.
- You practice driving independently—using rented courses or with family/friends—and take all exams directly at the Driver’s License Center.
Test Process
- Study theory and practice driving on your own.
- Take the Provisional License Exam (written & practical) at the test center.
- After obtaining a provisional license, complete 10 hours of on-road practice over 5 days with a licensed driver.
- Take the Final License Exam (written & practical) at the test center.
👉 This is the most challenging route, as the practical exams are known to be very strict.
Estimated Cost
- Exam Fees: ¥20,000 – ¥50,000 (depending on number of attempts)
- Plus car rental, course rental, or private instructor fees.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- The absolute lowest cost option.
- Completely flexible self-paced schedule.
❌ Cons
- Extremely difficult practical exams.
- High failure rate; often requires many attempts.
- You are responsible for all scheduling and legal requirements.
📋 Basic Requirements for Getting a License in Japan
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older for a regular car license. 16 years or older for a regular motorcycle license. |
| Vision | 0.7 or higher with both eyes, and at least 0.3 in each eye (corrective lenses allowed). |
| Color Perception | Must distinguish red, yellow, and green. |
| Hearing | Must hear a 90 dB sound from 10 meters (hearing aids allowed). |
| Physical Ability | Must be able to drive safely with or without reasonable accommodations. |
🪪 Required Documents
When applying for your test or school enrollment, you might need to prepare the following:
- Residence Card (在留カード)
- My Number Card or official ID
- Certificate of Residence (住民票)
- Passport (for foreigners)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if required for driving)
- Application fee (varies by prefecture)
🗓️ Application & Licensing Steps (Summary)
- Enroll in a designated, reported, or camp-style driving school.
- Complete training and pass the provisional license exam.
- Obtain a provisional license (仮免許).
- Complete on-road training (if applicable).
- Pass the graduation or final practical exam.
- Take the written exam at the test center.
- Receive your Japanese Driver’s License (運転免許証).
🏁 Final Thoughts
Each driving school option in Japan offers unique advantages:
| Priority | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Convenience & Security | Designated Driving School |
| Low Cost | Reported Driving School or Self-Practice |
| Fastest Route | Driving Camp Program |
If you value peace of mind and efficiency, designated schools are the best choice. If you’re confident and want to save money, reported schools or self-practice can work — though they require more effort. For those short on time, driving camps provide the perfect balance of cost, speed, and fun.