JapanDriving schools in Japan
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Cities in Japan
Tokyo
Osaka
Yokohama
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JapanDriving rules & facts
Drive on the Left (左側通行)
Japan drives on the left side of the road. Overtake only on the right. At unmarked intersections, yield to vehicles coming from the left. The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle.
No Turn on Red (赤信号)
Unlike many countries, there is absolutely no turning on red in any direction in Japan — neither left nor right. You may only proceed on a green arrow signal (青色矢印信号). This applies at all intersections regardless of traffic conditions.
Beginner Mark (初心者マーク/若葉マーク)
New drivers must display the beginner mark — a green and yellow arrow — on the front and rear of their vehicle for 1 year after obtaining their licence. Other drivers are legally required not to tailgate or cut off vehicles displaying this mark. Failure to display: ¥4,000 fine and 1 demerit point.
Elderly Mark (高齢者マーク)
Drivers aged 70 and over are recommended (not mandatory) to display the elderly driver mark — an orange, yellow, and green teardrop design. As with the beginner mark, other drivers should give consideration to marked vehicles.
BAC 0.03% — Third-Party Liability
Blood alcohol limit is 0.03% (0.15 mg/L breath). Japan uniquely holds third parties liable: the vehicle owner, the person who provided alcohol, and passengers who knew the driver was intoxicated can ALL be criminally prosecuted. Tipsy driving: ¥300,000–500,000 fine + 90-day suspension. Intoxicated driving: up to 5 years prison + ¥1,000,000 fine + licence revocation.
Shaken — Biennial Vehicle Inspection (車検)
All registered vehicles must pass the Shaken (車検) inspection. New cars: first inspection after 3 years, then every 2 years. Cost: ¥100,000–200,000+ depending on vehicle age and type. Driving without valid Shaken: up to 6 months imprisonment or ¥300,000 fine.
How to get your driving license in Japan
Everything you need to know about enrolling in a driving school and getting your Ordinary license in Japan.
Typical cost
¥250,000–¥350,000Total driving school cost including lessons and materials
Prices vary by school, location, and number of lessons needed.
Typical lessons needed
~3050-minute lessons on average
Mandatory theory hours
29hRequired classroom or online theory instruction
Mandatory practical hours
28hRequired behind-the-wheel training with an instructor
License requirements in Japan
Theory test languages
The NPA theory test is available in these languages:
- Japanese
- English
- Chinese
- Portuguese
- Korean
- Vietnamese
Tips for choosing a driving school in Japan
- Compare prices from at least 3 schools before enrolling. The cheapest option is not always the best — check what is included in the package.
- Ask schools about their pass rates. A higher pass rate often indicates better instruction quality.
- If Japan's official language is not your first language, ask if the school offers instruction or materials in your language.
Source: National Police Agency (Prefectural Public Safety Commissions) · Last updated:
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