Types of Driver’s Licenses in Japan
In Japan, many types of vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota, Suzuki, Honda, and Nissan are commonly seen on the roads. Depending on the size and structural specifications of each vehicle, driver’s licenses are categorized into the following types.
Category 1 – Single License Type
1. Moped (Gentsuki) – Small motorcycles under 50cc, single‑rider only
2. Small Special Vehicle (Shōgata Tokushu) – Agricultural tractors, farm machinery
3. Ordinary Vehicle (Futsū) – Standard passenger cars
4. Medium‑Sized Vehicle (Chūgata) – Medium trucks, mid‑size buses
5. Large Vehicle (Ōgata) – Large trucks, full‑size buses
6. Large Special Vehicle (Ōgata Tokushu) – Bulldozers, construction machinery
7. Trailer (Ken’in) – Required when towing a trailer or cargo container
Category 2 – Two License Types
These licenses are required for operating taxis, fixed‑route buses, and other passenger vehicles used for paid transportation.
Among the various license categories, many people aim to obtain License No. 3 – the Ordinary Vehicle License, as it is sufficient for everyday transportation needs.
In addition, some people prefer a simple and economical means of transportation and choose to obtain License No. 1 – the Moped License (50cc). Although it can be inconvenient on rainy days, a moped offers greater mobility than a bicycle.
Mopeds (50cc) are also relatively affordable, typically ranging from 70,000 to 200,000 yen depending on the model, making the initial cost quite low. Furthermore, the difficulty level of the moped license examination is generally lower than that of the ordinary vehicle license.
Age Requirements for Obtaining Driver’s Licenses in Japan
Age
• Moped License (50cc – Gentsuki) Minimum age: 16 years old
• Ordinary Vehicle License (Futsū) Minimum age: 18 years old
• Large Special Vehicle License (Ōgata Tokushu) Minimum age: 18 years old
• Medium‑Sized Vehicle License (Chūgata) Minimum age: 20 years old (Requires holding an Ordinary Vehicle License or equivalent for at least 2 years)
• Large Vehicle License (Ōgata) Minimum age: 21 years old (Requires holding an Ordinary Vehicle License or equivalent for at least 3 years)
Vision Requirements
• Moped License (Gentsuki – 50cc)
Visual acuity of 0.5 or higher (both eyes combined) ※ If only one eye is functional, it must be 0.5 or higher
• Ordinary Vehicle License (Futsū)
Visual acuity of 0.7 or higher (both eyes combined) ※ Each eye must be 0.3 or higher
• Medium‑Sized Vehicle License (Chūgata)
Visual acuity of 0.8 or higher (both eyes combined) ※ Each eye must be 0.5 or higher
• Large Vehicle License (Ōgata)
Visual acuity of 0.8 or higher (both eyes combined) ※ Each eye must be 0.5 or higher ※ Depth‑perception test required (three‑pole test – Shinsokuryoku)
Health Requirements
• Hearing ability sufficient for safe driving
• Normal movement of arms and legs without hindrance to vehicle operation
Language
The driver’s license examinations in Japan are generally conducted in Japanese.
However, for the written test of the ordinary vehicle license, some prefectures offer multilingual support, including Vietnamese and English. In contrast, the written test for the 50cc moped license (gentsuki) is mainly conducted in Japanese, with some locations offering additional support in English or Chinese.
In addition, for all types of licenses, the practical driving test requires applicants to understand instructions given in Japanese.
Process of Obtaining a Driver’s License in Japan
Process of Obtaining a 50cc Moped License (Gentsuki) in Japan
Obtaining a 50cc moped license mainly focuses on the written test.
Compared to the car license, the process is easier and is usually completed within one day, from the exam to receiving the license.
① Submit documents at the Driver’s License Center
Submit the required documents and complete the registration procedures.
② Health check (vision, etc.)
Undergo a vision test and several simple health checks.
③ Written test
Take the test on traffic rules and road signs. The test format varies by prefecture: mark sheet, computer, or tablet.
④ Mandatory practical training (Gentsuki Kōshū)
After passing the written test, you will attend the mandatory practical training course.
⑤ Receive the license
Take a photo, pay the fee, and receive your license card.
Reference Costs
50cc moped license: approximately 5,000–10,000 yen
Process of Obtaining a Car Driver’s License (AT・MT) in Japan
① Enroll in a driving school
Submit the required documents and complete the enrollment procedures.
② Theory lessons (Stage 1)
Study traffic laws, road signs, and road rules.
③ Practical training on the practice course (Stage 1)
Practice basic driving operations within the school’s training area.
④ Stage 1 completion test (Shuryō Kentei)
If you pass, you will receive a provisional license (Karimen).
⑤ On‑road practical training (Stage 2)
Drive on actual roads under the instructor’s guidance.
⑥ Graduation test at the driving school (Sotsugyō Kentei)
If you pass, you will receive a Graduation Certificate.
⑦ Official written test at the Driver’s License Center
The test format varies by prefecture: mark sheet, computer, or tablet.
Passing this test grants you the official driver’s license.
⑧ Receive the license
Take a photo, pay the fee, and receive your license card.
Note: Difference between AT and MT
Most cars currently in circulation in Japan are automatic transmission (AT). Therefore, unless you have a specific need, an AT license is sufficient for most situations.
Reference Costs
• AT car license: approximately 250,000–330,000 yen
• MT car license: approximately 270,000–350,000 yen
Although the initial cost may be high, for those who are already familiar with life in Japan and plan to stay long‑term, having a car license significantly improves quality of life. Therefore, many people choose to obtain a regular driver’s license.
Estimated Study Duration
With the condition that you can understand Japanese to a certain extent, the study period to obtain a driver’s license in Japan is generally as follows. (Note: This is only a reference period. The actual duration may vary depending on each person’s comprehension level and learning pace.)
Small motorcycle license (Gentsuki – 原付免許)
About 1–2 months (Studying on your own about 1 hour per day using a book) The study content mainly focuses on understanding traffic rules and preparing for the written test.
Regular car driver’s license (普通自動車免許)
About 3 months (Based on the standard curriculum of driving schools) Includes theory lessons, practical training, the provisional license test (仮免), and the final official test.
With thorough guidance from professional instructors, anyone who studies seriously can aim to pass the exam.
Documents Required When Applying for a Driver’s License in Japan
When registering to take a driver’s license exam in Japan, you need to prepare the following documents:
Residence Card (在留カード)
This is a mandatory identification document for foreign residents.
Please bring the original on the exam day.
Certificate of Residence (住民票)
• Must include nationality (or equivalent information)
• Must NOT include MyNumber
• Issued within the last 6 months
• Only the individual’s own copy is required
※ The Driver’s License Center uses this document to verify the applicant’s information.
ID photo (requirements vary by region)
Many Driver’s License Centers take your photo on the exam day, so some locations do not require you to bring one.
If your region requires a photo, the usual standards are:
•Size: 3.0 cm × 2.4 cm
•Taken within the last 6 months
•Plain background, no hat, front‑facing
Glasses or contact lenses (if needed)
You can use glasses or contact lenses during the vision test if your unaided eyesight does not meet the required standard. Please bring the type you normally use every day so the test results are accurate and smooth.
If you want, I can also rewrite the entire section in English for consistency.
Fee
It includes the examination fee, the license issuance fee, and the health check fee.
The exact amount varies depending on the prefecture and the type of license.
Website Guide
１ 【Home / About】
２ 【Visa Types】
３ 【Visa Troubles】
４ 【Fees】
５ 【Driver’s License】
６ 【Traffic Rules】