How much does it cost to take a driving license test in Japan? Detailed explanation of costs and inventory of hot topics
In recent years, the cost and process of obtaining a driver's license in Japan have become the focus of many international students and long-term residents. Combining the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days, this article provides you with a detailed analysis of the cost structure of Japan’s driver’s license test, and attaches the latest hot topics.
1. Fee structure for driving license test in Japan

The cost of taking a driver's license test in Japan varies by region and type of driving school, and is usually divided into two modes: "university school" and "shared accommodation". The following is a fee comparison table:
| Project | Tongxue (Japanese yen) | Accommodation (Japanese yen) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | 20,000-30,000 | 25,000-35,000 |
| Theoretical courses | 50,000-80,000 | Already included |
| Practical courses | 100,000-150,000 | Already included |
| Exam fee | 3,000-5,000 | Already included |
| total | 173,000-265,000 | 200,000-300,000 |
2. Recent hot topics
1."Free accommodation" cost-effectiveness attracts hot discussion: Netizens are discussing whether the two-week intensive training campout model is suitable for office workers. Some driving schools have launched a new "weekend campout" service.
2.New rules for converting foreign driver’s licenses: The Japanese Police Agency announced that it will simplify the driver's license conversion process in some countries. Chinese driver's license holders still need to take a written test and a road test.
3.The rise of AI simulated driving: A driving school in Osaka introduced a VR training system, reducing the cost by 15%. The related topic received 23,000 discussions on Twitter.
3. Regional cost differences
Comparison of driving school fees in major cities (MT driver's license for ordinary cars):
| city | Lowest price (Japanese yen) | Highest price (yen) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 250,000 | 320,000 |
| Osaka | 230,000 | 290,000 |
| Fukuoka | 210,000 | 270,000 |
| Sapporo | 200,000 | 260,000 |
4. Tips for saving money
1. You can save 30% by choosing a hotel in a local city.
2. Exclusive discount for college students with an average reduction of 50,000 yen
3. There are often discounts for registration in winter (December-February)
4. Some clubs have cooperation discounts with driving schools
5. Latest policy developments
According to the latest data from the Japan Automobile Federation, the average cost of driving license exams in 2023 will increase by 8% year-on-year, mainly due to adjustments in instructors’ hourly wages. The "electric coach" plan promoted by the Ministry of the Environment may cause costs to continue to rise by 5-10% in the future.
From the above analysis, it can be seen that it costs about 200,000 to 300,000 yen (approximately RMB 10,000 to 15,000 yuan) to take the test for a regular car driver's license in Japan. The specific cost will fluctuate according to personal learning progress. It is recommended to compare driving school courses from various sources before taking the exam, and pay attention to seasonal promotions.
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