RResidents in Japan

Getting Driver’s License in Nagoya as a Foreigner

  • April 14, 2026

Hi everyone,

I’m a foreigner currently living and working in Nagoya, and I’m thinking about getting a car driving license in Japan. Since I have no prior driving experience and work full-time, I’m looking for a driving school that offers weekend lessons, preferably one that is foreigner-friendly. I have the following questions and would really appreciate any advice:

  1. Are there any foreigner-friendly driving schools in or near Nagoya that you would recommend?

  2. I read about the 仮免学科試験 (provisional license written test). Since I’m a complete beginner, do driving schools usually prepare students for this test before taking it, or is it more like an initial knowledge check?

  3. I understand the final license test may be available in English, but is the 仮免学科試験 also available in English?

  4. Because my Japanese is still limited, I may need to study theory on my own. Are there any good online resources, videos, websites, apps, or free study materials for foreigners?

Also, NGL, driving schools seem really expensive, and I’m currently on a tight budget, so I’d especially appreciate affordable school recommendations and/or free study resources.

Thank you so much in advance

by exotic_soba