Japanese Driving Schools in Tokyo with English Support
Moving to a different country can be stressful enough, let alone thinking about getting a driver’s license. To make the process a lot smoother, we have created a list of driving schools in Tokyo that offer lessons in English.
English driving schools in Japan don’t mean the tests get easier. However, there is a key point to keep in mind, which is whether the school is a designated driving school or an unauthorized driving school.
Designated driving schools are authorized by the National Public Safety Commission and fulfill certain criteria. These schools can issue a diploma for you that allows you to be exempted from taking the driving skills examination at the test site, which has a low passing rate. This also means that there is a certain format to the classes and process to get a license.
On the other hand, unauthorized driving schools in Tokyo do not issue diplomas, meaning you have to go through an additional exam. But, due to this, unauthorized driving schools are a lot more affordable.
In this list, we have included both authorized and unauthorized foreign-friendly driving schools in Tokyo.
(Want to drive with ease in Japan? Check out our guide on Japanese vehicle-related vocabulary!).
1. Koyama Driving School
– Taught in English with many English speaking staff
– Many locations in Tokyo:
- Futakotamagawa school
- Seijo school
- Shakujii school
- Akitsu school
– Affordable for foreign license conversion.
– Authorized driving school, meaning that you can take the drivers to permit exam, the final exam, graduation exam, and final exam at the school, rather than a driving license center.
Pricings:
- No license AT – 360,400 yen
- No license MT – 373,600 yen
- Motorcycle license AT – 275,600 yen
- Motorcycle license MT – 288,800 yen
- Paper driver license (converting foreign license) – 41,000 yen
2. Tokyo Driving School (TDS)
– Affordable
– One on one lessons
– Trainers are multilingual
– Written test can be taken in English
– Trainers and staff can accompany you to the test site, to help fill out documentation in eng
Pricings:
- Theory only – 7,700 yen
- Driving only – 16,500
- Foreign license conversion – 45,600 yen
- Learners permit – 127,000 yen
- Automatic transmission – 185,000 yen
- Manual transmission – 214,750 yen
Location: 3-21 Kandanishikicho, Chiyoda-ku
3. EDS Driving School
– There’s a number of driving school plans from standard to challenger.
– Customizable lessons based on experience, budget, and needs.
– Based on the lessons, it can take as short as 1 month but as long as 6-9 months
– Take all exams at the driver’s license center
Pricing:
- Challenger course (experienced driver) – 139,950yen
- Recommended course (beginner that thinks about budgeting) – 179,650 yen
- Standard course(beginners following the standard driving lesson) – 259,550 yen
- Includes first-time assistance to the driving license center
- Foreign license conversion – 13,750 yen
Location: 2-33-19 Sakashita, Itabashi-ku
4. Musashino Driving Center
– English plan – no additional charges for driving lessons and test
– Addition 58,500 yen for lectures fully in English
– Priority reservation for all lessons
– Consultation sessions to support your lessons
Price list separated by age:
| Age | Automatic | Manual |
| 17-22 | 396,000~ | 407,000~ |
| 23-28 | 429,000~ | 440,000~ |
| 29-35 | 451, 000~ | 462,000~ |
| 36-45 | 473,000~ | 484,000~ |
| 46-55 | 495,000~ | 506,000~ |
| 56-65 | 528,000~ | 539,000~ |
Location: 2-6-43 Sakai, Musashino-shi
5. Kiki Driving School
– An gaimen kirikae app with information on the license to help you learn to drive in Japan.
Pricing for beginners
- Experienced
￥77,000～ / 2 days - Mid-level
￥154,000～ / 5 days - Beginner
￥210,000～ / 7 days
6. Shin-Tokyo Driving Academy
– Skill training and academic tests available in English
– Suitable for those with no Japanese knowledge
– Free shuttle bus access
Pricing:
- AT basic normal car for adults – 293,000 yen
- AT basic normal car for students – 288,000 yen
- MT basic normal car for adults – 305,000 yen
- MT basic normal car for students – 300,000 yen
Location: 1-2364, Ogawa-cho, Kodaira-shi
7. Ogikubo Driving School
– One-on-one lessons
– 10,000 yen off for students with valid student ID
– Offer ‘Save’ package with unlimited number of supplementary lessons
– Has test for foreign license conversion
Pricing:
- Ordinary vehicle AT – 198,000 yen for 21 times
- Ordinary vehicle MT – 218,000 yen for 24 times
- Motorcycle license holder AT – 168,000 yen for 17 times
- Motorcycle license holder – 188,000 yen for 20 times
Location: 5-27-8 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku
8. Double OO Drive
– Free admission fee from 1 November to 28 December (20,000 yen)
– Multiple courses available: Samezu course, Akigase course, and Samezu general road
– Self-study at your own time
Pricing:
- Regular course – 178,880 yen
- Provisional license course – 84,880 yen
Location: 2-6-11 Senzoku, Meguro-ku
9. Tokorozawa Driving School
– Experienced and friendly English speaking staff
– Free English ability test during the enrollment procedure
– Free insurance plan for those below 19 years old
Pricing:
- None Moped – 335, 050 yen
- Motorcycle – 271.690 yen
- Learner’s Permit – 221,320 yen
Location: 2-879-5 Higashisayamagaoka, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama Prefecture
10. FCA Driving School
– Offers same-day practice lessons on test days
– Flexible schedules and has limitless class time
– No registration fee
– Courses are available in both English and Japanese
Pricing:
- 8,900 yen for an hours lesson (semi-medium vehicle, regular motor vehicle and second class course)
- 8,600 yen for an hours lesson (regular motorcycle)
- 8,600 yen per hour for on-road driving practice from 3 to 7 hours
Location: 1-29-14 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku