Get your first Japanese driver's license with an English-speaking instructor.
Don't worry about your Japanese. We're one of the few driving schools in Kansai where you can learn to drive in English — and the written tests can be taken in English too.
For everyone — whether you live in Wakayama, Osaka or anywhere else in Japan.
Is this right for you?
You can join if all of these are true.
- You're a complete beginner, or you've driven before
- You can come for lessons at least 3 days a week
- At least 2 of those days are weekdays
- You have a juminhyo (residence certificate) in JapanYou need it for the tests. You can live in Wakayama or anywhere else.
Choose your plan
1 lesson = 50 minutes. All prices include tax.
Never driven before
Beginner plan
¥220,000
Mainly in EnglishSome lessons are with our Japanese instructors. Why?
- Stage 1: up to 18 lessons on our course
- Stage 2: up to 14 lessons on public roads
- Special training: first aid, expressway and more (required)
- Parking practice
- Full online support: written test study, exam booking and course videos
Manual (MT) car: +¥36,000 (includes 6 lessons at our school). Wakayama residents only.
| On our course (1 lesson) | ¥5,000 |
|---|---|
| Practice at the license center (1 time) | ¥8,000 |
| On public roads (1 time, 2 lessons) | ¥10,000 |
Driven before, or lost your license
Experienced plan
¥160,000
All in English
- Stage 1: up to 6 lessons on our course
- Stage 2: up to 11 lessons on public roads
- Practice at the Wakayama license center
- Special training: first aid, expressway and more (required)
- Parking practice
- Full online support: written test study, exam booking and course videos
Manual (MT) car: +¥36,000 (includes 6 lessons at our school). Wakayama residents only.
| On our course (1 lesson) | ¥7,500 |
|---|---|
| Practice at the license center (1 time) | ¥10,000 |
| On public roads (1 time, 2 lessons) | ¥12,000 |
The number of lessons in each plan is a maximum. Test fees are paid separately to the license center.
Why some Beginner lessons are in Japanese
- You can practice more often. Our English-speaking instructor's schedule fills up, so lessons with our Japanese instructors let you book more days.
- You learn from different instructors. Each one notices different things in your driving.
- You get ready for the test. Examiners give instructions in Japanese, so you get used to hearing them before test day.
From our students
5.013 Google reviewsRead all reviews →★★★★★
Kenji explained everything to me through 2 separate phone calls, each lasting 30 minutes minimum. … I got my Japanese license in just a month! … Kenji speaks fluent English so there won't be any issues with communication. … Highly highly recommended even for those who live far away.
★★★★★
I was able to obtain my driving license in the shortest time possible (a little under 1 month). Kenji was an excellent teacher, always super attentive and supportive through the entire process. … Definitely it was the best decision I made this year.
How it works
Live in Wakayama? Every test is at the Wakayama license center.
Live outside Wakayama? Everything happens in Wakayama — except the final written test, which you take at your local license center.
- At our school
- Wakayama license center
- Your local license center
Until Karimen (learner's permit)
- On LINE
Contact us
Chat or call us on LINE. Tell us when you want to start.
- On LINE
Enroll
Pay your first deposit and complete your admission.
- At home
Study for the written test
We send you study materials, and you prepare online from home.
- Wakayama license center
Karimen written test
Pass this first. Your driving lessons start after you pass.
- At our school
Driving lessons on our course
Learn the basics: starting, turning, the crank, the S-curve and more.
- Wakayama license center
Practice on the real test course
One hour on the license center course. This is only available on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
- Wakayama license center
Karimen driving test
If you don't pass, practice a little more and try again. There's no limit.
- Wakayama license center
Get your Karimen
After Karimen
- Wakayama license center
Driving lessons on public roads
Practice on the roads used for the final test.
- At our school
Special training
First aid, expressway driving and more. One day.
- At our school
Parking practice
Live outside Wakayama
- Wakayama license center
Final driving test
- Your local license center
Final written test
At the license center where you live.
- Your local license center
Get your driver's license
Live in Wakayama
- Wakayama license center
Final written test
- Wakayama license center
Final driving test
- Wakayama license center
Get your driver's license
Where you take each test — at a glance
| Test | You live in Wakayama | You live outside Wakayama |
|---|---|---|
| Karimen written test | Wakayama | Wakayama |
| Karimen driving test | Wakayama | Wakayama |
| Final driving test | Wakayama | Wakayama |
| Final written test | Wakayama | Your local license center |
What to bring
When you start
- ID (passport or residence card)
- Shoes that are easy to drive in
- Glasses or contact lenses, if you use them
For your first written test
- Juminhyo (residence certificate) issued within the last 6 months, showing your nationality and without your My Number. Some prefectures need one from the last 3 months.
- Residence card and passport
- ID photos (3.0 × 2.4 cm)
Questions
How long does it take?
Experienced plan: less than 1 month (our record is 3 weeks).
Beginner plan: about 2 months (as fast as 4 weeks if you come 4+ days a week and pass your tests smoothly).
It mainly depends on three things:
- How often you can come to practice
- How soon you can get a test slot at the license center
- Whether you pass each test the first time
You'll finish fastest if you come 3 or more times a week, avoid the busy months (August, September, February and March), and pass your tests within a few tries.
I live in Osaka (or Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara…). Can I still do this?
Yes. Most of our international students come from outside Wakayama. All your lessons and tests are in Wakayama, except the final written test, which you take at the license center where you live. We plan your schedule so you don't need to stay in Wakayama long — outside the busy months, you can practice up to 2–3 hours a day.
Are all lessons in English?
On the Experienced plan, yes. On the Beginner plan, lessons are mainly in English, and some are with our Japanese instructors. This lets you practice more often and get used to the Japanese instructions you will hear from the examiner.
How many times do I need to come?
It depends on how quickly you learn. Quick learners often finish in 10–12 visits.
Do you offer a training camp (menkyo gasshuku)?
No, we don't offer training camps. You come to our school for your lessons on the days we plan together.
Is there somewhere to stay nearby?
We don't provide accommodation, but there are business hotels near the school. Ask us and we'll tell you which ones our students use.
What if I need more lessons than the plan includes?
You can add extra lessons at any time. See the extra lesson prices above.
How can I pay?
In cash or by bank transfer. You can split the payment into up to 3 installments. Credit cards are not accepted.
Can I learn in a manual car?
If you live in Wakayama, yes. A manual (MT) car costs +¥36,000 on either plan, including 6 lessons at our school. If you live outside Wakayama, the course is for automatic (AT) cars only.
Ready to start? Message us on LINE
Tell us where you live and when you'd like to start. We'll suggest a schedule that works for you.