Language Options for the Driving Test
Good news for foreigners in Japan — the written driving test is available in multiple languages at many testing centers across the country. This has expanded significantly in recent years as Japan has welcomed more foreign residents.
- •English — Available at most major license centers
- •Chinese (中国語) — Widely available
- •Korean (한국어) — Available at most centers
- •Portuguese (Português) — Available in areas with large Brazilian communities
- •Spanish (Español) — Available at select centers
- •Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) — Increasingly available
- •Thai, Tagalog, Indonesian — Available at select locations
Our app helps you study in 7 languages including English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, and Sinhala — matching the major foreign communities in Japan.
Where to Take the English Test
Here are major license centers known to offer English-language exams:
- •Fuchu Driver's License Center (府中運転免許試験場) — Most popular for English speakers
- •Samezu Driver's License Center (鮫洲運転免許試験場)
- •Kadoma Driver's License Center (門真運転免許試験場)
- •Ninomiya Driver's License Center (二俣川運転免許試験場)
- •Heian Driver's License Center (平針運転免許試験場)
- •Most prefectural capitals offer at least English and Chinese
Pro tip: Call the center before your visit to confirm English availability for your specific test date. Some centers only offer foreign-language tests on certain days of the week.
Challenges with the English Test
While taking the test in English is helpful, be aware of some challenges:
Translation nuances: Some questions are translated literally from Japanese, which can create awkward phrasing. The intent is usually clear, but read carefully.
- •徐行 (jokō) = "slow down" but specifically means reducing to a speed where you can stop immediately (roughly 10 km/h)
- •一時停止 (ichiji teishi) = "temporary stop" = complete stop, not a rolling stop
- •追越し (oikoshi) = "overtaking" in the specific Japanese legal definition
Mixed language experience: Even with an English test, the testing center staff mostly speak Japanese. Forms, announcements, and procedures are in Japanese. Having basic Japanese communication skills helps.
Our recommendation: Study with our bilingual lessons which teach you both the English rules and the Japanese terminology. This dual-language approach prepares you for both the written test and the real-world driving environment.
Studying in Your Native Language
Drive Japan is designed to help foreigners study for the driving exam in their most comfortable language. Our app supports:
- •English (🇺🇸) — Full coverage of all 34 lessons and 210+ signs
- •Japanese (🇯🇵) — Study in the original language of the exam
- •Vietnamese (🇻🇳) — For the growing Vietnamese community in Japan
- •Nepali (🇳🇵) — For Nepali residents
- •Hindi (🇮🇳) — For Indian residents
- •Urdu (🇵🇰) — For Pakistani residents
- •Sinhala (🇱🇰) — For Sri Lankan residents
Switch between languages anytime to study in your preferred language while also learning the Japanese terms that appear on road signs and in real driving situations.
Start studying now with our free lessons, traffic signs guide, and practice tests.