I’m currently a student but next year I’ll start working for a company in Tochigi and HR told me that it’ll be inconvenient if I don’t have a car/know how to drive.
I have a driving license in my home country but not much actual driving experience.
So I want to know what are my options for getting a japanese driving license.
I know that there’s a driving school route but I want to know if there’s other options that require less time and money.
I should mention that I have no problem regarding japanese language skill.
7 comments
[Gaimen Kirikae](https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/menkyo/menkyo/kokugai/kokugai05.html) a.k.a. [license conversion](https://www.driving-japan-online.com/gaimen-kirikae).
Even if you transfer the licence from your own country its still going to be pretty expensive to purchase a car in Japan, even a used one.
Hopefully the company provides one or at least a stipend for it.
Depends on where you’re from. Drivers licenses from some countries (and some states within the US) allow for a simple direct conversion that only requires an eye test.
Other countries’ licenses require a practical driving test before you can convert your license.
Other than license conversion, maybe learn it yourself and take the test at a police driving license center. Or 合宿免許.
If you’re living in Tokyo, congratulations man, you first driving test for a foreign license transfer will be half a year later. I finished my paper test on September 20 and my first driving test was arranged on February 6 next year. What a Japanese speed as expected 
If you already know how to drive, you can just take the test at the nearest police testing center. Provided you study for the written test and listen carefully to the police officer doing the driving test(s) *and* can drive, it’s not too difficult. Your biggest hurdle will be finding someone to accompany you for the required hours of practice driving on real roads.
I strongly recommend to study in a driving school, even you had a license. It is quite a good way to understand the mindset of Japanese, a very interesting and important lesson.