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As the number of foreigners working in Japan increases, jobs that require driving, such as commuting and delivery, are also expanding. Meanwhile, in October 2025, the “Foreign License Conversion” process—switching a foreign license to a Japanese one—was tightened, making the hurdles to obtaining a license higher than before. According to the latest statistics, the number of foreign workers has exceeded 2.57 million, marking a record high. By understanding the changes in the system and how to prepare, you can proceed with obtaining your license calmly, even if there is a language barrier.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of foreign workers as of the end of October 2025 was 2,571,037. This is an increase of 268,450 from the previous year, reaching a record high since notification became mandatory in 2007. The growth rate compared to the previous year is 11.7%.
The number of establishments employing foreigners also reached 371,215, an 8.5% increase from the previous year. Not only the number of workers but also the number of companies and establishments accepting foreigners is increasing.
The latest situation is summarized as follows:
These statistics do not show the number of driver’s license holders. However, as the companies and regions where foreigners work expand, there is a possibility that more people will require a driver’s license for commuting or business purposes.
Source: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_68794.html
By nationality, workers from Vietnam are the most numerous at 605,906, accounting for 23.6% of all foreign workers. This is followed by China with 431,949 and the Philippines with 260,869.
By status of residence, “Status of Residence in Professional and Technical Fields” was the most common at 865,588, a 20.4% increase from the previous year.
The jobs foreign nationals perform are not limited to manufacturing and services. There are also roles in sales, engineering, facility management, and transportation that involve moving between multiple locations during work.
As the types of jobs increase, the situations where a driver’s license is required also become more diverse. Having a license may expand the job openings you can apply for and the tasks you can handle.
In addition to the increase in the number of foreign workers, there are other reasons why driver’s licenses are becoming more necessary.
While commuting by train or bus is possible in urban areas, public transportation may be infrequent in rural or suburban areas.
If the workplace is far from the station, commuting may be difficult without a car. For shift work or night shifts, there may be no public transportation available during arrival and departure times.
Having a license makes it easier to handle the following types of travel:
However, even if you obtain a license, your employer may not permit commuting by car. Be sure to check in advance regarding the availability of parking, commuting allowances, and company permission.
Depending on the job description, you may drive a car not only for commuting but also during work hours.
Examples of jobs where driving may be required include:
The type of license required varies depending on the vehicle used and the job description. Some jobs involve driving standard passenger cars, while others require licenses for medium-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, or vehicles for transporting passengers.
Before applying for a job, it is advisable to confirm which vehicles you will be driving and whether a license is required at the time of joining the company.
To address labor shortages, the automobile transport industry has been added to the scope of the Specified Skilled Worker program.
The addition to the target sectors was decided in March 2024, and acceptance became possible from December of the same year. The covered tasks include driving trucks, buses, and taxis, as well as related duties.
This has opened up paths for foreigners to work as professional drivers in Japan.
However, simply holding a Japanese driver’s license does not mean you can work as a professional driver immediately. You must meet conditions such as the driver’s license corresponding to the business category, the Specified Skilled Worker evaluation test, and Japanese language proficiency.
If you aim to work in the automobile transport industry, check the requirements for your desired job with your employer or public institutions.
A driver’s license is not just a means of transportation. Depending on the job content and the region where you work, it can be a qualification that expands your employment and career options.
Job postings may state “Ordinary driver’s license required” or “Those who can drive are welcome.”
If you have a license, it becomes easier to choose jobs such as:
Even for job openings where a license is not mandatory, being able to drive may increase the tasks you can handle.
On the other hand, holding a license does not guarantee employment. Decisions are made based on Japanese language ability, experience, status of residence, and the skills required for the job.
Limiting yourself to locations reachable by public transportation may result in fewer workplace choices.
If you can drive a car, it becomes easier to include factories, warehouses, nursing care facilities, and construction sites far from stations as potential workplaces.
A license can be useful not only for your current workplace but also when considering future career changes or moving.
However, if you own a car, there are costs for insurance, parking, taxes, fuel, and inspections in addition to the purchase price. It is important to consider the costs after obtaining the license as well.
A license is also useful for life outside of work.
In rural areas, supermarkets, hospitals, and government offices may be far from home. Being able to use a car is convenient for carrying large items or traveling with family.
Expectations from obtaining a license include:
On the other hand, Japanese roads have rules that may differ from your home country, such as driving on the left and pedestrian priority. Even after obtaining a license, it is necessary to continue learning Japanese traffic rules and practice safe driving.
However, since the system has changed, the shortcut to passing is to improve the quality and quantity of your preparation accordingly. Please note that relying solely on past success stories may lead to a gap with current standards. Familiarizing yourself with practical challenges based on reliable, up-to-date information will lead to a steady pass.
While a license expands work and life options, it is not necessarily required for all foreign workers.
Before spending time and money, clarify your objectives.
First, confirm the following points with your current or prospective employer:
Depending on the company, there may be systems to subsidize part of the licensing costs or to adjust work schedules for attending lessons.
Consulting with your workplace first, rather than proceeding with the application on your own, can reduce waste.
Even if you obtain a driver’s license, you cannot take a job that is not permitted by your status of residence.
For example, whether you can perform delivery or shuttle work under your current status of residence is determined by the type of status and specific job duties.
If you are considering obtaining a license for work, check with your company representative, Registered Support Organization, administrative scrivener, or the Immigration Services Agency.
Obtaining a license and whether you can take your desired job must be considered separately.
The time and cost required to obtain a license vary depending on the license you are getting, your current license, the driving school, and whether you choose commuting or a driving camp.
If you attend while continuing to work, you will also need to coordinate with your holidays and working hours.
Before applying, check the following:
It is important not only to look at the low cost but also whether you can learn in a language you understand and whether it is compatible with your work.
When entrusting driving to foreign employees, it is important for the company to provide support rather than leaving all preparations to the individual.
If you inform an employee that a license is required for the first time after hiring, the start of work may be delayed.
Explain the following at the time of hiring:
It is important to confirm the individual’s license from their home country and their driving experience to create a realistic acquisition plan.
In some cases, you can use the conversion from a foreign license to a Japanese license, but please check other articles or the latest police guidance for detailed conditions and procedures.
Obtaining a license does not necessarily mean an employee can perform duties safely.
Work requires communication in Japanese for roll calls, operation instructions, telephone contact, dealing with shippers, and reporting accidents.
It is advisable for companies to provide the following support:
Continuing support after employment, rather than making license acquisition the final goal, will lead to safe driving and workplace retention.
Japan License Connect is a driving school comparison and information media for foreigners who want to obtain a license in Japan.
You can check the supported languages and the content of academic and skill training support for driving schools that cater to foreigners. Information on residential driving camps for foreigners and systems/procedures that can be confusing when obtaining a license is also posted.
When looking for a driving school, it is easier to compare if you organize the following conditions:
Even if it says “Foreign language support,” there are cases where only the reception is supported, and others where academic and skill training are also covered.
Before applying, confirm whether you can receive the support you need.
Japan License Connect is an information media that supports English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Nepali, and more, allowing you to search for driving schools and residential camps nationwide by area and supported language. You can also check key points for foreign license conversion and exam preparation, which became stricter in October 2025, in a format close to your native language.
If you are struggling to collect information due to a language barrier, please feel free to start by looking for a driving school that fits your region and language.
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