Getting a Motorcycle License in Japan
Firstly, if you have held a valid motorcycle license in your home country for more than three months, you may be able to convert it at one of the official Driver’s License Centers. See here for more information. If you have never ridden before, or if you have a license but do not meet the minimum three-month residency requirement in the issuing country, here is how to get a motorcycle license in Japan. You have two basic options:
- Go directly to one of the designated test centers and take the practical test directly (“tobikomi”).
- Enroll at a driving school (kyoushujo).
The former is notorious for a very high failure rate; it is common to fail the practical test multiple times before an examiner approves your skills; the latter almost guarantees a pass on the first attempt but is the costlier option.
Whether you opt for the direct route or enroll at a school, the physical test is identical: roughly 10 minutes around a 150×150 meter car park laid out with roads, slopes, bollards, and traffic lights to simulate real-world conditions. If you enroll at a school, you will take the test on-site using the motorcycles and course layout you practiced with.
The test requirements are almost identical for both Regular bikes (≤399cc) and Large bikes (≥400cc). One notable aspect is that at no point during practice or the test will you go out onto the roads; everything is conducted within the driving school or test center. Those who already hold a Japanese car license are exempt from the written test, but all candidates must take an aptitude test (tekisei-shiken). This is not a “pass/fail” exam; it is designed to highlight your personality traits and habits to make you a more self-aware rider.
Below is a table outlining the approximate cost of getting a motorcycle license in Japan at a driving school.
| License Type | Engine Size | Cost (No License) | Cost (With Car License) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentsuki | ≤50cc | ~¥8,000 | ~¥8,000 |
| Small (Kogata) | ≤125cc | ¥120,000 – ¥160,000 | ¥70,000 – ¥100,000 |
| Regular (Futsu) | ≤399cc | ¥180,000 – ¥220,000 | ¥100,000 – ¥140,000 |
| Large (Ogata) | ≥400cc | ¥280,000 – ¥350,000* | ¥180,000 – ¥250,000* |
Note that holding a Regular license is a prerequisite for the Large bike course. By comparison, taking the examination directly at a test center costs approximately ¥25,500. This includes ¥6,900 for the test and issuance, plus around ¥18,600 for the mandatory classroom training (shutokuji koushu) required for those who pass. See here for current details (Japanese only).
Total costs will typically fluctuate based on:
- Existing Licenses: Whether you hold a Japanese car license (including converted foreign licenses).
- Booking Packages: Most schools use app-based booking. Standard packages often limit you to two advance bookings, which can slow down progress. Premium courses allow for bulk bookings—a major advantage if you can only train during peak weekend slots.
- Performance: If you fail a module, you will need to pay for additional training hours and a re-test.
The 10-minute practical examination consists of the following:
- Balance Beam: 15 meters long; 30cm wide. Must be crossed in over 7 seconds (Regular) or over 10 seconds (Large).
- Slalom: Navigating cones in under 8 seconds (Regular) or under 7 seconds (Large).
- Bumpy Road: Uneven ramps over 8 meters. Large bikes must cross in over 10 seconds while standing; Regular bikes are typically exempt.
- Hill Start: Starting on a slope without rolling backward.
- S-Curve & Crank: Navigating tight, winding paths without hitting bollards or touching the ground.
- Emergency Stop: Braking to a stop within 11 meters from 40 km/h (14 meters if wet).
- Rail Crossing: Stopping and checking both ways at a mock crossing.
The remainder of the test is spent following a set route where the examiner confirms you are signaling correctly and checking blind spots (the “over-the-shoulder” check). The pass mark is 70%. You start with 100 points, and deductions are made for errors. Instant fails are given for major mistakes like falling off the balance beam or hitting a bollard.
The pass rate at driving schools is high (80–90%), whereas the pass rate for direct test center candidates remains low, often under 5%. Examiners at the government centers are frequently retired police officers who demand absolute precision. If you pass, you will receive a certificate to take to the Driver’s License Center for issuance.
Finally, be aware of passenger rules: you cannot carry a passenger within one year of attaining your license (three years for expressways). Pillion passengers are strictly prohibited on central sections of the Shuto Expressway (specifically inside the C2 Central Circular Route), regardless of rider experience.