Getting a Drivers License in Japan is no easy task, unless you're from the few lucky countries including England, Canada, NZ and Australia that can switch licenses with a bit of paperwork and an hour or 2. Even in that case, for changing your license you need a translation of your home license and in Tochigi, note that application time is from 1pm to 2pm ONLY. They'll tell you to wait if you don’t come at the right time.
Click here if you're from a country that doesn't need to take the drivers test.

This site however, is mainly for the rest of us who have to take the eye test, written test and driver's test. It's a guide for foreigners or gaijin who are living in Utsunomiya or surrounding area and who want to get a Japanese driver's license.

This page is a guide for where to apply, how to get there, what time to get there and what you can expect when you get there. Since the whole Kanuma Driving Centre is Japanese, its a real challenge the first time to know where to go in the building unless you read Japanese quite well.

You'll also find some driving test tips - common mistakes people have been failed on and a map of the course you'll likely be taking.