Driving in Japan Driving, and the right to do it. So, you've been driving in your home country for a few years. You think you've seen it all when it comes to driving. Well welcome to Japan, the land of continuous traffic jams, in the big cities that is.
Many foreigners look at the driving conditions in Japan, and run for the nearest train or subway.
First point to remember, they drive on the left side of the road in Japan, just like Britain and Australia. For those from right side driving countries, you will have a big job adapting to everything coming at you from the wrong side. A Japanese person who wishes to get a driver's license is required to attend a driving school and learn how to drive. All driver's are taught how to drive a standard transmission. Driving schools are plentiful and the cost of the course is in the ballpark of 200,000 to 400,000 yen.