Complete Driver’s License Guide for Brazilians & ASEAN Workers
In this simple guide you will understand the main steps and costs involved in getting a driver’s license in Japan, as a foreigner living in the Chubu/Aichi region.
If you have a working visa or spouse visa (married to Japanese nationals or nikkei families), it is really important to consider to get a Japanese driver’s license. In case it is a short stay we wouldn’t advise based on the public transportation system for tourists. Nevertheless, depending on your Japanese level, information and instructions can be a little confusing
MinnaPortal helps you to get the basics clear and ensure a smooth path that will make your everyday life more convenient and comfortable.
How to Get a Japanese Driver’s License
Finding the best option for you will depend on several factors, namely time, budget and whether or not you possess a license from your country. Below I will dive into more detail about the pros and cons of the 3 methods and provide you with all the information you will need to make the perfect decision for your situation.
Why a Japanese license is important?
You might not want to take the license tests soon as you arrive in Japan due to budget restrictions or other factors like a busy worklife but after 12 months of residency, the International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and the Brazilian driver’s license are no longer valid.
Although many factories supply transportations services, to actually have a vehicle at your service can open several possibilities for everyday life, travels and even working with delivery service platforms like UberEats, Amazon, Wolt or Demae-can.
Before you go to the Hirabari License Center
Before you go to the Hirabari License Center
Address: 〒468-8513 Nagoya-shi, Tenpaku-ku, Hirabari-Minami 3-605 – Aichi Prefecture
Tel. 052-800-1352
*Please notice there are no translators available in the phone contact
Access:
Subway Tsurumai Line to Hirabari (Exit 1).
City Bus from Terminal (Platform 2) → “平針運転免許試験場” or “平針住宅”; 15 min; ¥210.
On foot: 26 min / 2 km uphill.
Taxi: ~7 min; ~¥890 (share with friends!).
でら名古屋ダッシュ！
Tip: Reserve at least ½ day free; the in-house cafeteria closes at 2 p.m.
Available languages for the theory test
Test languages
Hirabari offers the exam in 20 languages, including Portuguese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Thai, Indonesian, and English (online reservation required for EN, PT, VI, ZH).
Consider 2 Scenarios – With Prior License or from Scratch
Scenario 1 – With Prior License
Path Average Cost 2025 Typical Length
Intensive Camp (合宿免許) ¥180k–¥330k (accommodation included) 10–14 days
Regular Driving School (通学免許) ¥300k–¥370k 1–3 months
Summary Steps
Enroll in the course (camp or school).
In-house practical test → issuance of karia-men (provisional license).
Official theory exam in Hirabari – fee ¥1900.
Official practical exam (if taking a “direct test” without a school, be prepared: fee ¥3300, high failure rate).
Driver’s License Issuance (¥2,350).
Aichi Prefecture
Money-saving tip: Camp between Jan-Feb or Oct-Nov; it’s low season.
Scenario 2 – Converting a Foreign License (外免切替)
Scenario 2 – Foreign License Transfer
Prerequisites
Have lived in the issuing country for at least 3 months after obtaining the license.
Aichi address and valid residence card.
Aichi Prefecture
Steps
Official Driver’s License Translation → JAF Online (¥4,000 + ¥20/page print)
JAPAN AUTOMOBILE FEDERATION (JAF)
Book the screening date and time online (graffer.jp).
Document submission + vision test.
Short theory test (10 questions, available in PT/VI/EN, etc.).
Practical circuit test (15 min).
License issued on the same day if approved.
Fee
Screening + theory test ¥1600
Practical test + car ¥3300
License issuance ¥2350
Bring an interpreter if you don’t speak Japanese; this is a formal requirement.
Aichi Prefecture
Scenario 3 – 50cc Moped Only
Scenario 3 – 50cc Moped Only
Minimum age 16; address in Aichi.
Registration: Mon-Fri 8:45 AM–10:00 AM.
Flow: Aptitude → Test (46+2 questions) → Safety class (3 hours) → License at 2 PM/4:40 PM.
Costs:
Test ¥1,500
Practical class ¥4,500
Issuance ¥2,050 → Total ¥8,050
nic-nagoya.or.jp
Cutoff score: 90% – study the app “運転免許クイズ” (there’s a Vietnamese version!).
Quick Cost & Time Summary
Situation Approximate Total Cost Time to License
Zero Experience ¥180k–¥370k 2 weeks–3 months
Conversion (外免) ¥5k–¥15k (DIY) 2–8 weeks
50cc Moped ¥8050 1 day
(Prices confirmed on July 28, 2025; subject to change.)
Checklist of What to Bring (all scenarios)
Residence Card + Passport
1 3×2.4cm photo (plain background, ≤6 months old)
JAF Translation (for conversion)
Glasses/lenses required for driving
Black pen
Cash for fees (stamps)
Appropriate clothing (no flip-flops; long sleeves for motorcycles)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just a PID + driver’s license?
Only up to 1 year after becoming a legal resident.
Do I need a sworn translator?
Only the JAF or a consulate are accepted.
JAPAN AUTOMOBILE FEDERATION (JAF)
What if I fail?
For conversion, the process expires in 6 months – you will have to start again.
Aichi Prefecture
Glossary PT-JP-EN
JP EN Term
Provisional License (Kari-men) Learner’s Permit
Foreign Conversion Foreign license switch (gaimen kirikae)
Residential driving camp (gasshuku menkyo)
Useful links
Hirabari online reservation: ttzk.graffer.jp
PDF Aichi Police – 外免切替: pref.aichi.jp/police … (link in JP)
JAF Translations: english.jaf.or.jp
Nagoya International Center FAQ: nic-nagoya.or.jp/en
Conclusion & Next Steps
Call-to-Action
There you go! Now you know how (and how much it costs) to get any license in Japan via Hirabari. Save this guide, share it in the factory’s LINE/WhatsApp groups, and—if you’ve already gone through the process—leave your tips in the comments. Good luck and drive safely!
Updated July 28, 2025. Always check the Aichi Police website for last-minute changes.
