A driver's license is called a jidousha menkyo (自動車免許) in Japanese.
If you have to retake the exam (as most of us do), be prepared to shell out about 4,600 yen per retake.
Many driving schools will offer a special course that will only teach you how to take the driving test. In Saiki, the class was an hour a day on four separate days for 9,000 yen. That's cheaper than going to the Oita test course on Saturday and renting a car and instructor for an hour. My recommendation would be to go to a driving school if possible so you can learn how to pass the test. That, and take the test before your international license expires. In July and August is when all the JETs go to get their license and getting an appointment can be tricky.
When you go to take time off to take the test, ask your supervisor if there's a special leave (tokkyu 特休) you can take instead of nenkyu. At my school, we can get special leave for official business that we have to take care of during the week (such as sorting out paperwork at city hall or taking your driving test). If possible, ask if you can take that. They may or may not let you, but it’s a worth a try either way!
Click the title above to read a thorough guide made by Kalista in 2023, with her own personal experience of taking the driving test, and how to get your license!
what to bring to the driving test
Home country driver's license, received at least 3 months before you arrived in Japan. (If not, you should bring your old license too).
Translation of your license by the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
Passport
Residency card (外国人登録証書, Gaikokujin touroku shomeisho OR 在留カード, zairyu kaado)
Confirmation certificate, confirming the information in your Alien Registration Card/Residency Card. Obtainable from any city hall.
Photograph that is 3 x 2.4 cm. This can be taken easily at the photo booths you see around stores.
Money - you should bring at least ¥8,000 to cover registration and application fee etc.
Interpreter - if you think you'll need help with understanding Japanese. There is a short "interview" before you take the written test regarding your prior driving experience.
Location: Oita Department of Motor Vehicles (Oita Keisatsu Honbu Kotsubu Unten Menkyoka) 6687 Matsuoka, Oita City
**The driving test will usually be a 1:00 pm appointment. If you need to retake the driving test, they will give you a number to call, tell you exactly when you should call, and what you should say. Retakes are offered at 8:30 am on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. **The foreigner’s driving course map is located at the driving center.