Taxi Driver’s License in Japan: Class 2 Requirements

Thinking about driving a taxi in Japan? For a standard taxi, the relevant license is generally the ordinary Class 2 license. It is different from the ordinary Class 1 license used for everyday private driving.

Asia Driving School helps foreign residents prepare for the theory and practical requirements, understand the application process, and organize the paperwork they may need.

What is an ordinary Class 2 license?

The ordinary Class 2 license covers driving an ordinary passenger vehicle for passenger transport services such as a conventional taxi. Preparation focuses on safe driving and the responsibility of carrying passengers.

That means thinking beyond your own journey: anticipating hazards, stopping safely, and keeping acceleration, steering, and braking smooth and controlled.

Age and driving experience

The standard requirements are age 21 or older and at least three years of eligible license history, excluding periods of suspension. An ordinary license is one of the qualifying categories. Check the Saitama Police eligibility table for the full rules.

An approved special training route can reduce the requirements to age 19 and at least one year of eligible license history. This exception requires the relevant training, not just ordinary driving lessons. The National Police Agency explains the special eligibility courses.

If you drove abroad, ask the licensing center which overseas license periods can count and what evidence it requires. Saitama provides a procedure for certifying foreign license history. Do not assume that every qualifying year must have been spent holding a Japanese license.

What does the written exam include?

The Class 2 written exam has 90 text questions and five illustrated questions, for a total of 100 points. The passing score is at least 90 points. See the Kanagawa Police exam guide.

Prepare for traffic rules, hazard awareness, and passenger safety. Understanding why an answer is correct is more useful than memorizing a practice sheet. Confirm available exam languages and booking requirements with your licensing center.

Practical training and test routes

Your test requirements depend on your existing licenses and training route. Graduating from a designated driving school can exempt you from the licensing center’s practical test. Other applicants follow a direct examination route. Saitama Police publishes separate guidance for designated school graduates.

For practical preparation, pay particular attention to:

• Mirror checks, blind spots, and safe lane changes.
• Intersections, crosswalks, and the movement of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Accurate turns and appropriate speed.
• Smooth acceleration, braking, and steering.
• Safe stopping positions and passenger comfort.

Direct examination applicants may also need documented road practice and required courses before the license is issued. Confirm the sequence using the direct examination guidance.

Eyesight and other aptitude requirements

Class 2 applicants must meet the applicable aptitude standards. The eyesight standard is at least 0.8 with both eyes and at least 0.5 in each eye, with correction allowed. A depth perception test is also required. Review the Saitama Police aptitude standards and bring glasses or contact lenses if you need them.

Prepare your paperwork

Check the current list for your prefecture and application route before visiting. It may include:

• Your current Japanese driver’s license or applicable My Number driver’s license.
• Your residence card or other accepted residence document.
• A resident record when required.
• Application photos that meet the center’s specifications.
• License history records, graduation certificates, or special course certificates, where applicable.

The required documents and exemptions vary. Confirm your list before arranging travel or booking an exam.

Class 2 preparation with Asia Driving School

We support foreign residents in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, and Tochigi who are preparing for an ordinary Class 2 license. Tell us where you live, which license you hold, and your driving experience so we can discuss a suitable preparation plan.

Contact Asia Driving School for help with the process, the paperwork, and the classes. We can help you prepare for the written exam and develop the practical skills needed to carry passengers safely.