Thanks to the efficient, cheap and convenient public transport network, the motivation to drive is minimal. Many Japanese wait until after university or until they get married to get a driving licence, despite the legal minimum age being 18, as driving schools are notoriously pricey, charging between ¥250,000 and ¥500,000 for lessons.

For foreigners, it’s best to get an international driving licence (IDL) before arriving in Japan or else to transfer to a Japanese licence (a process called gaimen kirikae). If you use an IDL, you won’t be covered by Japanese insurance and the licence is only valid for one year. If you decide to get a Japanese licence, you may or may not have to take a road test, depending on what country your licence is from.
If you have not got a licence, the other option is to buckle up and take the test. JapanDriversLicense.com offers consultation, study material for the written tests, and can arrange practice times and instruction. Visit their website at www.japandriverslicense.com.