Are you considering obtaining a semi-medium-sized license, but are wondering how to reduce costs and obtain it quickly?

Here we will teach you how to obtain a semi-medium license as cheaply, smoothly, quickly, and reliably as possible. This is because the cost and period vary greatly depending on the acquisition method.

In this article, we will tell you three points to keep in mind when acquiring a semi-medium license, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to select one. In the second half, we will cover the commuting fees for 10 major cities in Japan (Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka) and 7 areas (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku/Shikoku, Kyushu) ) We have thoroughly compared the costs of recommended training camps.

If you finish reading, you won't have to worry about getting a semi-medium license. It would be great if you could find a way to get your license that you won't regret once in a lifetime. (The prices listed in this article are subject to 10% consumption tax. Also, the Do-Live editorial department investigates and updates prices once every quarter.)

Last updated: January 23, 2024

[1] How much does a medium-sized vehicle license cost?

What is the national price range for a semi-medium license? For commuting

Possession license	Commuting fee (tax incl.)
none	392,761円
Regular license MT	161,156円
Limited release (semi-medium size 5t limited MT)	88,765円

The above fees are the average tuition fees based on a survey of the costs involved in obtaining a license at 10 driving schools in the 10 largest cities across the country that offer medium-sized vehicle licenses.
*Does not include the provisional license application fee of 2,850 yen (tax-exempt). (As of December 7, 2023)

What is the national price range for a semi-medium license? In case of training camp

Possession license	Camp fee (tax incl.)
none	387,031円
Regular license MT	156,784円
Limited release (semi-medium size 5t limited MT)	76,957円

The above fees are based on the average training camp fees based on a survey based on acquisition costs from 6 schools that handle recommended training Driving Camp and semi-medium licenses from 7 areas: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku/Shikoku, and Kyushu. It becomes.

*The above prices are selected from plans that include accommodation costs, meal costs (3 meals), transportation costs (partially), and a guarantee that there will be no additional costs until graduation. Does not include provisional license application fee of 2,850 yen (tax exempt). (As of January 23, 2024)

How to choose when obtaining a semi-medium license

How to choose when obtaining a semi-medium license

1. Keep costs down anyway
2. Prioritize “early: speed”
3. The key points are the market price and acquisition period for each region.

First of all, let's focus on ``reducing costs''.

[2] Comparison of costs by region across the country (a thorough comparison of commuting and camping)

Here, we have conducted a thorough nationwide survey of the training fees for medium-sized vehicle licenses.
We have thoroughly compared the commuting fees in Japan's 10 biggest cities (Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka) as well as the costs of recommended driving schools offering Driving Camp and medium-sized vehicle licenses in seven areas: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku/Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Let's take a closer look. *This does not include the provisional license application fee of 2,850 yen (tax-exempt). (As of January 23, 2024)

For those living in the Hokkaido area

area	Hokkaido (Sapporo City)	Hokkaido (Sapporo City)	Tohoku (Yamagata Prefecture)
acquisition style	Commuting to school	Commuting to school	Training camp single (3 meals included)
Driving school name	Chuo Bus Driving School	Sapporo Inter Driving School	Matsuki Driving School
No license	439,780円	420,750円	386,000円
Regular license MT	159,170円	151,470円	151,000円
Semi-medium license (5t limited MT)	70,510円	57,970円	71,000円

~This is the key point in the Hokkaido area~

• In Hokkaido, there are many driving schools that handle semi-medium licenses for commuters, so the benefits of training camps (fast and cheap) are slim.
• For those who participate in Driving Camp in Honshu from Sapporo or Hakodate, transportation expenses will also be paid if you use the Shinkansen or train.

For those living in the Tohoku area

area	Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture)	Fukushima Prefecture (Koriyama City)	Tohoku (Yamagata Prefecture)
acquisition style	Commuting to school	Commuting to school	Training camp single (3 meals included)
Driving school name	Sendai Kita Driving School	Fukuyama Driving School	Matsuki Driving School
No license	392,160円	394,020円	386,000円
Regular license MT	158,390円	158,950円	151,000円
Semi-medium license (5t limited MT)	67,010円	92,730円	71,000円

~This is the key point in the Tohoku area~

• Commuting fees are cheap compared to the national average! There are many schools in the Tohoku area that offer semi-medium licenses, so there are few benefits to going to a training camp.
• The Tohoku area is a training camp mecca, and if you want to gain speed, come to training camp! !
• Please note that there are some driving schools in your prefecture that do not allow training camps within the prefecture, as they are prohibited from entering the area.

For those living in the Kanto area

area	Yokohama-city kanagawa prefecture)	Yokohama-city kanagawa prefecture)	Kanto (Tochigi Prefecture)
acquisition style	Commuting to school	Commuting to school	Training camp single (3 meals included)
Driving school name	Tokyu Driving School	Smart Driver School Minamiyokohama	Smart Driver School Koganei
No license	396,100円	459,140円	396,000円
Regular license MT	195,600円	202,620円	161,700円
Semi-medium license (5t limited MT)	94,700円	118,800円	88,000円

~This is the key point in the Kanto area~

• Training camp is definitely recommended. Especially in Tokyo and Kanagawa, there are very few driving schools that offer semi-medium licenses, and it continues to be difficult to make reservations. The tuition fees for commuting schools are among the highest in the country and are relatively expensive.
• Even if you don't go to the Tohoku region, the following are famous training camps in the Tokyo area:
  Chiba Prefecture (Kimitsu City): Smart Driver School Kazusa
  Tochigi Prefecture (Nasushiobara): Nasu Driving School
  Saitama Prefecture (Kawagoe City): Smart Driver School Kawagoe

For those living in the Tokai area

area	Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City)	Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City)	Tokai (Nagano Prefecture)
acquisition style	Commuting to school	Commuting to school	Training camp single (3 meals included)
Driving school name	Meitetsu Driving School	Aichi Driving School	Smart Driver School Shinshu Shiojiri
none	436,360円	448,800円	385,000円
Regular license MT	189,410円	176,000円	161,150円
Semi-medium license (5t limited MT)	80,300円	82,500円	77,000円

~This is the key point in the Tokai area~

• A training camp is recommended.In fact, Aichi Prefecture is famous for having the highest tuition fees nationwide. Therefore, Driving Camp from Nagoya are very popular in the neighboring prefectures of Shizuoka and Nagano. Access is also good. Depending on the license you have, the difference can be close to 50,000 yen.

For those living in the Kansai area

area	Osaka-shi, Osaka)	Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)	Kansai (Shiga Prefecture)
acquisition style	Commuting to school	Commuting to school	Training camp single (3 meals included)
Driving school name	Hanwaho Driving School	Delta Driving School Shijo	Smart Driver School Biwako Seta
none	439,330円	447,800円	404,800円
Regular license MT	183,690円	187,050円	152,900円
Semi-medium license (5t limited MT)	67,320円	118,300円	77,000円

~This is the key point in the Kansai area~

• Training camps are recommended. Especially in the Kansai area, there are only four driving schools in Osaka Prefecture that handle semi-medium-sized licenses, and only one in Kyoto City and Nara City. It is still difficult to make reservations. There are no driving schools offering training camps in Osaka Prefecture and Nara Prefecture. Here too, training camps are overwhelmingly cheaper.
  Wakayama Prefecture (Kainan City): Driving School Kainan
  Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe City): Smart Driver School Kobe Nishi

For those living in the Chugoku/Shikoku area

area	Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture)	Okayama Prefecture (Okayama City)	Chugoku/Shikoku (Okayama Prefecture)
acquisition style	Commuting to school	Commuting to school	Training camp single (3 meals included)
Driving school name	Numata Driving School	Okayama Driving School	Smart Driver School Shoei
none	386,550円	472,220円	385,000円
Regular license MT	160,800円	182,700円	137,500円
Semi-medium license (5t limited MT)	67,100円	75,460円	77,000円

~This is the key point in the Chugoku/Shikoku area~

• A training camp is recommended. Even in this area, commuting fees are among the highest in the country, but on the other hand, training camps are by far the cheapest.

For those living in the Kyushu area

area	Fukuoka Prefecture (Fukuoka City)	Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture)	Kyushu (Miyazaki Prefecture)
acquisition style	Commuting to school	Commuting to school	Training camp single (3 meals included)
Driving school name	Minami Fukuoka Driving School	Nishiko Driving School	Umeda Gakuen DS Sadowara School
none	377,600円	402,050円	366,400円
Regular license MT	146,300円	135,850円	121,650円
Semi-medium license (5t limited MT)	68,750円	84,480円	Not available

~This is the key point in the Kyushu area~

• Commuting fees are cheap compared to the national average!
• Many people looking for Driving Camp in Kyushu can search within Kyushu, but training camp fees are not that cheap in the Kyushu area. We recommend that you obtain this at school.

When obtaining a semi-medium license, there is a system in which the government does not pay all of the costs, but some of the costs are covered by the government. It is a system with many benefits if used effectively.

[3] Subsidy-based low-cost medium-sized vehicle license

Individuals can save up to 100,000 yen by using the education and training allowance!

(1) What is the education and training benefit system?

If you take a training plan designated by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, you can receive a portion of the expenses you paid from employment insurance. This plan is available to people who have been covered by employment insurance for three years or more, but first-time recipients can enroll if they have been receiving benefits for a total of one year or more.

"I want to get a license, but the costs are so high..." This is the perfect system for people like you!
This system is available for both school and camp plans.

(2) How much is the benefit amount?

If you attend and complete general education and training designated by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, you can receive 20% of the cost paid to the driving school (up to 100,000 yen per year). *You cannot apply for multiple education and training courses at the same time, but you can apply for a simultaneous training plan (e.g. semi-medium license + large special license + towing license).

(3) Check here to see if you are eligible for benefits!

(4) Points to note

*Insured persons under employment insurance are workers employed by companies, etc., who are enrolled in employment insurance. Individual business owners and civil servants are not eligible for education and training benefits.

This subsidy system has been established because the semi-medium license is a necessary qualification for work and a qualification that can lead to career advancement.

Corporations can save up to 160,000 yen by using the career development promotion subsidy!

(1) What is a career development promotion subsidy?

This is a subsidy system that subsidizes driving school training costs and part of the wages during the training period when transportation companies, etc. have their employees obtain semi-medium vehicle licenses.

(2) Grant amount

The subsidy covers the expenses required to take lessons at the driving school and the wages paid during the time spent taking lessons at the driving school.

To obtain a semi-medium vehicle license, you will be required to take approximately 68 hours of training at a driving school, although this will vary depending on the license you hold.

If the subsidies are used correctly, small and medium-sized businesses can receive an estimated 150,000 yen for training costs and 24,000 yen per employee as a wage subsidy, for a total of about 170,000 yen.

One thing to note is that this subsidy requires more than 20 hours of training, so if the training, such as lifting restrictions, is less than 20 hours, you will need to add a job-related course or other training conducted within your company or at an external institution. By the way, each Driving Lessons and academic training session is 50 minutes long.

Subsidy matters	Payment criteria (small and medium-sized enterprises)
wage subsidy	800 yen per person per hour
Expense subsidy	Half the cost of training Maximum amount per person: 20-100 hours: 150,000 yen
remarks	As a general rule, if the actual training hours are less than 80% of the planned training hours, you will not be eligible for the subsidy.

Possession license	Skill time limit	Number of academic hours	Target availability
none	41	27	subject (68 classes x 50 minutes/60 minutes = 56.6 hours)
Regular license MT	13	1	​Additional training etc. required (14 classes x 50/60 minutes = 11.6 hours)
Limited release (semi-medium size 5t limited MT)	4	0	Not possible

*Since each lesson is 50 minutes long, you will need to convert the time as shown above.
*Depending on the license you hold, you may not have 20 hours to obtain a semi-medium-sized license, so you will need to meet the 20 hours by adding forklift, slinging skills, safe driving education courses, etc. In addition, since this system is aimed at developing the professional skills of employees, you will need to submit an annual plan.

(3) Flow of receiving benefits

The important point is the process of receiving the subsidy. Careful preparation is required in advance. Although it is not a very difficult document, this document from the Trucking Association has detailed information. (Click here for details)

1. Selection of vocational ability development promoters
2. Creation of in-house vocational skills development plan
3. Creating an annual professional development plan
4. Submission of Career Development Promotion Subsidy Training Implementation Plan Notification
5. Conducting training
6. Submission of career development promotion subsidy application form
7. Receiving a subsidy

[4] The acquisition period is key! If you go to school, it takes at least two months, but if you go to a training camp, it takes just 18 days.

Current license	skill hours	Department time	Acquisition period [school attendance]	Acquisition period [Training camp]	What is the recommended acquisition method?
none	41	27	2 months to 3 months	18th	Driving Camp
Ordinary license	13	1	about 3 weeks	Four days	Driving Camp
Limited release Semi-medium license 5t limited	4	0	2-3 days	3 days	school license

If you want to get it in a short period of time, it's overwhelmingly Driving Camp!

as a premise
Benefits of attending classes: You can book and proceed with lessons according to your own schedule.
Disadvantages of commuting: If the driving school is crowded, it will be difficult to make a reservation and your lessons will progress slowly.

Benefits of the training camp: We will conduct training every day. In general, we will conduct training for the maximum time stipulated by law (1st stage on-site training: 2 hours, 2nd stage on-road training: 3 hours). (Please refer to the model schedule here.)
Disadvantages of training camps: You cannot make other plans during the training camp period.

In the case of Driving Camp, the schedule will be as follows.
Model Schedule Example 1: Semi-medium-sized license (without license): 17 nights, 18 days ~
モデルスケジュール例②準中型免許（普通免許）：3泊4日〜

Why does it take so many days to complete the exam while attending school?

The number of training vehicles is small

The main reason is that the number of training vehicles is small. The number of students with semi-medium licenses is often only a few per month, so it seems that many driving schools only have one or two vehicles.

It is difficult to make reservations for lessons when commuting to school.

(1) Timing

Driving schools across the country are crowded in January, February, March, August, and September with high school and university students seeking regular driving licenses, making it difficult to make reservations.

(2 hours

Generally, those who obtain a semi-medium-sized driver's license tend to be high school students or working adults. Due to the small number of training vehicles, reservations cannot be made if training times overlap, such as after the evening.

(3) Day of the week

Generally, those who obtain a semi-medium-sized driver's license tend to be high school students or working adults. Due to the small number of training vehicles, reservations cannot be made if training times overlap, such as after the evening.

(4) Others

In addition, the school will be closed on regular holidays, Obon holidays, and New Year's holidays.

[5] Towards a licensing system that is in line with the times! What is the full scope of the medium-sized vehicle license?

Professional driver qualification available from age 18

A semi-medium vehicle license is a "professional driver qualification" that can be obtained even if you are over 18 years old and have no experience driving a regular car license. This semi-medium license was newly created in 2017. As shown in the diagram below, a semi-medium license is a completely new driving license between a regular license and a medium license.

First of all, I will explain in detail the meaning and contents of the semi-medium license.

Four licenses and two limited licenses born between them

Under the latest Road Traffic Act, Class 1 licenses are classified into six types as follows.
There are four licenses (1.3.5.6) and two restricted licenses (2.4) that were created due to errors before and after the revision of the Road Traffic Act.

1. Ordinary car license
2. Semi-medium license (5t limited)...*1
3. Semi-medium license
4. Medium-sized license (8t limited)...*2
5. Medium license
6. large license

There are 6 categories:

*1 Anyone who obtained a standard vehicle license between June 2007 and March 2017 has now been automatically transferred to a medium-sized vehicle license (5 ton limit).
*2 Anyone who obtained a standard vehicle license before June 2007 has now been automatically transferred to a medium-sized vehicle license (8 tonnes limit).

In 2007, a new “medium-sized license” was created, followed by a semi-medium-sized license in 2017. In other words, the licensing system has been significantly revised twice in the past 10 years, making it complicated to understand the licensing system.

Obtaining a semi-medium license can be done in one of three ways.

There are 3 ways to obtain a semi-medium license:

(1) If you do not have a license

1. Graduated from a designated driving school (41 hours of Driving Lessons, 27 hours of theoretical training)
2. After passing the written test and aptitude test at the driver's license center, Driver's License will be issued.

(2) If you have Regular Manual license

(The timing of acquisition is key.)
If you obtained a regular license after March 12, 2017

1. Graduated from a designated driving school (13 hours of Driving Lessons, 1 period of theoretical training)
2. After passing the aptitude test at the driver's license center, Driver's License will be issued.

(3) If you have acquired a semi-medium 5t limited MT

(The timing of acquisition is key.)
If you obtained a regular driver's license on or after June 2, 2007

Under the current system, it automatically becomes a "semi-medium license limited to 5 tons". Therefore, if this 5 ton limitation is lifted, it will become a proper semi-medium license.

1. Graduated from designated driving training (4 hours of Driving Lessons) *If your regular car license is limited to AT, you will need to separately cancel the AT limitation.
2. After passing the aptitude test at the driver's license center, Driver's License will be issued.

There are three ways to obtain a license, as listed above, and the length of time required for obtaining them differs greatly, so please be careful.

Next, I will explain the weight of the car that you can drive with a semi-medium license.

This is the size and weight of the car you can drive with a semi-medium license! !

A semi-medium license allows you to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 7.5 tons and a maximum payload of less than 4.5 tons.

It's not a commonly used expression, so it's hard to imagine what it means.
The medium-sized license is the perfect size for what are commonly called two-ton trucks.
A 2-ton truck is a small truck with a total vehicle weight of less than 5 tons and a maximum load capacity of 2 tons to 2.9 tons.
Most vehicles can accommodate a maximum of three people, but some double cabs, which have a back seat, can accommodate up to six people.

This small truck is expected to become the most commonly seen logistics vehicle on the streets in the future. Due to its versatility and ease of driving around town, it is used in a variety of fields, including the transportation industry, civil engineering, and food (refrigeration).

Next, we will explain the types of trucks that are compatible with semi-medium licenses. A must-see for anyone considering acquiring one.

Types of trucks that can be ridden with a semi-medium license

Trucks that can be ridden with a semi-medium license are classified into five types, shape characteristics, and uses. A truck is a vehicle whose shape changes completely depending on what kind of finery you put on it.

Flat body: Open orthodox shape. This flat body is often used in training cars used at driving schools.

Refrigerated freezer van: A van with refrigeration and freezing functions. In addition to fresh food, it is also used to transport precision machinery.

Refrigerated freezer van: A van with refrigeration and freezing functions. In addition to fresh food, it is also used to transport precision machinery.

Van: The key point is the box-shaped loading platform. Vans are also essential for moving companies, florists, and transporting clothing and miscellaneous goods.

Dump: A dump truck that uses hydraulic pressure to push up the loading platform and discharge the loaded material all at once. A must-have item for drivers involved in the construction industry.

These semi-medium-sized vehicles are suitable for employment and can be used in a variety of occupations. He is truly a professional driver.

As we have seen so far, semi-medium licenses can be expected to be used for a variety of work purposes, but the following three points are also worth paying attention to! ! !

Industry has high expectations for semi-medium-sized licenses, which are advantageous for finding employment.

As we have seen so far, the semi-medium license is a professional driver qualification that allows drivers from the age of 18 to drive, and is expected to be an effective means of eliminating the driver shortage, especially in the transportation industry.

1. Twice the average for all industries! Super seller's market

The labor shortage in the transportation industry is due to an "increasing workload." With the shortage of drivers becoming a social problem, this is an excellent opportunity for job hunting and career changes.
Against this background, improvements in wages and other working conditions are being made!!

2. Many jobs with high income and high benefits due to supply and demand! !

The appeal of truck driving is the high salary. The working environment and employment of young people and women have also evolved dramatically!
Furthermore, logistics is an important social infrastructure that supports people's lives and industrial activity, and trucks play a central role in logistics.

3. High social and public status!

Logistics is especially a social infrastructure that supports economic activities. In the event of a disaster, they also play a role as a lifeline, demonstrating mobility and transporting large amounts of relief supplies.

[6] Summary

In 2023, the effective job opening ratio for car drivers announced by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will more than double, and the driver shortage is increasing further. It is also predicted that this will lead to a rise in fare levels, which will have an impact on improving the treatment of drivers. This is good news for those who wish to obtain a semi-medium-sized license to advance their career!

A semi-medium driver's license is a professional driver's license that is good for employment. Whether you are considering applying as an individual or a corporation is considering applying for the certification for its employees, it is possible to significantly reduce the burden by taking advantage of government and industry subsidies. I hope this article will help readers advance their careers.