Are you considering getting a large license and using it for your work?

In this article, for those who want to obtain a large vehicle license (large vehicle license), we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the types of vehicles you can drive and the conditions for obtaining one. It is full of information that will help you make a concrete plan to obtain a large-scale license, such as the cost and time required to obtain one.

Let's solve the questions you have about obtaining a large license and find the best way to obtain a license for yourself.

What is a large vehicle license?

A license that allows you to drive a vehicle classified as a large vehicle. The official names are ``Large Vehicle Class 1 License'' and ``Large Vehicle Type 2 License.''

Difference between type 1 and type 2

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 heavy-duty licenses is that Type 2 is a license that allows you to drive buses and other vehicles for passengers to ride. Therefore, in order to become a professional driver who provides driving skills and works for buses, taxis, nursing care taxis, driving agents, etc., you are required to obtain a Class 2 license.

However, even if you have a class 1 large vehicle license, you can drive a bus or large truck. For example, a Type 1 license is not required for driving when not transporting passengers, such as forwarding or test driving, or driving a private bus.

Types of vehicles that can be driven with a large vehicle license

The types of cars that you can drive after obtaining a license are classified according to the Road Traffic Act. The table below summarizes the characteristics of the types of vehicles that you can drive by obtaining a heavy-duty license.

Conditions for obtaining a large vehicle license

Here, we will explain the conditions for obtaining a large vehicle license.

basic requirements

You must have at least 3 years of driving experience after obtaining one of the following licenses, and be 21 years of age or older at the time you aim to obtain one.

• Ordinary car license
• Semi-medium license
• Medium license
• Large special license

A portion of the Road Traffic Act was revised on May 13, 2022, and if you are 19 years of age or older and have completed the special qualification training, you will be able to take the license exam if you have received the license above for one year or more.

Special qualification training can be taken at registered driving schools that have been notified and approved by the Public Safety Commission and at designated driving schools that have been designated by the Public Safety Commission, so let's find out if you can take it at a driving school near you.

Required physical conditions

One of the most common tests that people undergo for the first time is to measure their depth vision. This is a test that measures a person's ability to perceive the distance of things they see with their eyes, such as perspective, depth, and dynamic perspective, which are important for driving large vehicles.

Also, if you have a physical disability, please consult at the driver's license examination center (driving aptitude counter) and have them determine whether you can obtain a large driver's license. You can receive advice based on your current situation, not the name of your disability, so you can also receive advice on what preparations you need to make when obtaining your license.

[By acquisition method] Cost and time required to obtain a large vehicle license

We will explain the cost and period of acquiring a large license for two acquisition methods: attending a driving school and acquiring it at a training camp.

If you go to a driving school

This is a method of aiming to obtain a license by taking the necessary subjects and skills at a driving school according to the license you have obtained. After passing Final Driving Test, if you can pass the aptitude test at the driver's license exam center, you can obtain a large driver's license.

It is also possible to apply directly to a driver's license examination center and take the one-shot test for a large driver's license. However, because the exams have strict standards, they are inevitably more difficult. The common method is to acquire the skills at a driving school and become able to drive legally, and then take the test.

Acquisition cost

The required curriculum differs depending on the license you have obtained, so the fees you pay to the driving school will also vary.

The above acquisition costs are only a guideline. Prices vary depending on the driving school you use and the season, so be sure to check carefully in advance.

Acquisition period

The number of subjects and skills you should take will vary depending on the license you have obtained.

The number of days may be shorter or longer depending on the availability of the driving school and work commitments.

When participating in a training camp

This is a method of staying at a driving school for a short period of time and concentrating on skills and training intensively. Various plans are available for each driving school.

Acquisition cost

When researching costs, be aware that there are small differences depending on the training camp, such as meal costs, lodging costs, and additional costs. We recommend a plan that does not incur additional costs, such as accommodation fees for extended stays, until you graduate.

Acquisition period

The number of subjects and skill hours that you should take are the same as if you were attending school and aiming to obtain a license. However, because the training is intensive, the number of days it takes to obtain the certification varies greatly.

For example, if you have a medium-duty driver's license, you can aim to obtain a heavy-duty driver's license by taking a 14-hour skills course (each period is 50 minutes) concentrated over seven days. The advantage of sleeping overnight near the driving school is that you can continue your training effectively up to the maximum time stipulated by law.

Driving Camp is suitable for those who want to obtain their license in the shortest possible time.

When taking a one-shot test

This is a way to take the provisional license test and the main test directly at a driving license test center. Follow the steps below.

1. Take an aptitude test such as a vision test
2. Take the provisional license skill test
3. Practice on the road for at least 5 days (2 hours a day) within 3 months before taking the actual exam.
4. Take the main exam
5. Attend a course upon acquisition
6. Driver's License will be issued

When practicing on the road, a person who has held a heavy vehicle license for a total of three years or more and can actually drive the car used for practice must be in the passenger seat. You must arrange for someone to ride with you and carry out the necessary procedures yourself.

Acquisition cost

The following are the costs required when directly aiming to obtain a large license as of January 2023.

There is a fee for each test attempt, so if you fail the test, you will have to pay the test fee again.

Acquisition period

Reservations are required for all exams, courses, and skill tests. Therefore, although it is a shorter period of time than commuting to a driving school, it does not mean that you can obtain a large license on the same day.

When taking the provisional license test, there are differences in reservation status depending on each prefecture, but basically you can only take the test on weekdays from Monday to Friday. Depending on how busy it is, it's not uncommon for reservations to be made several weeks in advance.

Additionally, after passing the provisional license exam, you will be required to practice on the road for at least 5 days and 2 hours a day. You will also need to coordinate your schedule with the license holder who will be riding with you, and in some cases the three-month period may be over.

Considering the possibility of failing the test, if you have a set date for obtaining a large license, it is better to use a driving school that has a clear schedule.

Subsidies and grants available for obtaining a large vehicle license

Education and training benefit system

This system allows employees to pay part of the cost of courses designated by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare for the purpose of stabilizing employment, promoting reemployment, and career advancement.

The following steps are required to receive it:

1. Get an “Education and Training Benefit Payment Requirements Inquiry Sheet” at your nearest Hello Work
2. Find out which driving schools can use the education and training benefit system
3. Fill out the “Educational Training Benefit Payment Requirements Inquiry Sheet” and submit it along with your identity verification documents.
4. You will receive an “Educational Training Benefit Payment Requirements Answer Form” from Hello Work.
5. Enter the driving school with the answer sheet you received.
6. Upon graduation, you will receive a "Certificate of Education and Training Completion," "Receipt," and "Application Form for Education and Training Benefits."
7. Fill out the “Application Form for Education and Training Benefits” and apply with the required documents to Hello Work.
8. Benefits will be transferred to your account

Please note that the driving schools that can use the education and training benefit system are designated by the government. Please check with Hello Work in advance and apply to a driving school where you can use the system.

Also, you can apply for the benefit within one month after graduating from the driving school. You may make mistakes such as throwing away required documents, so it's a good idea to start the process early.

Truck association grants by region

Some trucking companies have systems in place to receive subsidies from their local trucking association. Even if you are not eligible for the education and training benefit, you may be able to receive a subsidy under this system, so check it out.

However, availability may vary depending on the company you belong to and the local trucking association. Please check with your prefecture's trucking association or company in advance.

Questions to ask about getting a large vehicle license

Is it difficult to obtain a large vehicle license?

In general, it is said that it is more difficult to obtain a license than for a regular car. This is due to the following differences in handling.

• The long body of the vehicle increases the possibility of getting caught in an accident.
• The driver's seat is located higher than in a regular car.
• The vehicle itself is large and tends to create blind spots that cannot be seen through the mirrors.
• As the weight of cargo increases, it may become difficult for the brakes to work properly.

To improve your driving skills, it is important to train at a driving school with safety first in mind. If you are aiming to obtain a driver's license and have some free time, it is a good idea to start by obtaining a semi-medium or medium-sized driver's license.

Can I get a large license at any driving school?

There are a limited number of driving schools where you can obtain a large license. It is not uncommon for there to be only a limited number of driving schools within a prefecture where you can obtain certification.

This is because it is necessary for driving schools to set up courses and vehicles exclusively for large vehicle licenses, and there are fewer driving schools that can introduce it compared to regular vehicle licenses.

Therefore, if there is no driving school nearby where you can obtain a large vehicle license, you should consider taking a training camp instead of going to school. By taking Driving Camp, you can aim to obtain your license in a short period of time, and you will also be able to easily acquire the safety-first driving skills required for the actual test.

Plan your large vehicle license acquisition accordingly

Large vehicle licenses are divided into type 2 and type 2, depending on whether you can carry passengers or not. Decide which one to take depending on the content you want to utilize in your work. Although the qualifications for receiving a license have been relaxed, it is important to check whether you can receive the license with your current qualifications.

There are three ways to obtain a license: by attending a driving school, by Driving Camp, and by aiming to obtain a license in one go. There are only a limited number of driving schools where you can aim to obtain a large license, so it is important to act early.

Choose the method that suits you and prepare step by step to obtain your major driver's license.