Are you having trouble deciding which school to choose from the countless options available when it comes to attending Driving Camp?
If you know the methods for choosing a school and the recommended schools introduced here, you will be able to easily choose a school that suits you!
This is because the author, who is well-versed in driving school information, provides a detailed professional perspective on the deciding factors that come into play when choosing a school, which vary from person to person.
Once you have finished reading this, you will definitely be able to find a good school that meets your desired criteria!

[1] Why is Driving Camp recommended in the first place? 5 benefits of Driving Camp

First, let's look at the benefits of Driving Camp.
In this chapter, we will explain the five features of Driving Camp that you should especially keep in mind. Whether you are considering Driving Camp or are still undecided, by reading this, you will understand why Driving Camp is recommended.

1. Cheaper than commuting! ~For those who want to keep their training fees low~

The cost of Driving Camp Driving Camp is around 250,000 yen, while the average price for a school commuter license is around 300,000 yen.
Originally, Driving Camp was created as a way for people who have difficulty commuting to school because there is no driving school nearby to obtain a driver's license in a short time and at low cost, but there is no reason not to take advantage of it! When I was getting my license, I participated in Driving Camp during the off-season when the fees were cheaper in order to keep the cost of lessons down. I recommend Driving Camp to people who want to keep the cost of lessons down.

2. You can get your license in a short period of time! ~For those who want to get their license quickly~

If you take Driving Camp you can get your license in as little as 14 days! If you want to get your license as quickly as possible, we recommend Driving Camp.
If you attend classes in person, it will take at least two to three months to graduate due to factors such as the maximum number of lessons per day and the reservation status for Driving Lessons.
If you are busy with club activities or part-time work and find it difficult to adjust your schedule to attend school, if it is a hassle to make a reservation every time you take a lesson, or if you want to get your Driving Camp and get your license in just two weeks!

3. It is possible to obtain a license while traveling! ~For those who want to have fun during their training period~

The best part of Driving Camp is that you can enjoy sightseeing and leisure activities at the driving school! There are schools all over the country, so it's a good idea to choose a school in the area you want to visit.
In addition, many schools provide or subsidize transportation costs for participants. Since it's a two-week camp, you might want to consider going to a more remote area that you normally wouldn't be able to go to!
Driving Camp is also recommended for people who want to get a driver's license but also want to have fun with friends during long holidays, or for couples who want to get their driver's license while traveling together!

4. You can meet people only with Driving Camp! ~For those who are thinking of participating alone~

During the training camp, you will have the opportunity to interact with many people and it will be easier to close the gap between you, so you will be able to make various encounters that you would not be able to make by commuting to school! Driving Camp are recommended not only for groups, but also for people who are thinking of attending alone.
Some of my friends have not only made friends locally, but also started dating after meeting someone at Driving Camp.
The following page provides a detailed explanation of how to meet people at Driving Camp, so please take a look at it (" Essential conditions and 6 techniques for meeting people at Driving Camp").

5. There are various guarantees that commuting does not have! ~For those who are worried about driving for the first time~

There are various guarantees available for Driving Camp. Many driving schools guarantee Driving Lessons and tests until graduation, and if you fail the test, there will be no additional charges for repairs, etc., as long as it is within the scope of the guarantee.
In addition, if you choose a plan that includes meals, meals are guaranteed during the camp, so it is also reassuring for people who do not usually cook for themselves.
The types and contents of guarantees vary depending on the school, but the existence of such guarantees is a significant advantage compared to going to school. I myself was quite anxious about driving for the first time, so I chose Driving Camp that provides a guarantee until graduation.

[2] A school selection expert explains! Five points to consider when choosing a school

Now that you know why Driving Camp camp is recommended, let's look at how to choose a school.
In this chapter, we explain the five points that are the final deciding factor for many people when choosing a school. When choosing a school, it is important to check these points and then figure out which points you particularly want to prioritize!
This will help you determine which school is best for you and also help you decide which school to attend from among the options.

1.About fees

People who want to choose a school with price as an important consideration naturally want to keep their tuition fees as low as possible. Here we will explain the main ways to keep costs down.

(1) Fees vary depending on enrollment period

First, decide when you will go to Driving Camp!
This is because the Driving Camp varies depending on the time of year you enroll. Generally, the fees tend to be higher during the long university student holidays in "mid- to late February" and "early to mid-August" because applications are flooded in.
If you want to keep your tuition fees low, it's important to go outside of the busy seasons of the schools. If you go during the off-season, the fees will be significantly lower than the top rates. Also, even during the same long holiday season, you can get cheaper fees in early February, mid-March, late August, or September.

(2) AT vehicles are recommended.

If you want to keep costs down, choose an automatic car. Prices vary depending on the school, but an automatic car will be about 15,000 yen cheaper than a manual car, and the number of days required will be about two days shorter.
In addition, according to statistics from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association in 2016, AT vehicles account for approximately 98.4% of passenger car sales in Japan, and it can generally be said that it is sufficient to be limited to AT vehicles when obtaining a standard driver's license. In recent years, the number of AT vehicles used for business purposes has increased, and a MT license is no longer required.

(3) Choose a self-catering accommodation plan in a shared room

Some schools offer a variety of accommodation plans, but if cost is a major consideration, choose a shared room plan.
Some people may feel uncomfortable sharing a room, but you will quickly become accustomed to it at the training camp! When I participated in Driving Camp, I lived in a room with about 10 people, but from around the third day, we were able to close the gap by sharing cooking responsibilities and going out together during our off time.
One thing to note is that if you choose Self Cook to keep food costs down, try to avoid eating out as much as possible.

(4) Also check the warranty details and campaigns

If you are considering multiple schools and the tuition fees are almost the same, compare the guarantees and campaigns. Not only do the fees vary from school to school, but the guarantees also differ from school to school. Even if the fees are the same, if there are differences such as a longer free extended stay guarantee period, it would be more reassuring to choose the school.
Also, some driving schools have discount campaigns depending on the time of year. Some schools even offer free change from a shared room to a single room during the applicable period, so don't miss out!

2.About the area

If you want to choose a school with an emphasis on area, first decide whether you want a school in a nearby area or whether you want to search for schools in far-off areas as well. We will explain each of them here, so please use them as a reference.

(1) Focus on access! When considering schools close to home

If you want to be able to return home quickly if something happens, or if you want to take lessons in the area where you will be driving after graduation, we recommend a school located nearby.
However, if you are only concerned about the cost of transportation to the school and are considering a school nearby, we recommend that you also consider schools in other areas. The reason is that, as mentioned in Chapter 1, transportation costs are provided and subsidized for students attending training camps.
Also, please be aware that some schools have designated areas around them where entry is prohibited, and if you fall into one of these areas you will not be able to enter the school.

(2) Looking for a good school! When considering schools including distant areas

If you want to consider an area that includes schools that are somewhat far away, there are some points to consider: "Popular schools," "famous tourist spots," "places that you can't usually go to," etc.
There are various ways to choose, but the best thing is to choose a place where you can enjoy traveling and sightseeing while obtaining your license. You can enjoy the true pleasure of Driving Camp.
For most people, driving lessons are a once in a lifetime experience, so choose an area you won't regret.

3.About the accommodation

When considering accommodation, it is best to separate information into "about the facilities within the accommodation" and "about the room you will be staying in."
You want to avoid a situation where the exterior and entrance are impressive but the rooms you stay in are poorly equipped.
When researching accommodation information, don't just look at exterior photos, but make sure you understand these two points before making your decision.

(1) This determines how fulfilling your off time is! About the facilities in the dormitory

The quality of the facilities in the accommodations will make a huge difference to your life at the camp, because the accommodations are where you will spend the most time after the school building.
For example, if the dormitory has a shared lounge, you can interact with other participants and it may lead to unexpected encounters. In recent years, some schools have comic corners and fitness rooms in their accommodation.
Additionally, if the accommodation provides bicycle rentals, it will greatly expand your living environment and be very convenient.

(2) Of course, the most important thing is your room! Check the room you will be staying in carefully

For many people, this is the most important factor when choosing a school.
This is because, since you will be spending two weeks there, if you are dissatisfied with the room where you start and end each day, it will inevitably become a major source of stress during that time.
To avoid regretting your decision after enrolling, make sure to check in advance if there are any conditions you cannot compromise on, such as whether there is a TV and Wi-Fi, or whether there is running water and a toilet in each room.

(3) About the room type

Regarding room types, if you would like to have some private time during the camp, we recommend choosing a single room even if you are enrolling in a group.
Living in the same room as close friends is fun, but on the other hand, it can be difficult to find time for yourself.
Especially if you normally live alone, you may find it stressful to be without your own room for two weeks.

4.About the school building

(1) Place where you will spend the most time during your stay

Naturally, during training camp you will spend most of your time in the school building. Also, do not forget that you will be spending time in the school building other than lessons. Unless you have a dormitory where you can walk home, you will generally spend your spare time in the school building. Therefore, be sure to check in advance if there are any places in the school building where you can relax or socialize with friends and other participants.

(2) Of course, a new and clean school building is great! Let's also check the equipment details.

As with accommodation, you should also check the facilities at the school. Recently, some schools have karaoke rooms and table tennis courts on campus, which are places to spend your off-time, as mentioned in (1). If you go to a school like this, you won't get bored during your free time.
Also, facilities such as a computer lab where you can study for the written exam are important. Some people have a hard time with written exams, so the presence of such facilities will have a bigger impact than you might think before enrolling.

5.About the surrounding environment

Since you will be living there for a long period of two weeks, it is essential to check the surrounding environment. Here, let's consider two points: the environment as a living place and the environment as a travel destination.

(1) Your priority should be to enrich your surroundings! About “the environment as a place to live”

Due to their nature, training schools are often located away from busy areas, but you may experience unexpected inconveniences if there are no stores that sell a certain amount of daily necessities.
At the very least, we recommend that you find out whether there are convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores within walking distance of your accommodation or school, or whether there are shuttle buses that go to those places. Some schools may even provide transportation to and from your school.

(2) Driving Camp is also a long trip! About the “environment as a travel destination”

While you're here, why not enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area as well?
If you are particularly interested in the area when choosing a school, be sure to check this item. If you have already decided on your desired tourist spots, the convenience of transportation around the school and accommodation is almost a must. Be sure to check this item.
Also, make sure to check whether there are other leisure spots nearby, such as karaoke and bowling alleys. You can use these to spend your free time or with friends you've made while you're there.

[3] 6 recommended schools by region that professionals confidently recommend

In the previous chapters, we mainly explained the key points when choosing a school. Here we will explain the actual school information. We have selected recommended schools from each region, so consider schools based on your own priorities that you learned in the previous chapter.

1.Hokkaido/Tohoku region

"Enjoy sightseeing! Discover the World Heritage Sites and Morioka's Three Great Noodles!"

Hiraizumi Driving School

This school is located in Iwate Prefecture, but it's only a two and a half hour bullet train ride from Tokyo Station, so it's easily accessible from the Kanto region!
You can choose from hotels to ryokans, so whether you are participating alone or in a group, you can have a comfortable stay. The ryokans also have hot springs, so you can escape from the daily fatigue during the training camp.
In addition, the wooden school building, which was renovated in 2016, is very stylish! It will motivate you to go to your lessons every day. Both the dormitory and hotel on campus are equipped with Wi-Fi, and you can enjoy cake and lunch buffets at the adjacent restaurant. You will be able to spend your free time between lessons without getting bored!
In addition, as a special benefit for enrollment, the school is full of attractions, such as a free bus tour around Hiraizumi's tourist attractions! It's also nice to enjoy authentic cold noodles and wankosoba, which are hard to experience unless you live nearby.

More information about this school can be found on the following page.
https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/hiraizumi_driving_school/index/

2. Kanto region

"Excellent access from the city center! Comfortable accommodation with excellent facilities."

Akagi Driving School

It's only 50 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, so it's easily accessible from the greater Tokyo area!
This school is part of the Akagi Group, which has six driving schools in Gunma and Tochigi prefectures, and is one of the schools with the best facilities in the northern Kanto region. One of the reasons for its popularity is that students can drive a Prius as an instructor.
The accommodation, "Maebashi Training Camp," has been renovated and is now clean and comfortable! All rooms are single or twin rooms, so you can be sure of your privacy even during the training camp. Of course, Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. The stylish cafe-like dining hall is popular with the training camp students, and other facilities include comics, an internet corner, and a fitness room, so you won't get bored during your off time.
In addition, because there is a university campus nearby, there are various shops such as large shopping centers, leisure facilities, and cafes in the surrounding area. There are rental bicycles for the number of users, so it is a good idea to explore the city during your free time! Among them, the tantanmen specialty restaurant "Tansaibou", which has been featured in many ramen magazines, is excellent and is personally recommended by the author!

More information about this school can be found on the following page.
https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/akagi_driving_school/index/

3.Hokuriku/Tokai region

"Tennis courts, karaoke, and even an indoor pool! Enjoy a resort-like training camp lifestyle."

Hainan Driving School

It is a popular driving school with good access from both the east and west of Tokyo, about 2 hours by Shinkansen, and about 2.5 hours from Osaka. On a fine day, you can take lessons while enjoying a view of Mt. Fuji.
This school offers a variety of accommodation options, from school dormitories to apartments, private lodgings, and resort hotels. The most recommended option is a luxurious resort hotel located just a minute's walk from the beach. This hotel offers amazing facilities, including karaoke and an indoor pool, as well as tennis and other ball games! You're sure to have a fulfilling time off.
At the nearby Shizunami Beach and Sagara Sun Beach, you can enjoy swimming in the sea, and if your schedule is right, you can also enjoy the fireworks display. Another sightseeing experience unique to Shizuoka is the experience of hand-picking tea leaves.

More information about this school can be found on the following page.
https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/hainan_driving_school/index/

4. Kansai region

"The facilities are so amazing you wouldn't believe they're a driving school! You'll never be bored."

Kurayoshi Driving School

Hokuei Town, where the school is located, is commonly known as "Conan's Village." It is known as the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, the author of "Detective Conan," and is a town bustling with tourists. In addition to the famous sand dunes, Tottori Prefecture has also been attracting attention in recent years as the "Crab-catching Prefecture" and "Star-catching Prefecture." Why not try a slightly different driving school life in such a charming place?
The school has a popular restaurant with a daily menu, a stylish wooden terrace perfect for spending time between lessons, a theater room with cinema-quality acoustics, karaoke facilities, a table tennis corner, a room lined with about 3,000 manga books, and more - facilities that are surprising for a driving school! There's no doubt that you'll have a boring-free stay at this school.
In addition, a sweets buffet is held once a week during lunchtime. It seems to be a very popular event for students. The women's dormitory also has a fitness room, where students can work up a sweat and refresh themselves even during the training camp life, where exercise is often lacking. The massage chairs provided are also a good way to relieve fatigue caused by unfamiliar driving.

More information about this school can be found on the following page.
https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/tottoriken_kurayoshi_driving_school/index/

5. Kyushu/Okinawa region

"Enjoy Sasebo gourmet food at Huis Ten Bosch! Enjoy popular Nagasaki sightseeing."

Kyoritsu Driving School Hino Branch

Our driving school is located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyushu, about 2 hours by Shinkansen from Fukuoka. The area around the school is a city full of sights, including the nationally famous Huis Ten Bosch tourist spot, and the gourmet food such as Sasebo burgers and Nagasaki champon.
You can choose from a variety of accommodations, including fully secured accommodations with auto-locks and security cameras, hotel plans in downtown areas, and group room plans for fun with friends. There are tennis courts and a pool nearby, so you can exercise and refresh yourself during your off-time. There are also shopping centers and video rental stores nearby, and a convenience store on the driving school grounds, so you can spend your time here in comfort!
As an added bonus, students will receive one of the following gifts: a discounted Huis Ten Bosch admission ticket, a Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort voucher, or a round-trip express bus ticket from Sasebo to Nagasaki city. These are all essential for sightseeing in Nagasaki, so why not take advantage of them? Every Sunday is a complete school holiday, so you can enjoy sightseeing and Sasebo cuisine to your heart's content!

More information about this school can be found on the following page.
https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/kyoritsu_driving_school_hino/index/

"A dream long-term stay in Okinawa! If you want to make memories that will last a lifetime, this is the place to do it!"

Kitaoka Driving School

It takes about 2.5 hours from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport, and your stay in Okinawa is waiting for you! Even if you graduate in the shortest possible time, you can stay in Okinawa for 18 days if you have an automatic transmission car, or 20 days if you have a manual transmission car. Staying for such a long period of time may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At this school, you can truly achieve a life where you can get your license and go sightseeing at the same time! The accommodation you will use during the period, "Kaihou", is adjacent to the driving school, so you can go sightseeing immediately after the day's lessons are over. The accommodation also provides rental bicycles and mopeds, so you won't have any trouble with transportation! Not only can you go to famous tourist spots, but there is also a swimming beach within walking distance, so you can enjoy various marine sports.
In addition, various experience and sightseeing tours are held on weekends. Experience tours include snorkeling and diving in the ocean, while sightseeing tours allow you to enjoy sightseeing at Okinawa's famous sites, such as the Churaumi Aquarium, American Village, Minna Island, Shuri Castle, and Kokusai Street. And best of all, all of these tours are free to participate in! Enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa to your heart's content!
This is a highly recommended school for those who want to take part in Driving Camp during their long vacation and want to have a fun time during that time! Please enjoy the fulfilling training camp experience that you cannot experience at other schools.

More information about this school can be found on the following page.
https://ziplus.jp/do-live/gassyuku/school/kitaoka_driving_school/index/

[4] Summary

What do you think? If you have read this far, you should have gained the necessary knowledge about choosing a school.
Of course, choosing a popular school or a nearby school is one option, but the important thing is to choose a school that meets the conditions you value most. Check your preferences based on the points we have explained so far and choose a school that you will not regret.