There are two ways to obtain a driver's license: driving at a license training camp and attending a driving school. Many people may be wondering which one is better. The costs and duration of training camps and commutes differ. Learn the differences between them and aim to obtain a driver's license using the method that suits you.

Comparison of obtaining a driver's license at a driving school and at a driving school

Before deciding how to obtain a driver's license, first let's understand the difference between a driver's license training camp and a regular driving school. Training camps and regular courses differ in terms of the number of graduates, costs involved, and the speed at which you can obtain certification.

Which is more common: those who attend license training camp or those who attend the training camp?

Between driving license camps and driving schools, there are more graduates from driving schools. This is because approximately 90% of people who obtain a driver's license use a regular driving school.

Some people go to driver's license training camps with friends, but in reality, there are many people who attend alone.

Which is cheaper: license training camp or driving school?

Driving school fees vary not only depending on whether you attend a training camp or attend school, but also on the time of year. In general, many people have the impression that license training camps are cheaper.

However, it is actually cheaper to attend a driving school than to attend a license training camp. In the case of commuting, the amount is often the same throughout the year regardless of the time of year, so even though the number of students attending the school varies depending on the size of the student, I felt that it was strange to express the off-season in terms of amount.

The cost for the license training camp is about 40,000 yen cheaper. However, it varies greatly depending on the driving school and when you enroll, so it is best to inquire about the driving school you are interested in.

Which is faster to obtain a license: a license training camp or a regular driving school?

Generally, it takes less time to obtain a driver's license at a driver's license training camp. If you pass the test smoothly, you can get your license in as little as two weeks at the training camp.

Even if you attend a driving school, if you take a lot of classes, you can get your license in as little as one month. However, depending on the driving school, it may be difficult to make reservations for lessons, so the average length of time is approximately 2-3 months.

People who are recommended to get a driver's license at a driving school

If you meet the following characteristics, we recommend that you obtain your license at a license training camp.

• People who want to work in jobs that require a license
• People who don't have a large amount of money ready
• People who want to enjoy sightseeing
• People looking forward to new encounters

People who want to work in jobs that require a license

If you are looking for a job and are considering a job that requires a license, we recommend a training camp where you can obtain a license in a short period of time.

For example, if you are in a sales position where you often use a car, some companies may require you to have a driver's license or plan to obtain one. You can get your license in as little as two weeks at a license training camp, so it is suitable for people who want to get their license without spending a lot of time before getting a job.

In addition, in order to get a job as a bus or taxi driver, or a job that involves driving a large truck, you will need not only a regular driver's license but also a Type 2 driver's license. You may be able to receive support for obtaining a Type 2 license at your workplace after you get a job, but in order to obtain a Type 2 license, you must first obtain a regular driver's license. Even if you do not have a regular driver's license and are aiming for a job that requires a Type 2 driver's license, we recommend a training camp where you can obtain a driver's license as quickly as possible.

People who don't have a large amount of money ready

Prices vary depending on the season, but during the off-season, training camps are cheaper than regular driving schools. Depending on the training camp's plan, you may be able to get one for less than 200,000 yen, so if you want to keep costs down, consider a training camp.

Additionally, in the case of license training camps, you may be able to get a license at a cheaper price by taking advantage of group discounts if you attend in a large group, or by sharing accommodations.

People who want to enjoy sightseeing

For those who want to not only get their driver's license but also enjoy sightseeing, we recommend a training camp. Training camp-type driving schools are located in various locations across the country, and some are close to tourist spots. If you choose a training camp near a tourist spot, you can enjoy sightseeing in your free time.

Around February and March, it is not uncommon for people to attend a driver's license training camp with friends, in preparation for their school graduation trip. Some training camps may offer special benefits such as sightseeing tours, so be sure to check in advance.

People looking forward to new encounters

License training camps are also recommended for people looking to meet new people. License training camps attract people from all over the country, regardless of age or occupation. One of the attractions of a license training camp is that you can meet people you would never meet in your daily life.

However, the purpose of the driver's license training camp is to obtain a driver's license, not to meet people. Participate only with the hope of meeting new people, and be careful not to get into trouble with relationships.

People who are recommended to get a driver's license by attending a driving school

We recommend attending a driving school instead of a license training camp for people who meet the following characteristics.

• People who want to take the time to learn how to drive
• People who value their private time
• People who want to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection
• People who don't want to take out a loan

Learn the difference between a training camp and check whether a regular driving school is suitable for you.

I want to take the time to learn how to drive.

For those who want to take their time and learn driving skills and knowledge, a regular driving school is suitable. License training camps are designed to help you obtain your license in a short period of time, so they have a busy schedule. Because they cram so much into learning how to drive during the training camp, some people find it difficult to keep up with the lessons, and some become tired and unable to concentrate.

If you are not in a rush to get your license, we recommend a driving school where you can set your own schedule.

People who value their private time

For people who value their private time, a regular driving school is suitable for them. The basic plan for the license training camp is to share a room, and if you try to prioritize cost, you will end up sharing a room with someone you don't know. In some cases, you may have the option of choosing a private room, but in other cases, you may have to share a water hole or bath, or be with other students in the cafeteria. Although there is free time, it is not possible to take private time at any time during the two-week training period.

At the driving school you attend, you are free to make your own lesson plan, such as ``Let's just take one class today,'' so it doesn't have much of an impact on your private time. There are more trainees than at a training camp, so you don't have to meet many specific people. If you find it difficult to live in a group or are easily bothered by the sounds of other students, a regular driving school may be a good option for you, as you can learn while valuing your private time.

People who want to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection

For those who want to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection, we recommend attending a driving school. The driving school you attend is taking measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, and in some cases you may be able to take academic lessons online.

Although we take infection control measures at the training camp, the risk of infection is inevitably high due to the nature of living in a group. If you are concerned about the risk of coronavirus infection, attending a driving school is probably a better choice than a training camp.

People who don't want to take out a loan

Some people may not be able to prepare a large amount of money before enrolling, but may be reluctant to take out a loan. At the driving school you attend, you can not only pay in full at the time of enrollment, but also allow you to pay for exams, Driving Lessons, etc. each time you attend.

In the case of training camps, the entire amount is often paid in one lump sum, so even if the total cost is cheaper than the driving school you attend, you will need to prepare a lump sum of money temporarily. Even if you have a plan to pay but can't afford it when you enroll, you can still aim to get your license without taking out a loan if you attend a driving school.

Points to consider when choosing a driving school

If you want to obtain your license at a training camp, consider the following points when choosing a training camp.

• Check accommodations and benefits
• Choose a place that offers an extended stay guarantee

If you understand the points to consider when choosing a driver's license training camp, you will not get confused when choosing a driving school and will be able to choose a more comfortable training camp location.

Check accommodations and benefits

Accommodation facilities vary depending on the training camp location. The main accommodation facilities are as follows.

• school dormitory
• Business Hotel/Resort Hotel
• Inn
• Condominium/apartment

By choosing accommodations that suit your preferences, you can enjoy a comfortable stay during your training camp. You may also be able to choose the type of room even if the accommodations are the same. There are private rooms, twin rooms, and shared rooms, so be sure to check to see if your desired plan is available.

We recommend that you check not only the accommodation facilities, but also whether there are any special benefits. If you stay at a training camp near a tourist spot, you can get a variety of benefits, such as free sightseeing tours and discounts on nearby leisure facilities. There are various perks, such as the option to change the meal to something more luxurious, and discounts if multiple friends attend, so be sure to compare them carefully.

Choose a place that offers an extended stay guarantee

If you want to participate in a training camp while keeping costs down, choose a training camp that offers an extended stay guarantee. Extended Night Guarantee is a benefit that will not incur additional charges even if you need to extend your stay beyond the specified stay period.

If you do not pass the exam within the training camp period, you will be required to stay overnight, and if there is no guarantee, additional fees will be incurred. Prices vary depending on the training camp location, but generally range from 3,000 yen to 10,000 yen per day.

Approximately 10% of those who participate in the training camp will need to stay overnight. Therefore, if you are unsure, choose a training camp that offers an extended stay guarantee. However, the number of days that can be extended varies depending on the camp, so you need to check the details of the coverage.

Points to consider when choosing a driving school

Here are some points to keep in mind when choosing a driving school to attend:

• Choose a place where you can easily make a reservation
• Choose within your living area

Understand the points and find a driving school that suits you.

Choose a place where you can easily make a reservation

If the driving school you attend is popular, it may be difficult to reserve a class. Therefore, if you want to get your license smoothly, we recommend a driving school where you can easily make reservations.

Check the crowd status of the driving school in advance through reviews. Also, it is relatively easy to make reservations for large driving schools or driving schools with many instructors and vehicles. Depending on the driving school, you may have the option to reserve classes on a priority basis, so you may want to take advantage of this.

The option fee for priority reservation varies depending on the driving school, but the average price is around 30,000 to 50,000 yen.

Choose within your living area

The training for obtaining a license includes Driving Lessons where you actually learn driving skills. At first, you will drive on a course within the driving school, but after obtaining a provisional license, you will be given on-road training on roads near the driving school.

If the driving school is within your living area, you will likely use roads that you frequently drive in your daily life during road lessons. Especially for people who have just gotten their license and are inexperienced with driving, the ease of driving varies greatly depending on the width of the road and the amount of traffic. In order to get used to the roads you will be using in the future, we recommend choosing a driving school that is within your living area.

Consider carefully whether a driving school or a driving camp is better

There are advantages and disadvantages to both license training camps and regular driving schools. The key to deciding which one is better is which one best suits your needs. For example, a driver's license camp is suitable for people who want to take part in a trip with friends, or for people who want to obtain a driver's license in a short period of time and efficiently. On the other hand, if you are someone who would like to get your license at your own pace using your free time rather than time and money, a driving school is a good option.

Understand the difference between training camps and regular driving schools, and aim to obtain your license using the method that suits you.