In fact, 90% of people use driving schools to commute to school! How to choose the right driving school

Students who are thinking about getting a driver's license. Are you wondering whether to attend a training camp or commute to school? In fact, 90% of people who get a driver's license attend a driving school. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose the one that suits your lifestyle. Let this site help you make a clear decision on which method to use.

Find out the best license acquisition plan for you!
First, let's understand the characteristics of both training camps and attending classes.

[1] If you are taking the course while commuting

[Benefits of attending classes] You can make your own schedule!

This is the biggest advantage of commuting to a driving school. When commuting to a school, you basically make your own schedule. Therefore, you can freely make a plan based on your other plans. For example, you can save time when you are busy before an exam and cram in lessons when you have more time. (However, please note that there is a limit to the number of Driving Lessons you can take in one day.)
In addition, you can use the plans prepared by each driving school, which will cost you extra. For example, there is a speed plan that allows you to make a schedule in advance and graduate in about one or two months. Be sure to consult with the staff of the driving school to find the best plan for you.

[Disadvantages of Commuting to Schools ①] No guarantee of extension

If you attend classes, you will be responsible for any additional lessons. You will have to take several tests as you progress through the lessons, but you will only pay the test fee for one test when you enroll. Therefore, if you retake the test, you will need to pay an additional test fee. Furthermore, if you fail the skill test, you will have to take supplementary lessons. In that case, the additional fee will be 4,000 to 5,000 yen per session, which can be a big burden. However, some driving schools offer Guarantee Plan for those who are not confident about their test results. However, this also requires an additional fee, and the cost of using it will be significantly higher than a guaranteed training camp.

[Disadvantages of Commuting to Schools ②] It is difficult to make reservations during busy periods

Spring break (February and March) and summer vacation (August and September) are particularly busy, and it is difficult to make reservations for Driving Lessons. If you are thinking of enrolling during these periods, please assume that you will continue with theory lessons for a while. If you want to complete the course in as short a time as possible, you will need to postpone your enrollment date or use an option.

[2] If you take Driving Camp

[Benefits of Driving Camp] Cheaper than commuting to school!

Although it depends on the accommodation and plan, training camps are priced cheaper than attending classes. The basic average price is around 200,000 to 250,000 yen, and there are plans available for less than 200,000 yen during the relatively quiet periods (April to June and October to December). However, the price fluctuates depending on the season, so during the peak periods (July to September and January to March), the price is often not much different from attending classes. However, the cost of training camps includes round-trip transportation, food, and coverage for additional lessons and exams, making it much more reasonable than attending classes.

[Disadvantages of Driving Camp ①] There are limitations to how you use your time during the training camp

It is safe to say that there is no free time during the training camp. Since you will graduate in about two weeks, the schedule is very tight. Some people think that they can use their free time to go out for a little while, but in the case of driving schools in rural areas, the places you can go are limited. Also, there are only a few days until the written exam, so you need to use your free time to review.

[Disadvantages of Driving Camp ②] If you participate in a driving school camp, you need a certain amount of time.

You need to prepare at least two weeks. Of course, if you are a student, you will probably participate during spring or summer vacation. Naturally, you will have to take time off from club activities and part-time jobs during that time. Only a limited number of students can prepare this amount of time, and surprisingly few people can choose to attend a training camp.

[Disadvantages of Driving Camp] You may be worried about roads with heavy traffic

For those who have obtained their license at a training camp, urban roads can be difficult. The training courses at training camps have many roads with little traffic and straight roads, so it is difficult to experience the traffic volume found in metropolitan areas. Some people become anxious and end up becoming paper drivers. Those who have obtained their license at a training camp need to practice enough after returning home to get used to the local roads.

[Disadvantages of Driving Camp #4] Relationships and life management at the accommodation can be stressful

Depending on the plan, you may be staying in a shared room with a group of people.
While living together for about two weeks is fun, many people have trouble or feel stressed due to differences in lifestyle. Regardless of the plan, you will need to do some basic daily living management, such as doing laundry and cleaning. You also cannot miss the shuttle bus from your accommodation to the driving school. Additional lessons will not be covered if you are late. It is desirable for students to be able to manage themselves to a certain extent so that they can concentrate on their lessons and exams.

[3] Are those who choose training camps only a minority? Why do so many people choose to commute to school?

My friends say they're going to get their license at a training camp, so I wonder which way is more common. I think many students take their license with friends. Some people think that they should go to a training camp, but in reality, 90% of people get their license by going to school. Training camps are surprisingly rare.

☑ 合宿を選べる人は限られている

As mentioned above, the biggest problem with camps is finding the time. Even though students have more free time than working adults, they can only take a chunk of time off during spring or summer vacation. Therefore, naturally, there are fewer people who can choose to attend camps.

☑ 通学でも短期間で取得できる

Although it will cost a little, you can use the short-term acquisition plans offered by driving schools. It is possible to graduate in as little as 16 days for AT and 18 days for MT, which is as fast as a training camp. However, if you use such a plan, the driving school will make the reservation in advance, so you need to know your schedule in advance.

[4] Summary

● Suitable for school commuters

• People who want to obtain a license while also working part-time or attending clubs or other events.
• Those who don't mind taking at least 2-3 months to obtain the license

●People suitable for training camps

• People who can spare about two weeks and don't mind spending time at a training camp
• People who can manage their lives well
• People who can accept living together with others
• People who want to get their license quickly and cheaply

First, consider how you will get to school!

A driver's license is a qualification that you will have for life. If you're going to get one, you might as well enjoy the process of getting it. It's true that going to a training camp with friends can be a great memory, but it can be hard and difficult to balance with your private life. For that reason, first consider a nearby driving school that has a flexible schedule and is easy to use.