Japan to Offer Multilingual Licensing Tests for Taxi and Bus Drivers

Japan is taking a significant step towards inclusivity and addressing its driver shortage by introducing multilingual driver’s license tests for taxi and bus drivers. In an effort to attract more foreign nationals to these essential sectors, the National Police Agency (NPA) announced it would distribute sample exam questions in 20 languages to prefectural police across the country by the end of March. This initiative aims to provide a foundation for local authorities to develop comprehensive exams tailored to their specific needs.

This move comes in response to the pressing demands from industry groups, which have been grappling with a noticeable shortage of drivers. Recognizing the critical need for a more diverse workforce, the NPA’s decision to offer the class 2 driver’s license exam in multiple languages marks a pivotal change in Japan’s approach to bolstering its public transport sector workforce. Until now, the exam necessary for operating passenger transport vehicles, such as taxis and local buses, was only available in Japanese.

As of the end of 2022, foreign nationals accounted for a mere 0.6 percent (5,189 individuals) of the 880,536 registered holders of class 2 large and standard vehicle licenses, highlighting the potential for growth in this area. The language options for the new multilingual exam will predominantly include Asian languages like Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog, with European languages such as English and Portuguese also being made available.

This initiative is not unprecedented in Japan’s licensing system; since 2009, the NPA has provided example questions for the class 1 driver’s license, applicable to private cars, motorbikes, and other automobiles, in English, with the actual tests being available in the same 20 languages since then. The class 2 exam, in addition to testing on traffic rules as in the class 1 test, will also assess knowledge on vehicle safety procedures, including brake inspections, emphasizing its technical nature without delving into customer service aspects.

This inclusive approach not only opens up new opportunities for foreign nationals in Japan but also sets a precedent for addressing workforce shortages through practical and inclusive measures. With taxis and buses being pivotal to Japan’s public transport system, especially in urban areas like Nagoya where taxis are frequently utilized, this development promises to enhance the operational capabilities of this sector and enrich the diversity of its workforce.