Translation guide
In Japan, a driving school (自動車教習所) is the standard way to get a driver's license. This guide covers how to refer to the institution, the process, and related terms.
Referring to the place where you learn to drive
The formal, standard term for a driving school. Often abbreviated in conversation.
I'm attending a driving school.
Common abbreviation of 自動車教習所. Used in everyday speech.
I took a driving lesson at the driving school.
Another common term, often used in names of schools. Slightly less formal than 自動車教習所.
I graduated from driving school.
Loanword from English. Used in some school names or casual contexts, but not the standard term.
That driving school has a good reputation.
Talking about going to driving school or the course itself
Standard phrase for 'attend driving school'.
I go to driving school every day.
Literally 'get a license', often used to mean the whole process including driving school.
I plan to get my license during summer break.
A short-term intensive driving course where you stay at a dormitory. Popular among students.
Referring to the person who teaches driving
In Japan, you typically attend a driving school (教習所) to learn driving and pass the internal tests, then take the final written test at a license center (免許センター). The school itself does not issue the license.
Both are used interchangeably, but 自動車教習所 is the official term under the Road Traffic Act. 自動車学校 is more common in everyday names and conversation.
I got my license in two weeks through an intensive driving camp.
指導員の資格を持っています。
He has a driving instructor's license.