Key Facts
• 2024: Japan introduced a new system to recruit foreign taxi drivers.
• July 4, 2025: Two Vietnamese men, Dan Tan Binh (33) and Dao Xuan Chung (41), arrived in Japan.
• Goal: Earn over ¥350,000 monthly as taxi drivers.
• Japan’s taxi driver workforce dropped from 40,000 in 2000 to 24,000 in 2023.
• Requirements: Pass Japanese Language Proficiency Test (Level 3), “Foreign License Conversion,” and “Class 2 License.”
• Training: Supported by “Praise-Driven Driving School” in Mie Prefecture.
• Challenges: Adjusting to Japan’s left-side driving, strict traffic rules, and cultural differences.
• Success Rate: Only 26% pass the “Foreign License Conversion” test.
• July 8, 2025: Binh failed the vision test; Chung failed the practical test.
• July 16, 2025: Both passed the “Foreign License Conversion” test after intensive training.
• Next Step: Both men passed the “Class 2 License” and began taxi driver training.
• Safety Concerns: Police to tighten rules in October 2025 after foreign driver-related accidents.
• Employer: Keihin Transportation in Kanagawa ensures ongoing safety and customer service training.
Summary
In response to a severe taxi driver shortage, Japan launched a system in 2024 to recruit foreign drivers. Vietnamese nationals Dan Tan Binh and Dao Xuan Chung arrived in July 2025, aiming to earn ¥350,000 monthly. Despite prior driving experience, they faced challenges adapting to Japan’s left-side driving, strict traffic rules, and cultural differences. Supported by a praise-driven driving school, they overcame a 26% pass rate for the “Foreign License Conversion” test after initial failures. By July 16, 2025, both passed and later earned their “Class 2 License.” They are now training with Keihin Transportation, which emphasizes safety and customer service. Amid rising concerns over foreign driver-related accidents, Japan plans to tighten regulations in October 2025. The two men remain determined to succeed as professional taxi drivers.
