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Japan’s transportation industry is facing an unprecedented labor crisis, and the government has responded by opening its doors to foreign drivers through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program. The automobile transportation sector was added to the SSW program in 2024, with a government target of accepting up to 24,500 foreign drivers over five years from April 2024 to March 2029 . This includes truck drivers, bus drivers, and taxi drivers. Major logistics companies like Yamato Transport, Fukuyama Transporting, and Tokyu Bus have already begun hiring foreign drivers, with some companies planning to recruit hundreds over the coming years . If you are a skilled driver looking for stable employment with competitive pay in Japan, this comprehensive guide covers vacant positions, salary data, application links, interview questions, and essential FAQs.
Table of Contents
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- Overview of Driver Jobs in Japan
- Why Japan Needs Foreign Drivers Now
- Vacant Position Table (2026)
- Salary Table by Position and Experience
- Pros and Cons of Working as a Driver in Japan
- Visa Requirements for Foreign Drivers
- How to Apply: Application Links
- Interview Questions for Driver Jobs in Japan
- 10 FAQs Before Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Helpful Links

Overview of Driver Jobs in Japan
Driver jobs in Japan fall under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa for the automobile transportation business field. This category covers three main types of driving work: trucks (freight transport), buses (passenger transport), and taxis .
The work involves driving commercial vehicles and all tasks related to driving, including vehicle inspection, loading and unloading (for trucks), passenger assistance (for buses and taxis), and maintaining driving records. Foreign drivers must obtain a Japanese driver’s license through the conversion process (外免切替) or by attending driving school in Japan .
Common job titles for vacant positions include:
- Truck Driver (トラック運転手) — Medium, large, and trailer trucks
- Bus Driver (バス運転士) — Route buses, tour buses, airport shuttles
- Taxi Driver (タクシー運転手) — Taxi services
- Route Delivery Driver (ルート配送ドライバー) — Regular delivery routes
- Long-Distance Driver (長距離ドライバー) — Inter-city freight transport
The demand spans from major logistics companies to local bus operators and taxi companies. Employers are actively recruiting foreign drivers from Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, and other countries, with some companies establishing training facilities in the home countries before workers even arrive in Japan .

Why Japan Needs Foreign Drivers Now
Japan’s transportation industry is experiencing a severe and growing labor shortage driven by demographic decline and an aging workforce. Key factors include:
Aging Driver Workforce: The average age of heavy-duty truck drivers in Japan is 50.9 years old, 6.8 years older than the average across all industries . Approximately 47% of drivers in the road freight industry are aged 50 or over, and only 1% are in their teens and 10% in their 20s . At Tokyu Bus, 60% of drivers are in their 50s or older .
Severe Driver Shortages: Industry groups estimate a shortfall of around 30,000 bus drivers in the coming years . Sapporo’s bus operators employed about 1,500 drivers in 2024, approximately 300 fewer than in 2020, and about 70% are in their 50s or 60s .
Government Response: The automobile transportation sector was added to the SSW program in 2024, with a target of 24,500 foreign workers over five years . The government has also simplified licensing pathways, and some companies are introducing trucks that can be driven with ordinary licenses to make hiring easier .
Company Initiatives: Yamato Transport plans to hire up to 500 Vietnamese drivers over five years starting in 2027 . SBS Holdings plans to have foreign nationals make up about 30% of its drivers — approximately 1,800 people — within 10 years . Fukuyama Transporting has already extended job offers to 30 Indonesian drivers .
Vacant Position Table (2026)
The table below lists vacant positions for drivers currently available in Japan. Availability changes frequently; always verify with the employer or official job portals.
|
Position Name |
Employer / Location |
Job Description |
Required Qualifications |
Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Vacant Position: Truck Driver (SSW) |
Maruwa Transport / Yoshikawa, Saitama |
Delivery of cardboard and paper products to factories and businesses; loading and delivery |
Japanese Class 1 Driver’s License; Truck SSW Evaluation Test passed; 4+ years remaining on SSW status |
JLPT N3 required |
|
Vacant Position: Route Delivery Driver (SSW) |
Major Logistics Company / Nationwide |
Food and product delivery using medium-sized trucks; route-based delivery |
Class 1 Driver’s License (AT acceptable); Truck SSW Evaluation Test passed |
JLPT N3 or above |
|
Vacant Position: Truck Driver (SSW) |
SLBFE Job Order / Japan |
Truck driving and related tasks; contract period 5 years |
Automobile Transport Industry Specific Skill No.1 Evaluation Test; Class 1 Driver’s License; JFT or JLPT N4+ |
JLPT N4 or above |
|
Vacant Position: Truck Driver (SSW) |
SLBFE Job Order / Japan |
Truck driving; minimum monthly gross salary ¥350,000 |
JFT/JLPT N4; Truck Driver Skill Test |
JLPT N4 |
|
Vacant Position: Bus Driver (SSW) |
Tokyu Bus / Tokyo |
Route bus driving; passenger transport; 600+ hours of training provided |
Bus SSW Evaluation Test; Class 2 Driver’s License; new driver training |
JLPT N3 required |
|
Vacant Position: Bus Driver (SSW) |
Keio Bus / Tokyo |
Route bus driving; foreign hires from Nepal and Indonesia; 52 offers extended |
Bus SSW Evaluation Test; Class 2 Driver’s License |
JLPT N3 required |
|
Vacant Position: Bus Driver Trainee |
Sapporo City / Hokkaido |
Bus driver training program in Vietnam; 10 trainees selected for first phase |
Selected through program; training provided in Vietnam and Japan |
Japanese language training provided |
|
Vacant Position: Heavy Truck Driver (SSW) |
Yamato Transport / Nationwide |
Middle-mile transportation; 100 drivers recruited per year from Vietnam |
Truck SSW Evaluation Test; Class 1 Driver’s License; training in Vietnam and Japan |
JLPT N4 then N3 |
|
Vacant Position: Truck Driver (SSW) |
Meitetsu NX Transport / Aichi |
Truck driving; 11 Indonesian drivers hired; license conversion in progress |
Large vehicle license obtained in Indonesia; SSW skills test |
Japanese language training provided |
|
Vacant Position: Truck Driver (SSW) |
Fukuyama Transporting / Nationwide |
Truck driving; 30 Indonesian drivers with job offers |
B1 license (Indonesia); SSW skills test; N4 equivalent Japanese training |
JLPT N4 equivalent |
|
Vacant Position: Long-Distance Driver |
Various Companies / Nationwide |
Long-distance freight transport; career car transport; trailer driving |
Large vehicle license; experience preferred |
Japanese conversation level |
|
Vacant Position: Taxi Driver (SSW) |
Various Companies / Nationwide |
Taxi driving and passenger service |
Taxi SSW Evaluation Test; Class 2 Driver’s License; new driver training |
JLPT N3 required |
Salary Table by Position and Experience
Driver salaries in Japan vary by vehicle type, experience, and employer. The following data is based on actual job listings and SSW job orders.
|
Position / Level |
Monthly Gross Salary (JPY) |
Monthly Net Salary (JPY) |
Annual Salary (JPY) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Truck Driver (SSW, Saitama) |
¥304,724 (example) |
— |
~¥3,656,688 |
Includes 60 hrs overtime; various allowances |
|
Truck Driver (SSW, SLBFE) |
¥250,000 |
¥220,000 |
~¥3,000,000 |
Attendance ¥10,000 + Housing ¥20,000 |
|
Truck Driver (SSW, SLBFE) |
¥350,000 |
¥268,540 |
~¥4,200,000 |
Social insurance ¥40,100; accommodation ¥38,000 |
|
Route Delivery Driver (Nationwide) |
¥300,000 |
— |
¥4,100,000+ |
Basic ¥180,000 + overtime ¥90,000 + night ¥15,000-20,000 |
|
Truck Driver (SSW, SLBFE) |
¥225,000 |
¥180,529 |
~¥2,700,000 |
Social insurance ¥31,295; tax ¥12,051 |
|
Truck Driver (SLBFE) |
¥240,125 |
¥169,784 |
~¥2,880,000 |
Basic ¥175,000 + fixed overtime ¥65,125 |
|
Long-Distance Driver (Kanagawa) |
¥280,000+ |
— |
¥3,360,000+ |
Career car transport; 115 annual holidays |
|
Long-Distance Driver (Osaka) |
¥297,000+ |
— |
¥3,560,000-3,990,000 |
Various allowances and benefits |
|
Trailer Driver (Osaka) |
¥300,000+ |
— |
¥3,600,000-4,800,000 |
Medium/long-distance transport |
|
Bus Driver (Tokyu Bus) |
Not specified |
— |
— |
Competitive; training provided |
|
Truck Driver (Average) |
¥350,000-400,000 |
— |
¥4,200,000-4,800,000 |
Industry average |
Salary by Age and Experience (All Driver Types)
|
Age / Experience Level |
Monthly Salary (JPY) |
Annual Salary (JPY) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Entry Level (1-3 years) |
¥264,000 – ¥290,000 |
¥3,166,410 – ¥3,480,184 |
Standard driver |
|
Average (All levels) |
¥350,000 – ¥400,000 |
¥4,176,961 – ¥4,800,254 |
Industry average |
|
Senior Level (8+ years) |
¥386,000 – ¥479,000 |
¥4,634,306 – ¥5,750,704 |
Experienced driver |
Salary growth is projected at 7% every two years and 18.5% over five years for drivers in Japan. Entry-level drivers can expect around ¥3.2-3.5 million annually, while senior drivers with 8+ years can earn up to ¥5.75 million. Many positions include overtime pay of 60-70 hours per month, which significantly boosts take-home pay .

Pros and Cons of Working as a Driver in Japan
Pros
- Severe labor shortage: Extremely high job security and strong demand nationwide
- Competitive salary: Average annual salary around ¥4.8 million, with overtime boosting take-home pay
- No experience required for some positions: Several vacant positions welcome inexperienced drivers with full training
- Path to permanent residency: SSW No. 2 allows unlimited stay and family sponsorship
- Comprehensive benefits: Many positions include housing allowance, family allowance, accident-free bonus, and social insurance
- Training programs: Companies like Tokyu Bus provide 600+ hours of training including Japanese language education
- License support: Some employers cover the cost of obtaining necessary licenses and provide license conversion support
- Diverse workforce: Companies actively recruit from Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, and other countries
Cons
- Language barrier: Minimum JLPT N4 required, with N3 required for bus and taxi drivers
- Long working hours: Overtime of 50-70 hours per month is common
- Visa restrictions: SSW No. 1 limited to 5 years total with no family accompaniment
- Physical demands: Loading/unloading, early morning starts, and physically demanding work
- License requirements: Japanese driver’s license required; conversion process can take 1-6 months
- Early start times: Some positions start as early as 5:00 AM
- Training period: Bus drivers require 600+ hours of training before solo driving
Visa Requirements for Foreign Drivers
The primary visa for foreign drivers is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa for the automobile transportation business field.
SSW No. 1 Requirements by Vehicle Type
Trucks
- Skill requirement: Automobile Transportation Business Field Specified Skilled Worker (i) Test (Trucks) AND Class 1 Driver’s License
- Japanese requirement: JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher
Taxis
- Skill requirement: Automobile Transportation Business Field Specified Skilled Worker (i) Test (Taxis) AND Class 2 Driver’s License
- Japanese requirement: JLPT N3 or higher
- Additional requirement: Must complete new driver training program
Buses
- Skill requirement: Automobile Transportation Business Field Specified Skilled Worker (i) Test (Buses) AND Class 2 Driver’s License
- Japanese requirement: JLPT N3 or higher
- Additional requirement: Must complete new driver training program
SSW No. 2
- Stay: Unlimited (renewed periodically)
- Family: Spouse and children permitted
- Permanent residency: Possible
Employer Requirements
- The employer must be a member of the Automobile Transportation Business Field SSW Council
- The employer must hold certification under the Driver Workplace Environment Certification System or be a Safety Excellent Business Establishment
- The employer must entrust support to a registered support organization that is also a council member

How to Apply: Application Links
Below are official and verified application links for driver positions and visa processing in Japan.
SSW Official Portal (Automobile Transportation) https://origin.ssw.go.jp/en/about/visa/automobile_transportation_business_1/ Official SSW information for drivers
SSW Official Portal (Chinese) https://origin.ssw.go.jp/cn/about/visa/automobile_transportation_business_1/ Chinese-language SSW information
Immigration Services Agency https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/ Official visa policy information
Rework (SSW Truck Driver, Saitama) https://rework.nexly.co.jp/jobs/job-104701/ Maruwa Transport position, Yoshikawa
Global Reach (Truck Driver, Nationwide) https://gr.weworld.co.jp/job/gr0066-01/ Route delivery driver, N3 required
SLBFE (Sri Lanka Foreign Employment) https://applications.slbfe.lk Official job orders for Japan truck drivers
Driver Navi (Foreign National Drivers) https://driver-navi.com/search/op_33/ Multiple driver positions welcoming foreign applicants
Yamato Transport News Release https://www.yamato-hd.co.jp/english/news/ Vietnamese driver recruitment program
Logistics Today https://www.logi-today.com Industry news on foreign driver recruitment
NHK World Japan https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ News on foreign driver recruitment

Interview Questions for Driver Jobs in Japan
Prepare for these common interview questions when applying for driver positions in Japan:
Motivation and Experience Questions
- Why do you want to work as a driver in Japan? (なぜ日本でドライバーとして働きたいのですか)
- What type of driving experience do you have? (どのような運転経験がありますか)
- What vehicles have you driven before? (これまでどのような車両を運転しましたか)
Safety and Driving Record Questions
- Have you ever had a traffic accident or violation? (交通事故や違反をしたことはありますか)
- How do you ensure safe driving? (安全運転をどのように心がけていますか)
- What do you do when you feel tired while driving? (運転中に疲れを感じたとき、どうしますか)
- How do you handle difficult weather conditions? (悪天候のとき、どのように対応しますか)
Skills and Suitability Questions
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? (あなたの長所と短所は何ですか)
- How do you handle stressful situations? (ストレスの多い状況にどう対応しますか)
- Are you comfortable with early morning starts and long hours? (早朝出勤や長時間労働は大丈夫ですか)
Japan-Specific Questions
- How is your Japanese language ability? (日本語能力はどの程度ですか)
- Can you work according to Japanese traffic rules and company policies? (日本の交通ルールと会社の方針に従って働けますか)
- When can you start working? (いつから働けますか)
Answer Tips:
- For safety questions, emphasize your accident-free record and commitment to following rules
- For physical questions, mention specific habits like adequate sleep and breaks
- For Japan-specific questions, show willingness to learn Japanese traffic rules and adapt to Japanese work culture
- For violation questions, be honest — records are verifiable through the Driving Record Certificate

FAQs
1. Can I work as a truck driver in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Most positions require at least JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic level Japanese to understand safety instructions and communicate with colleagues. Bus and taxi drivers require JLPT N3 . Some positions offer Japanese language training before and after arrival .
2. Do I need a Japanese driver’s license to work as a driver in Japan?
Yes. You must obtain a Japanese driver’s license. Foreign licenses can be converted through a designated process (外免切替), which may require written and practical tests. Some companies now use driving school programs that can reduce the time to as little as 2 weeks after arrival .
3. What is the maximum stay for driver jobs in Japan?
Under SSW No. 1, the maximum stay is 5 years total. Under SSW No. 2, there is no time limit, and you can apply for permanent residency .
4. Can my family come with me to Japan?
Only under SSW No. 2. Under SSW No. 1, family members cannot accompany you.
5. What is the average salary for drivers in Japan?
The average annual salary is approximately ¥4.8 million across all levels. Entry-level is around ¥3.2-3.5 million, and senior level is up to ¥5.75 million. Truck drivers typically earn ¥3-4.8 million annually, with overtime boosting take-home pay .
6. Are there driver jobs for complete beginners?
Yes. Several positions welcome inexperienced drivers with training programs. Tokyu Bus offers 600+ hours of training for bus drivers, and many truck companies provide on-the-job training .
7. How do I apply for a driver job in Japan?
You can apply through Hello Work (public employment service), foreign worker job portals like Rework and Global Reach, or directly through company websites. For overseas applicants, SLBFE job orders provide verified opportunities .
8. What tests do I need to pass for the SSW visa?
For trucks: Automobile Transportation Business Field Specified Skilled Worker (i) Test (Trucks) and Class 1 Driver’s License, plus JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic. For buses and taxis: Class 2 Driver’s License and JLPT N3, plus new driver training .
9. What are the working hours for drivers in Japan?
Typical hours vary widely. Some truck positions start at 5:00 AM and end at 5:00 PM, while others involve night shifts. Overtime of 50-70 hours per month is common. Bus drivers work shift schedules that may include early mornings and late nights .
10. Can I change jobs after arriving in Japan?
Yes, under the SSW visa you can change jobs within the same industry sector (automobile transportation), unlike the Technical Intern Training program.
Conclusion
Japan’s transportation industry offers exceptional opportunities for foreign drivers through the Specified Skilled Worker visa program. With a government target of 24,500 foreign drivers over five years, severe labor shortage, and major companies like Yamato Transport and Tokyu Bus actively recruiting, the timing has never been better. Average salaries around ¥4.8 million, comprehensive training programs including Japanese language education, and a clear path to permanent residency through SSW No. 2 make this a viable long-term career. The vacant positions listed in this article demonstrate the range of opportunities, from truck drivers in Saitama to bus drivers in Tokyo and Sapporo. Success depends on meeting the language and license requirements, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and understanding the visa conditions. With the right preparation, foreign drivers can build stable and rewarding careers in Japan.

Helpful Links
SSW Official Portal (Automobile Transportation) https://origin.ssw.go.jp/en/about/visa/automobile_transportation_business_1/
SSW Official Portal (Chinese) https://origin.ssw.go.jp/cn/about/visa/automobile_transportation_business_1/
Immigration Services Agency of Japan https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/
Rework (SSW Truck Driver Jobs) https://rework.nexly.co.jp
Global Reach (Truck Driver Jobs) https://gr.weworld.co.jp
SLBFE (Official Job Orders) https://applications.slbfe.lk
Driver Navi (Foreign National Drivers) https://driver-navi.com
Yamato Transport News https://www.yamato-hd.co.jp/english/news/
Logistics Today https://www.logi-today.com
NHK World Japan https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The application process is free of cost; beware of fraudulent recruiters. Always verify job postings through official channels and never share personal financial information with unauthorized parties.