In praise of Japan's driving schools

Today, and June 25th annually, is Designated Driving School Day 指定自動車教習所の日 in Japan. It is a commemorative day created by the All‑Japan Federation of Designated Driving Schools. It comes from a bit of playful reading of 6/25: "mu (6) ji (2) ko (5)" meaning "no accidents". 

Moreover, it marks the anniversary of an important change in road safety history. On June 25th, 1960, a revision to the Road Traffic Act came into effect, establishing the designated driving school system. 

Under this system, driving schools that meet strict standards set by the Public Safety Commission can be officially certified. Graduating from one of these schools allows new drivers to skip the practical skills test when applying for a license, making the process smoother while ensuring consistent, high‑quality training.

I actually learned how to drive in Japan. I had a provisional license in my home country before I came to Japan, but a provisional license means nothing in Japan. I had driven in Ireland a few times, under the supervision of my Dad, but I was by no means road ready. I found the system here in Japan excellent and I would love to see my home country adopt this approach. I was ready to drive for real, and with confidence, after just six weeks of driving school here. 

Did you learn to drive in Japan too? What did you think of the driving schools in Japan?