Tetra-Shift Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; Representatives: Tsugawa Shiro and Itsunohata Masayuki), a startup originating from driving schools, has entered a business partnership with Meiko Career Partners Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Nakagawa Takuya) to expand traffic education opportunities for foreign drivers under the 'Specified Skilled Worker (Automotive Transportation Field)' program. As a result, Tetra-Shift's traffic education content is now available on 'Japany (JapanY)', the Japanese e-learning platform for foreign nationals developed by Meiko Career Partners, which has served over 50,000 cumulative users.

This content was developed specifically to prepare foreign individuals for the skills evaluation test required to become a Specified Skilled Worker driver in Japan. Licensed driving instructors deliver lectures based on a dedicated textbook, with the entire exam scope efficiently covered in approximately four hours of study—its greatest appeal. Beyond exam preparation, the content also explains common accident types in the logistics industry and can be used for in-house training or self-study after employment.

Language

Japanese (Multilingual support in development)

Target Exam

• Specified Skilled Worker Level 1 Evaluation Test (Truck) • Bus and taxi versions under development

Notes

A dedicated textbook must be purchased separately (5,000 JPY including tax) for implementation.

Overview and Current Status of the System

The Specified Skilled Worker (Automotive Transportation) system allows foreign nationals with specific expertise and skills as truck, bus, and taxi drivers to work in Japan. It was approved by the Cabinet in March 2024 to address social challenges such as labor shortages in logistics and public transportation. The system officially launched with the first skills evaluation test in December 2024, and within just one year, nearly 4,000 individuals have already passed the test. The Japanese government plans to accept up to 22,000 Specified Skilled Worker drivers over the next three years, and many such drivers are already active in the workforce.

Background of Online Course Development and Partnership

The skills evaluation test is essential for obtaining residency status to work in Japan, assessing drivers’ professional knowledge and skills. The exam covers a broad range of topics—from traffic laws such as road signs and highway driving procedures to practical operations like proper roll call methods. However, a key challenge has been the lack of systematic educational materials abroad for foreigners to learn Japan’s traffic rules and job requirements.

Tetra-Shift Co., Ltd., a startup rooted in two designated driving schools, is also certified as a registered support agency for introducing and supporting foreign driver talent. Responding to overseas demand, the company developed the industry’s first 'skills evaluation test preparation textbook' and accompanying video course based on this textbook.

By partnering with Meiko Career Partners, a leader in Japanese language education services for foreigners, the two companies have combined their expertise to create a seamless learning environment where users can progress from Japanese language acquisition to mastering the knowledge and practical understanding required in the automotive transportation industry.

Key Features of the Content

Accessible anytime from smartphones

Point 1: Learn anytime, at your own pace

As an online course, users can study at their preferred time. The content is accessible not only on PCs but also on personal smartphones and tablets. Email-based follow-up support is also available to address any questions arising during lectures.

Point 2: Enhanced understanding through video

Learning topics that are difficult to grasp from text alone—such as the safety procedures for right and left turns—become visually understandable when combined with video content. This understanding can be directly applied to obtaining a Japanese driver’s license and performing job duties.

Point 3: Complete coverage of exam scope in 4 hours

The skills evaluation test draws from a wide range of topics. Tetra-Shift has independently collected past exam questions and created a textbook designed for efficient study. The video course, based on this textbook, serves as a learning pace-setter and covers all exam topics in approximately four hours.

Point 4: Ideal for in-house training

For Specified Skilled Worker talent, passing the skills evaluation test is just the starting point. After arrival in Japan and during employment, it is essential to maintain a high level of awareness regarding safe driving practices and occupational safety. The video comprehensively covers topics from driving and cargo handling to safety and hygiene, making it suitable for one-off use in half-day in-house training sessions.

Recommended for:

• Registered support agencies concerned about driving education systems at host companies • Host companies that have decided to hire Specified Skilled Worker drivers but face challenges with foreign license exchanges or in-house training • Japanese language schools and vocational schools whose students plan to take the skills evaluation test • Overseas sending organizations aiming to strengthen their focus on Specified Skilled Worker talent

Company Overview

Tetra-Shift Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 4F, Tensho Ikebukuro Annex Building, 2-17-8 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Representatives: Shiro Tsugawa, Masayuki Itsunohata (Co-CEOs)

Business: Educational material development, foreign talent services, foreign driver’s license support, etc.

Mail: [email protected]

Website: https://tetra-s.co.jp

Meiko Career Partners Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 3F, JPR Kojimachi Building, 5-4 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

President & CEO: Takuya Nakagawa

Business: Japanese language education, human resource development, planning and operation of various training programs, etc.

Mail: [email protected]

Website: https://meiko-career.jp/

About Japany

'Japany' is an e-learning system designed to support the growth and retention of foreign talent in Japanese companies. With this new content integration, learners can now access not only specialized preparation for the automotive transportation field but also Japanese conversation and exam preparation—all within a single app. They can study essential content for working in Japan easily, with high-quality materials available in multiple languages (12 languages). Furthermore, company administrators can use Japany’s management system (dashboard, etc.) to visualize learners’ study time and progress for efficient management.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership
  • Products / services: Japany