※This page contains affiliate links. Affiliate disclosure Researched: October 2026
Obama Driving School is a gasshuku (residential) driving school in Obama, Fukui Prefecture.
Quick answer: Obama Driving School may suit students who want a low off-season price and lodging close to the school. Before applying, check high peak-season prices and lodging far from the school. Lowest listed AT price: ¥236,500 (tax incl.); fastest AT course: 15 days.
Basic information
| School | Obama Driving School (小浜自動車学校) |
|---|---|
| Address | 〒917-0023 福井県小浜市府中14-23 — Obama, Fukui |
| Access | Free school bus from Omi-Imazu Station (Tsuruga Station for Ishikawa); nearest station: Obama Station (5 min by car) |
| Shortest course | AT from 15 days / MT from 16 days |
| Meals | Self-catering plans are available. Meals differ by lodging; check your plan. |
| Official website | Not found during research |
| Booking page (Drivers License) | Check price & availability → |
Pros
- Low off-season price: from ¥236,500 (tax incl.)
- Lodging within 5 minutes of the school
- Free bicycle rental
- Self-catering plans (lower cost)
- Sightseeing nearby on days off
- Early-bird discount (¥5,000 off)
Cons and things to check
- Peak-season prices rise to about ¥377,300
- Some lodgings are up to 15 minutes from the school by bus
- Highway lessons use a simulator
- Some meals are not included (allowance or self-arranged)
- No breakfast included
- Transport reimbursement is capped at about ¥5,000
Price (tax incl., AT)
Prices below were listed on the booking page in October 2026 (yen, tax included). They change by entry date and room type, so always check the latest table before applying.
- Lowest listed AT price: from ¥236,500 (tax incl.).
- Peak season (cheapest plan): from about ¥377,300.
- The listing's price columns could not be matched reliably to plan names, so only the lowest and peak prices are shown. See the booking page for each plan.
- MT (manual) costs ¥38,500 more.
- Holders of a motorcycle license get ¥22,000 off.
- Early-bird discount: ¥5,000 off.
- Transport reimbursement is capped (up to about ¥5,000 round trip, depending on origin).
- Reimbursement requires graduation; reserved seats and green-car fees are excluded.
- Age rules: Age 60+: inquiry required.
Lodging and meals
Typical lodging options (names are the facilities' Japanese names):
- レオパレス 志まや – apartment, mixed, 5 min by school bus
- かねまつ旅館 – ryokan (Japanese inn), mixed, 10 min by school bus, curfew 24:00
- ホテル若杉 – hotel, mixed, 5 min by school bus, curfew 24:00
- ビジネスホテル山海 – hotel, mixed, 5 min by school bus, curfew 24:00
- ホテルアーバンポート – hotel, mixed, 15 min by school bus, curfew 24:00
Meals
Self-catering plans are available. Meals differ by lodging; check your plan.
Who can enter
- Applicants whose registered address (juminhyo / resident record) or family home is in these areas cannot enter the gasshuku program: All of Fukui Prefecture; Maizuru (zip 625) in Kyoto.
- Age rules: Age 60+: inquiry required.
Student reviews
We did not find public student reviews for this school on the English-language portal we checked (i-drive.jp) or on the official site. We do not invent reviews.
For international students
Foreigner-friendliness: not confirmed
- Lessons and the practical test are conducted in Japanese. An English-language portal notes this for all driving camps; English textbooks or an English written test may exist in the system, but we could not confirm them for this school.
- We could not identify an official website for this school, so foreigner support is unconfirmed.
Documents and eligibility for international students: see our gasshuku guide for international students.
Who it suits / who it does not suit
Suits students who want a low off-season price, lodging close to the school, and free bicycles.
Less suitable if you mind high peak-season prices, lodging far from the school, and simulator-based highway lessons.
Summary
Obama Driving School offers a low off-season price, lodging close to the school, and free bicycles. Keep in mind high peak-season prices and lodging far from the school. The lowest listed AT price is ¥236,500 (tax incl.), and the fastest AT course is 15 days. Check the latest prices and your entry dates before applying.
FAQ
Q. How many days does the AT course take at Obama Driving School?
A. The fastest AT course is about 15 days and the MT course about 16 days. The exact graduation date depends on your entry date.
Q. How much does Obama Driving School cost?
A. The lowest listed AT price is ¥236,500 (tax incl.). Prices rise in peak seasons (see the price table) and vary by room type.
Q. Can I enter if I live in Fukui?
A. Applicants living in or having a family home in these areas cannot enter: All of Fukui Prefecture; Maizuru (zip 625) in Kyoto.
Q. Does Obama Driving School offer English or foreign-language support?
A. We found no evidence of foreign-language support. Lessons are in Japanese. Ask the school before applying.
More schools
Sources: Drivers License booking pages, school/group websites where available, and i-drive.jp reviews (October 2026). Details change; verify before applying.