#Japan #Saga #Saga Prefecture #Factory Lab #Thai Drivers

Saga Prefecture Welcomes Thai Truck Drivers

In a notable development in Japan's logistics sector, Saga Prefecture has embarked on a pioneering project to alleviate the shortage of truck drivers through the 'Saga Prefecture Foreign Driver Challenge Program.' This ambitious initiative, contracted to Factory Lab Co., Ltd., aims to facilitate the hiring of foreign truck drivers by local businesses.

Recently, three Thai male candidates who successfully interviewed for positions with Towa Corporation (located in Kanzaki City, Saga Prefecture) entered Japan on February 20, 2026, garnering significant media interest at their welcoming ceremony.

Success in Knowledge Exam

One of the standout achievements of these candidates was their remarkable performance in the knowledge examination for converting their Thai driver's licenses to Japanese ones. Despite the new stricter regulations for the license conversion process set to take effect in October 2025, which have made it notably more difficult, all three candidates passed their knowledge exams on their first attempt.

Previously, the pass rate for the knowledge confirmation was approximately 90%. After tightening the requirements, this has plummeted to around 40%, with practical driving exams having similarly low pass rates. Nevertheless, the three candidates, having undergone extensive preparations, managed to pass their exams successfully.

Driving Education Collaboration

Notable preparations included training sessions with Saga Johoku Driving School, where they were instructed in safe driving techniques. They utilized the 'Foreign License Conversion System' to switch from Thai to Japanese licenses, which involves taking examinations at driving centers in Japan. Fortunately, the candidates passed their driving tests approximately three weeks after arriving in Japan.

The driver candidates included many former technical interns who have prior work experience in Japan, allowing them to demonstrate their proficiency in Japanese during the interview process. This fluency negated the need for extensive language training post-arrival, allowing the curriculum to focus primarily on safe driving practices instead.

Additionally, these former interns had lived and worked in Japan for three to five years, making their acclimatization to the local workforce and understanding of Japanese traffic norms much smoother. Their familiarity with local customs positions them to maintain adherence to driving regulations and moral considerations.

Comprehensive Educational Approach

Prior to their arrival, the three drivers participated in approximately four months of safety and driving education in Thailand. This process included integrating the curriculum from the Saga Johoku Driving School into their local training. They underwent thorough study on the differences between Thai and Japanese traffic rules and norms, incorporating over a thousand problem exercises to enhance retention.

Moreover, resources such as instructional videos detailing the driving test points helped bridge their learning experience, facilitating a smoother transition to practical training in Japan upon arrival.

Factory Lab’s Commitment to Foreign Drivers

Factory Lab Co., Ltd. is dedicated to connecting logistics companies across the country with 'Specified Skilled Drivers,' ensuring proper education and support throughout the hiring process. We strongly believe that the role of a driver carries the weight of responsibility, where even a single mistake can pose serious risks. Hence, alongside knowledge of safe driving practices, proficiency in Japanese, adherence to manners and morals, and adaptation to Japanese culture are indispensable attributes.

To ensure the successful integration of foreign truck drivers, we aim to establish a framework that bypasses traditional recruitment and educational methods, focusing instead on working directly with former technical interns who undergo comprehensive and targeted training within our own systems. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a society where foreign drivers can be confidently accepted and integrated into the workforce.

Corporate Information

• - Company: Factory Lab Co., Ltd. (SATAKE Group)
• - Head Office: 2F, 24-3, Kanda Sudacho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Overseas Locations:

- Thailand (Bangkok): Two Pacific Place Unit 1101, 11F, 142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlongtoei, Bangkok
- Indonesia (Malang): Perumahan Grand Mansion Blok 1 no 2 Pungging, Mojokerto-Jawa Timur

• - CEO: Kenichi Ogata
• - Business Focus: Overseas talent introductions and dispatch, specified skill registration, and education services
• - Website: Factory Lab Driver Support

For inquiries, please contact:
Factory Lab Co., Ltd.

• - Contact Person: Nanami Yoshino
• - Phone: 080-2158-7672
• - Email: [email protected]