"Getting Angry Only Causes Embarrassment" - Driving School Praised Only in Japan Gains Attention

Gently Reproach and Praise Instead of Scolding
Getting Angry Causes Confusion and Fear, So They Don't Come
Interest in MZ-Targeted Teaching Methods

In Japan, driving schools that lightly caution learners instead of scolding them for mistakes during road driving tests, known as "praising driving schools," are gaining attention for not undermining learners' confidence.

The Mainichi Shimbun recently reported that such driving schools are gradually increasing in Japan, introducing the case of Obihiro First Driving School in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. At this school, when a learner brakes late and crosses the stop line, instead of scolding with "You should have braked," instructors say things like "You checked the sign properly, so now only braking remains," conducting lessons in this manner.

Nambu Driving School in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, explaining the 'reason for praise.' (Photo by Nambu Driving School website)

A representative of the driving school stated, "What is necessary to teach driving skills is not to instill fear but to convey the joy of driving," emphasizing, "Those who receive praise develop a mindset of consideration for others while driving. Cultivating this mindset is our mission."

At this driving school, 30 instructors gather every morning for a brief assembly where they each spend 30 seconds praising one another. They look for things unrelated to work, such as facial expressions or thoughtfulness, and praise by saying "That's good." Additionally, they organize and share methods of praise used during lessons among the instructors.

It is also notable that all instructors have obtained Level 3 certification as "Praise Masters" from the incorporated association "Japan Praise Master Association." An instructor here explained, "Because we have to think about how to convey praise. There are definitely parts where failure is acceptable." Recognizing this approach, Obihiro First Driving School became a certified praising driving school starting this month. Even if the educational method changes, the school must maintain a student satisfaction rate above 90% for two consecutive months to be called a praising driving school. Among 312 graduates from March to April, 99% responded that "Receiving praise motivated me to drive," earning final certification.

So far, besides Obihiro, a total of three schools in Japan have been recognized. However, as these driving schools gain attention, about 20 schools are reportedly reviewing their teaching methods to obtain certification.

Obihiro Jeil Driving School, which received a certificate of commendation for its tutoring center. (Photo by Obihiro Jeil Driving School)

The praising driving school concept began in 2013 at Nanbu Driving School in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. They discovered that many young people who had to obtain licenses for employment were increasingly becoming extremely depressed or scared and avoiding lessons when scolded, leading them to decide to change their educational approach.

The effect of praise did not stop there; it also contributed to lowering graduates' accident rates and increasing driving test pass rates. Mainichi reported, "After adopting praise-based instruction at this driving school, the pass rate, which was in the 80% range, exceeded 90%, and the accident rate within one year after graduation, which was 1.76% in 2012, dropped to 0.36% in 2020."

Hideki Tachibana, who created the praising driving school project, said, "Originally, I was known as a master of criticism and taught very strictly. However, I felt that when the mind is at ease, driving naturally becomes gentler. The goal of praise-based instruction is education of the heart," he emphasized.

However, opinions on this educational method are divided even in Japan. While some respond, "If taught carelessly, one might learn to drive poorly," others say, "It's better to teach gently than to scold and make the mind go blank."