運転(うんてん)代行(だいこう)

うんてんだいこう
noun
designated driver service
1. designated driver service; chauffeur service for drunk drivers
A service in Japan where a professional driver drives your car home for you when you have been drinking. Two drivers come — one drives your car and the other follows in a company car.
運転(うんてん)代行(だいこう)を呼(よ)んだ。
I called a designated driver service.
飲(の)み会(かい)のあと運転(うんてん)代行(だいこう)を頼(たの)んだ。
I requested a designated driver service after the drinking party.
運転(うんてん)代行(だいこう)を利用(りよう)すれば、自分(じぶん)の車(くるま)で安全(あんぜん)に帰(かえ)れる。
If you use a designated driver service, you can get home safely in your own car.

USAGE:
A service unique to Japan where two professional drivers come to your location — one drives your car home while the other follows in a company vehicle. Very common after 飲(の)み会(かい) (drinking parties), especially in areas without convenient public transportation. Often shortened to 代行(だいこう).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 運転(うんてん)代行(だいこう)を呼(よ)ぶ (to call a designated driver service)
  • 運転(うんてん)代行(だいこう)業者(ぎょうしゃ) (designated driver service company)
  • 代行(だいこう)を頼(たの)む (to request a driver service — shortened form)

RELATED TERMS:

  • 飲酒(いんしゅ)運転(うんてん): drunk driving
  • タクシー: taxi — alternative but you leave your car behind
general
Added 2026.3.17 17:22
17000/17368_untendaikou