Information related to Driver's Licenses in Japan

Driver's Licenses

There are three ways for a foreigner to obtain permission to drive in Japan.

• Hold a license from a designated country in addition to an International Driver's License (this combination of licenses can only be used for one year from entry into Japan on a particular visa)
• Hold a license from a designated country and have it transfered to a Japanese license
• Acquire a Japanese license by taking the written and practical tests

If you don't have a valid foreign driver's license, you are required to attend a driving school to complete a set course of instruction (knowledge, skills, and aptitude) and then pass an examination at a license office. There are some school provide lessons in English. Also, the knowledge test can be taken in English in several test center. Obtaining a driver's license in Japan is a time consuming and expensive procedure (costing approximately 100,000~300,000 yen depending on the school).

International Driver's License

International Driver's Licenses issued by any of the countries admitted to the Geneva Treaty on the 12th of April, 1995 are recognized for use in Japan. However, by Japanese law, the holder of an ordinary driver's license is not permitted to drive unless he or she is eighteen years or older. An International Driver's License is valid in Japan for one year from the date of issue or one year from the date of entry into Japan, whichever comes first. However, in the case that you reenter Japan within 3 months after you leave, you can drive for one year from not the date of your re-entry but the date of your first entry. You can't renew an International Driver's License in Japan. Only your home country can renew one. However, even if your home country sends you the renewed International Driver's License, it is valid for only one year from the date of your entry to Japan.

Drivers with German, Swiss or French licenses do not need an International Driver's License to drive in Japan. If you carry your license with a Japanese translation done by The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), or your country's embassy or consulate then you are permitted to drive for one year.

Getting a Japanese driver's license if you already have a license from your home country

The following conditions must all be met to apply for a Japanese driver's license.

(1) You must have a valid foreign driver's license.

(2) You must have stayed in the country where you obtained the driver's license for at least 3 months, commencing from the date of issue of the license. If the date of issue is not on your driver's license, you must bring a certificate of the date of issue. If you cannot prove your 3 months stay from the date of renewal, you must bring your old license or certificate of renewal.

(3) You must submit your application to somewhere live in and you have an Alien registration card issued from a public office.

(4) Your visa must be valid.

Things you must bring with you when you apply:

(1) A valid foreign driver's license. (If no date of issue on the license, you need a certificate of the date of issue.)

(2) A translation of your driver's license by the embassy. (If the embassy won't translate it, you can apply to Japan Automobile Federation for the translation: 029-244-7211) (Only those certified translations issued by the embassy of your country or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF www.jaf.or.jp) will be accepted.)

(3) Alien Registration Card.

(4) Passport (If you have more than one passport, bring all of them.)

(5) 2 photos (3 cm x 2.4 cm).

(6) International Driver's License (If you have one).

(7) Fee: regular car license 4,150~4，600 yen(cash only)

(8) Japanese driver's license (If you have any type or an expired one).

You must take two tests: a test about traffic rules (in Japanese, English, Chinese, Portuguese, Thai, Korean, Spanish and Persian/ 10 questions，pass the test when 7 questions is right); a driving test on a course. Then you will have your eyesight tested. If you can meet all the above mentioned conditions and bring all the above mentioned items, and pass traffic rules and driving tests, a license will be issued.

In some cases, you can be exempted from the above two tests (e.g. depending on the country that issued your driver's license). Please call test center located in your living place to learn which nationalities are exempt.