Obtaining A Japanese Driving License

Japanese Driving License

Obtaining a Japanese license for foreign residents has become more difficult since a change in the law in 2002.

For most short-stay foreign visitors an International Driving Permit issued by your national automobile association is sufficient to drive in Japan for up to 12 months. However travelers from Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland and nationals of countries that are not signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on international driving licenses must have an authorized Japanese translation of their own license obtainable from JAF (and their own national license). In some cases (though not the for the US) translations may be obtainable from your embassy or consulate in Japan. Check first with your own country's representatives in Japan.

Obtaining A Driving License in Japan

All drivers who are resident in Japan for more than 12 months must obtain a Japanese driving license. Only those people who depart Japan for more than three consecutive months are able to drive again in Japan with an International Driving Permit.

Drivers from a number of countries that have reciprocal agreements with Japan can obtain a driver's license in Japan with the minimum of fuss. These countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain and Switzerland.

Residents of these nations can obtain a Japanese license without the need for a written exam or actual driving test. Drivers from these countries must present an official translation of their license from their embassy or from the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF), undertake an eye test, and show that they have resided in the country that issued their driving license for at least 3 months after receiving their driving license.

Translations of foreign licenses to obtain a Japanese license (gaimen kurikae) currently cost 3,000 yen if issued by JAF.

Driving License Validity

Japanese driving licenses are valid for a period of 5 years if you have no penalties. You will receive a reminder from your local License Center to attend within a period of 60 days one month before your birthday and a month afterwards. Renewing your license (if you do not have any penalties) entails paperwork, an eye test, a photograph taken at the center, a small renewal fee (3,250 yen) and a road safety lecture with video. If you do have penalties on your license, you will be forced to sit through a longer video.

Japanese Driving Test

Drivers from countries that do not have a reciprocal agreement with Japan such as Brazil, China or the USA must take a special, simplified version of the Japanese driving test. This involves a written and practical exam which few people, even experienced drivers, pass at the first attempt.

To take the Japanese driving test you must attend your local driving license center. You will need to take along your passport, foreign driver's license, a translation of your license and your alien registration card. There are a number of fees you will be required to pay during the process. It is a good idea to take a prepatory lesson in advance of your Japanese driving test.

Useful Links & Addresses

JAF - (Tel: 0570 002811) Japanese Automobile Federation
Globalcompassion - Japanese Driving Test Tips
US Embassy Tips For Driving In Japan
Getting A Driving License in Qatar

Tokyo License Centers

Koto Driver's License Center
1-7-24, Shin-Suna, Koto-ku
Tel: 03 3699 1151

Fuchu Driver's License Center
3-1-1, Tama-cho, Fuchu-shi
Tel: 042 362 3591

Samezu Driver's License Center
1-12-5, Higashi-Oi, Shinagawa-ku
Tel: 03 3474 1374

Nagoya License Center

Nagoya License Center
2845 Kuroishi, Hirabari, Tenpaku-ku
Tel: 052 801 3211

Kyoto License Center

Kyoto License Center
647 Furukawa-cho Hazuka-shi Fushimi-ku
Kyoto 612-8486
Tel: 075 631 5181