Job Discussion Forums

Timuli · Joined: 10 Jan 2004 Posts: 51 Location: Saitama

So it's no longer possible to renew your IDL? Mine expired early 2003, and Im hoping to get another one later this year. Didn't need to drive up to now.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

It's possible to renew your international license, but if you have lived in Japan during the three months prior to gettiing the license then you have lots of problems if you get caught using it. You're fine if you want to drive in Africa, but not Japan.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

An int'l driver's license is only valid for the first year you are in Japan. A colleague of mine didn't drive his first year in Japan. He bought a car in his second year and was told his int'l license would be invalid. The assumption is that you started driving right away in Japan and it is impossible to prove otherwise. Sure you can renew an int'l license every year, but it is worthless.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Hey easy,

I know the rule. And I know the score, that's why when I say I will be getting another one next year, that's what I'll be doing. Please don't grass me off.(shouldn't have said; sarcasm)

unofficially unaware,
S

easyasabc · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 179 Location: Japan

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Easyas, must you remind everyone of that nonsense.

1) The information the gentleman gave me was correct, for me.

2) I don't recall asking for anything. I know the deal.

3) grass off=snitch

4) I may need some real help or advice. Can you help?

ryuro · Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 91

Hey Sweet...

I'm not trying to 'grass you off' but if you get caught driving illegally in Japan the MINIMUM fine is 300,000yen and complete suspension of all driving priviledges for a year from the date of the infraction. Plus any other fines they choose to tack on when they catch ya. Just thought you should know- this actually happened to a colleague of mine- wasn't pretty.

Just to stress again what has been said MANY times- if you've lived in Japan for a year or more AN INT'L DRIVING PERMIT IS NOT VALID HERE! Doesn't matter how long you've had your home country's DL or if you've gone home on holiday and picked-up a new Int'l Driving Permit- it's NO GOOD.

Oh, Glenski- have to disagree with you on this topic too, when you quoted one of my statements and said it was incorrect. If you'll read my post I wrote...

'if you renewed your DL (while in Japan- forgot that part) you MAY be screwed.'

I think it's fair for people to know that the driving centers WILL NOT automatically accept a driving record abstract. I've handled cases for at least two teacher candidates who had their's summarily REFUSED- no real reason given- but the driving center insisted on seeing the actual CANCELED DL's.

Of course, I also know a number of people (myself included) who were able to successfully use their driving abstracts to obtain a Japanese DL. But it's by no means garanteed. Thus my use of the word 'MAY'.

I think you will find I don't post here unless I'm 100% sure of the facts I'm putting down.

Anyway, as always, only trying to help.

Cheers,
ryuro

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Thank you.

I wasn't aware of the exact penalties.

Again, I didn't ask anyone anything.

I was merely stating a point of view.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

To continue what ryuro stated, I've been told from my employer that if I was caught driving illegally in Japan, it could jeopardize any chances of my contract being renewed. Same goes with drinking and driving. It would embarass the university. They asked to see everyone's driver's license just to make sure.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

ryuro said:

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Hi Glenski,

Who do I need to prove it to?

There is no doubt in my mind. I have been there twice. I have spoken to people there. I even spoke with a woman there that I had spoken to the first time. She was taking it for the 7th time. I thought to myself these people are all crazy, there is no way I am going to fail today. Heck, I have been driving for nearly 30 years!

And I did fail.

A gentleman on the way out told me he had just failed for the fifth time. When I asked him what he had done wrong he said nothing. He went on to say that the examiner told him if he took the course he would pass.

In fact, years ago I took the test in Fuchu and passed the first time. I was very surprised because in a group of more than 20 people, two of us passed. I spoke to the other successful examinee and she told me it was the 7th time for her.

Don't ask me why I passed? I was the only non-Asian in the group.

I have also seen ads on the net advertising that they will guarantee you pass the first time.

Basically, give up your saturday and a brown note and you will pass.