Job Discussion Forums

[hivans]

Apologies for introducing a non teaching topic.

I know there have been previous threads on the test to convert an overseas driving licence to a Japanese one (after one year the International Driving licence can not be used I believe), but I think the exams have recently been changed. I understand that recent changes make it possible to take the written exam in English, but that exam has become harder. As a UK licence holder, I do not need to take the practical exam, only the written exam and the eye test.

I would be interested to hear if anyone has any recent experience of the new tests.

[David W]

As far as I recall there was no written test. Just an eye test, watch a couple of videos, pay your money and have your picture taken. Voila-license.

[craven]

Is the criteria different for UK residents than Canadians? I was under the impression they were the same. If that's the case, you only need to translate your licence at JAF, take an eye test, and pay the fees (I can't remember how much it was, but I think the whole deal was around Y7-8000 or something like that).
Get someone who speaks Japanese to ask the licence bureau, and if the answer sounds strange, ASK AGAIN! They recently changed regulations and I had to speak to 3 different clerks before I got one who actually knew what the regulations for Canadian licences were!!

[Sweetsee]

Wow, wish it was that easy. Really depends on where you go. I went to Fuchu years ago, no sweat. At Konosu in Saitama it's a different story. Unless you go in and take the training course on saturday for 6000 yen, you won't pass the driving test--took it twice.

[hivans]

Thanks for the replies. Since the original posting, I have contacted the local centre (I live in Kumamoto) and have a little extra information to add. My local centre told me the written exam was optional (!) under the new regualtions for people from a list of countries that includes UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of the EU (but not the United States).

So, as the previous poster said, all you need is the translated documents and an eye test, it would seem. One thing they were a little incesssant on in Kumamoto, however, was some proof that the appicant had lived in his or her original country for more than 3 months after getting the licence - something like a letter from a former employer on letter headed paper would do apparantly.

[Brooks]

for Americans it sucks. We have to take the road test.
About 15 prefectures in Japan give written exams in English.
I think they are Tokuishima, Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo,
and some others.

[lozwich]

[Gordon]

[craven]

Speaking from a friend's experience, the length of time you've had your licence is NON-NEGOTIABLE!! They're apparently quite strict about making sure you were in your home country for at least one year after getting your licence. If you can't prove it with your passport, have your driver's licence bureau send a record of your driving experience to that effect.
ps. sorry to all americans that have to take the test...that's a tough go!

[Gordon]

[Sweetsee]

It's 3 months in Saitama.