Job Discussion Forums

ptone · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2003 8:48 am Post subject: Japanese Driving License

Hi everybody,

I am teaching in Korea right now and would like to come over to Japan. I don't have an IDP and my Canadian drivers license has expired since I've been here. I can't renew it without getting a new photo....
Can I get a Japanese driving permit without a currently valid Canadian license?

Thanks, for any input

Matt Preston

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

In a word no. Search this board, there is a thread somewhere that tells you all you need to know.

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

Of course you can get a valid Japanese driver's license with your Canadian license expired. You just can't exchange your old license; you have to take the regular 3-month Japanese driving program that costs about 250,000 yen.

ptone · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2003 1:02 am Post subject:

Thanks, that's about what I figured. I didn't think I could exchange the license. I just wasn't sure if I could still take the course and get a regular Japanese license if my Cdn one had expired.

Are there any other restrictions/problems involved in taking the Japanese driving course?
Also, 3-months seems like a rather long time, is there any way to complete the course quicker?

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

Not that I know of. You could contact this web site and ask for advice, but their services are clearly for people who already have valid foreign drivers licenses.

http://www.japandriverslicense.com/JDL5