Job Discussion Forums

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

Hi,

I have a full UK driving licence. What hoops are needed to jump through to get a licence to drive in Japan for the long term?

Thanks in advance.

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

If you can show that your used your license at least 3 months back home, then all you have to do is go to a license station and get the Japanese one. No behind the wheel test is needed.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2022.html

It still takes a bit of time, and you will have to pay for it, of course.
http://www.japan.alloexpat.com/japan_driving_license/driving_license.php

Here is another good reference.
http://www.japandriverslicense.com/

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

And then be glad you're not an American. We have to take a driving test as well.

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

Thanks for the help.

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

I got a Japanese driving licence at the Chiba driving licence centre. The information you need is available on-line (I'm too lazy to look up the references for you, but I found it easily enough). I spoke almost no Japanese, but there were other foreigners around who were glad to help me out.

A couple of things that I didn't anticipate:

1. It takes a long time: set aside most of a day.

2. You'll need to take a sight test.

I'm not sure what would have happened if I hadn't known the Japanese words for up, down, left and right (ue, shita, hidari, migi) when taking the test.

2. The Japanese Automobile Association made a mistake when translating my UK licence.

They confused the start date of the photo ID with the start date of the licence. This could cause problems if your photo ID is new.

3. They'll take their own photo of you for your licence.

I'm not sure what they do with the photos you supply. Don't look too scruffy!

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

If you don't know the Japanese words for the sight test, just point.

One more important thing: get your license as soon as possible after your birthday, and certainly not immediately before. The validity of your license is based on how many birthdays follow the time you get the license, not the number of years.