Job Discussion Forums

space · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 44 Location: japan

So...

I'm a real bright person... I keep my USA drivers license, IDP, and passport in my car, cuz that't the only place they get used nowadays.

Except that I don't keep them there anymore, becuase they were apparently stolen. Not sure when, I hadn't opened my glove box in months.

So, I need to fix this. As far as I know I cannot replace my USA license from Japan. As far as I know I can't get another IDP.

Replacing the passport is the easy part.

My main question: Is it possible to get a Japanese driver's license withOut having a license from my home country? It seems the only way for me to drive in this country is to show that I had a license from an other country.

What can I do? Has anyone else out there had a similar expirience?

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

CA DMV sent me a new license, try.

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

space,
No, you cannot get a Japanese driver's license without your American one to show them. In fact, you need to show it PLUS a translation of it.

Get online and contact the DMV for your home state. I have renewed my American driver's license from overseas (no new picture, of course), so if you explain circumstances, perhaps you can get a temporary replacement (with no picture). My renewal cost me only $7.

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

Glenski's right Space.
PLUS verification of U.S. residency for 2 months following issuance.
PLUS written and driving tests.
PLUS a $60.00 training course on saturdays, take it from me.

Getting your duplicate should be a breeze, though!

Where is your nearest DORAIBIINGUSENTA?

Good luck,
s

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

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

Okay don't take it from me, Glenski's right. Every one is different and mine is the mother of all driving centers, run by the man. Going inside for my third stint very soon--my mate did six.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 3:44 am Post subject:

In many states you can get a replacement drivers licence online. Have you checked the DMV www site of your home state?

Call them or go online and you may find a better answer.

Hope that helps!

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

certainly try to get the US license.
Without it, the test for Japanese is much longer.
100 questions for the written test, and the driving test may be twice as long.
For Americans, the written test is 10 questions, and the driving course is fixed and not so long.
What prefecture do you live in? The written test is not available in English in each prefecture.

I do recommend going at least one to take a practice test with the instructor. You can go on Saturdays or Sundays.