Japanese Driver’s License
Some placements in Fukushima require you to drive, or are simply more convenient if you have a car, so chances are you’ve come to Japan with an international driver’s permit (IDP).
The problem is, international permits are only valid in Japan for a year. After that, you’ll need to convert it into a proper Japanese driver’s license.
So, how do we do that? Read on!
How do I get a Japanese Driver’s license?
There are one or two steps, depending on where your driver’s license is from.
If you hold a license from these countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hawaii (USA), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom…
You can transfer your driver’s license without taking a driving test.
However, you will need some paperwork and an appointment at a prefectural driver’s license centre. Appointments book a bit in advance, so it’s recommended you call about 3 months before your IDP expires. There is one in Koriyama and one in Fukushima. They are only open on weekdays, so you may have to take paid leave to attend your appointment.
You will need:
An official translation of your driver’s license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) (see more below).
You can apply online or by mail. Consult the JAF website for more details. Typically, the translation will be issued within 2-3 weeks after you apply.
Your original driver’s license
Your passport
A certificate of residence 住民票 jūminhyō
You can print this document at the convenience store with a My Number Card. Otherwise, you must get it from city hall.
Your residence card 在留カード zairyuu kaado
A 3.0x2.4cm photo
You can obtain an appropriately-sized photo at photo booths. Look for booths advertising passport, driver’s license and/or resume photos.
Cash for fees (~5,000 yen, depending on the licensing office and current fees)
A document that proves you were in the issuing country for at least three months after the issuing date on your license.
If your country stamps passports upon entry and exit, your passport may be sufficient proof. If not, you can provide dated bills, receipts, tax forms, etc. that list your residential address.
(Recommended) colour copies of all documents.
A Japanese-English interpreter if you can’t speak Japanese well.
Ask your supervisor or fellow ALTs for help finding a translator. You can also contact the Fukushima International Association and request a translator for a fee.
Expect the appointment to take 1-2 hours. You’ll have to answer some questions about what was required to obtain your driver’s license, including whether you took formal driving lessons and what tests were required (written, practical, eye exams etc.).
If you’re from one of the above countries and complete all these steps, you should be issued with your license within one appointment at the licensing office.
If your license is not from one of the countries listed above, in addition, you will have to complete a driver’s test.
Japanese Driving Test
The test consists of two parts:
A written exam - contains 10 true or false questions, the answers to which are common sense. English copes are available.
The practical driving test - there are a certain number of moves you have to make on the driving course: signaling, looking, accelerating, braking, navigating in tight quarters. You may want to book yourself in for a few driving lessons so you know what to expect, or here’s a ‘cheat sheet.’
