Japanese Driver’s License
Some placements in Fukushima require you to drive, so chances are you’ve come to Japan with an international driver’s license.
The problem is, international licenses are only valid in Japan for a year. Just before your second year on JET, 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 two ways.
The first way is much easier, but it is only possible 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 will need:
An official translation of your driver’s license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
Your driver’s license
A certificate of residence 住民票 jūminhyō, or residence card 在留カード zairyuu kaado
A passport-sized photo
4,150 yen for the fee, to your main licensing office
A document that proves you were in the issuing country for at least three months after the issuing date on your license (e.g. an old/current passport, your university transcript, past visas)
A Japanese-English interpreter (optional, if you can’t speak Japanese)
Ask your supervisor for help finding a translator. You can also contact the Fukushima International Association and request a translator for a fee
If you’re from one of the above countries and complete all the steps, you should be issued with your license within one appointment at the licensing office.
If you’re not from one of the above countries, on top of the steps above, you have to take a Japanese driving 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.’
How do I get an official JAF translation of my license?
There are two ways to obtain an official translation of your license: in person, or by post.
Step 1: Print and fill out this application form from the JAF website.
Step 2: Bring your original license to one of JAF’s international branches (such as the one in Sendai) with the completed application form. If applying by post, provide a clear, legible, colour photocopy of the back and front of your license instead.
Include a photocopy of your residential record for licenses written in Arabic or Russian, or for licenses issued in Thailand, The Republic of Korea, of the Union of Myanmar.
The translation fee is 3000 yen. For postal applicants, visit your post office to register for a postal cash service. You will also need to include 500 yen for return postage, which includes two translations. If you need three or more, the fee will be 600 yen.
Step 3: Allow 2-3 weeks to receive your translated license. Remember to complete this process well before your appointment at the licensing office, or you may have to postpone your appointment.
