Japanese Driver’s License?

Most drivers in Japan drive in an orderly manner because of the strict process to obtain the driver’s license.

To drive in Japan, you need to get a Japanese driver’s license in Japan. An international driver’s license issued by a signatory to the Geneva Convention or a driver’s license issued by a country administration that has a licensing system equivalent to Japan.

Recently, however – Japanese law has changed so that those living in Japan may only use an international driving permit for up to one year after living in Japan. After that time period they will be unable to drive in Japan with an international driving permit.

This means that all medium to long term residents of Japan will need to convert their driving licenses to a Japanese license. Or – if you are like some people – apply for and obtain a driver’s license in Japan from scratch!

Obtaining Your Driver’s License in Japan – “Learner’s License”

To get a driver’s license in Japan from scratch, you first have to start by obtaining the “Learner’s License”. The very first step would be to take the knowledge Test.

You can see the associated steps in the flow chart below:

What should you do when applying for a Japanese Learners license.

1. Prepare the required documents in advance

Jyuminhyo (a certificate of residence with your nationality)

2 headshot pictures (3×2.4cm)

Alien registration card or resident card

Glasses (if you need them)

2. Register time for your test

Two registration hours to choose from Monday to Friday

After passing the knowledge test, make an appointment for the driving test

3. Driving test

Pay the car rental fee: for ¥1,550

4. Get the Learner’s License

Issue fee: ¥1,550

5. Practice on the road

Practice on the road for at least 5 days

Must be accompanied by an instructor who has more than 3 years driving experience with a Japanese license

Have karimenkyo renshū-chū (“on practice”) plate displayed on the car when driving

Fill out a “Report of Practise” form

How to get the regular driver’s license

6. Bring your documents

Learner’s license

Alien registration or resident car

1 headshot picture (3×2.4cm)

“Report of Practice” (Report is valid for 3 months)

Jyuminho (a certificate of residence with your nationality)

Glasses (if you need them)

7. Register time for your test

Two registration hours to choose from Monday to Friday

Application fee ¥2,200

8. Take the driving test

Driving test on the roads outside

Car rental fee ¥900 After passing the driving test, make an appointment for “Shutokuji-koshu” at an approved driving school.

9. Shutokuji-kosyu

It’s a lecture for beginners, fee ¥13,700

10. Getting the Driver’s license

Issue fee ¥2,050

In order to get a Japanese driver’s license, you will need to complete an eye/vision test. This test looks similar to the chart above. You will need to say the correct direction in Japanese where the opening in the circle / c shape is. For example – in the above drawing – the correct answer would be “ue” for up. Because the opening in the c is pointing up.

Good luck on your driving test!

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