Getting a Japanese driver’s licence

Like most things in Japan, the route to obtaining a driver’s licence is one strewn with red-tape and beuracracy. Here we tell you how to go about it.

If you are lucky enough to be from one of the countries who have an agreement with Japan [England is one of them], then a straight swap can be made without one having to take a driving test. The first and most important criteria is that you are in posession of a valid driver’s licence from your host country. And that you were resident in that country for three months or more after passing your test.

All JET scheme persons and potential residents beware: do not expect to pass a test in the UK, jump on a plane to Japan less than three months later and swap your British licence for a Japanese one. No amount of pleading will result in a bending of this rule.

Assuming you have a valid licence, which you have held for more than three months back home, and the process is relatively simple thereafter. Your local Japanese Auto Federation [JAF] office will be able to issue you an official translation of your home licence and with that, off you go to the Driving Licence centre and apply for your Japanese licence.

Important point number two; the translation must be an official one. Having an immaculately typed-up translation from a friend, relative or spouse will be rejected instantly. The official translation costs 3000Yen and yes, it is a money-making scheme. Get used to this in Japan, it will save you having any stress about other such beuracratic charges elsewhere in your life here.

The licence is valid for three years from the date you applied. Note, not the day it is issued.

Resources and links

For a list of local JAF offices issuing translations, click here.

For details of the translation and for a form you can print out to apply for it, click here.

For an amusing insight into the process if you do not have a valid overseas licence [driving test, etc], click here for a most entertaining and informative read courtesy of Michael Mozzhechkov and The Alien Times.

Good luck and happy motoring! Oh, and if you are used to driving at over 40kph back home, get ready to be frustrated in Japan [or have your spouse perpetually nagging at you to slow doan, in my case]. Even on the motorways you can only ever get up to 110kph [65mph] and speed really freaks the locals out.