Getting Your Japanese Driver’s License
Foreign residents in Japan must be in possession of a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan. Whilst rules vary from country to country, generally speaking, the IDP must be applied for in your home country and will be valid for one year. Some countries allow postal applications with photocopies of the supporting documents.
Once the IDP expires, it is essential that you change to a regular Japanese driving license. Everyone, regardless of their home country, must get their current driver’s license translated. You can do this through Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). It costs 3,000 yen and you must submit to JAF a photocopy of your home country’s license (front and back). The translation will take about a week and you can have it mailed to your home address. JAF’s address is 佐賀支部 849-0921 佐賀市高木瀬西 6-1149-5 (JAF Saga, 6-1149-5 Takagisenishi, Saga-shi, Saga-ken, 849-0921, tel. 0952-30-7000).
Once the license is translated, you must make an appointment at the driving license center. The center’s address is 849-0901 849-0901 佐賀市久保泉大字川久保2121－26 (Saga-ken Driving License Center, 2121-26 Oaza Kawakuho, Kubota, Saga City, 849-0901, tel. 0952-98-2220). Here you must submit the following documents:
- Your original driver’s license from your home country
- Passport
- Alien resident card
- One photo (3 cm x 2.4 cm)
- The Japanese translation of your home country driver’s license
You will have two meetings to go over your paperwork, after which you will proceed to the test if you are American or South African. It seems that everyone is exempt from taking the test except for Americans and South Africans (according to the JET Manual; see page 173 for the list of exempt countries). Citizens from certain countries are exempt because a Japanese government enquiry apparently determined these countries’ domestic traffic safety record to be at least as good as Japan’s.
For those who are not exempt, you will also need to take an eye test and a 10 question written test (true/false). As long as you are not blind, you will pass the eye test. And as long as you have common sense, you will pass the written test.
These tests will be taken on appointment number two. If you pass them, you will then take the driving test. Here are some tips form a ALT who’s been already been through the process.
When you schedule the driving test, you will be given a map of the course. Yes, the course is over-the-top and does not represent real life, but it’s the game you have to play. It is best to memorize this course, although you are permitted to ask questions during the exam (although I don’t recommend it).
You can walk the course Sunday-Friday from noon-1 p.m. for free. I recommend doing this at least once in order to memorize. There are loads of people there walking it as well.
You can schedule an hour block on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (?) to drive the course in your own car. The cost of this is 2500 yen (I believe). You will need to be with a person who already carries a Japan license (plus, it is good to get tips/advice from him/her).
You will fail the driving test on the first attempt. Don’t worry! It’s just the reality.
Some tips for the test:
- When you get in the driver’s seat, say “onegaishimasu” and bow (while sitting).
- Drive slowly–no matter how ridiculous and unnatural it may seem.
- Hug the left side of the road–stay as close to the line on the left as possible.
- Over emphasize all movements. When you look left and look right, do it twice on each side while extending your head from your neck in a completely absurd manner. And letting out an “okay, okay” here and there doesn’t hurt either!! (I know–no one drives like this!!!! But for some reason, it’s required in order to pass).
- Whenever you turn, always look over your left shoulder, like you are looking behind you. This is to check for any pedestrians or bikers alongside you.
An officer from the driving school will sit next to you, and there will be a woman from the center as well in the back seat. Your JTE (or other) will be invited to sit in your test as well. Make sure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelts.