Driving

Getting a driver’s license in Japan

Converting your home country’s driver’s license to a Japanese one takes time. Do not leave it to the last minute.

For the first 12 months of your time in Japan you can drive using a international driving permit. After this time has lapsed you are no longer legally licensed to drive without a Japanese driver’s license.

1. The process and requirements are different for people from different countries.
2. It will require 2 days of nenkyuu. 1 to apply and be interviewed and 1 to take any tests.
3. It is common for people to fail (the practical driving test) the first time so you should do the test BEFORE your 12 months is up to avoid being without a license and unable to drive.

The Process

1. Have a drivers license for more then 3 months in home country
2. Get an International Driving permit (IDP)
3. Gather all documents(Start before the 11 months), Submit documents and schedule interview/test
4. Resubmit as needed
5. Day 1 take interview
6. Day 2 take tests
7. The practical test may take a few attempts
8. Get license

In order to get your license you will need to gather many things.

You will need:

1. A valid foreign driver’s license.
2. Japanese translation of the foreign driver’s license.
   1. Your CO might have a company they use or ask other ALTs
   2. It can take a few weeks
3. Your valid residence card (zairyu ka-do)
4. Proof that you’ve lived for three consecutive months in the country of your driver’s license issuance.
   1. Acceptable documents are bills, tax documents, old driver’s licenses, school transcripts (if they have DATEs September 2019 vs fall 2019), JET application (some COs will not release this so it’s a last resort), speeding tickets, official papers with DATES
   2. You may have to submit several times if they don’t accept your proof
5. A 3 x 2.4cm photo of yourself taken in the last six months.
6. Previous Japanese license (if applicable).

Here in Nagasaki Prefecture, in order to convert a license you have to go to the Nagasaki Prefecture Driver’s License Testing Center (長崎県運転免許試験場 – Nagasaki-ken unten menkyo shikenjou).
After they accept your material you can schedule your interview/test days. Interview and testing is only available on weekdays so you will need to take nenkyuu. Testing and be scheduled up to one month before your license expires. They are very strict on time. If you are late it is very likely that they will fail you and you will have to come back. All countries must do the interview but what tests are needed depends on your country.

Step 5 Interview Day
The first step is an interview and document check with an officer. Interviews usually only happen in the afternoon. There is a counter to the left side of the big main room where you will check in to get assigned your officer. They will talk to you about your driving history, driving in Japan and things like that. If your documents are accepted and you pass the interview you can move on the test section.

Step 6 Take the tests
There is a written test and a practical test. Most countries need the written test, but only some need the practical test. The written test is available in English. The English might not be perfect but it is understandable. You will find out right away if you pass. If you pass you can either get your license or move on to the practical test.
The practical driving test is done on a closed course in a car supplied by the testing center. The course changes every day to one of their set courses. They will give a guide packet before the test. Memorize the course. They will expect you to know the course while they give you minimal directions. Make sure you know your numbers up to 5 and left/right in Japanese before the test.
The course is closed during lunch time for people to walk through the course and “practice”. Depending on your tester they might drive you through the course and give you tips right before your test. It is very very common to fail the practical test one or more times. Just schedule another test and try again. You can do it.

Step 7 Get license

Once you pass the interview/tests that are required they will get you your license right away. You will walk out of the testing center with a brand new shiny Japanese license.

USEFUL LINKS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET A JAPANESE DRIVER’S LICENSE

Omura Driver’s License Testing Center homepage (Japanese only)

Another page that lists its hours of operation (Japanese only)

Here is a list of requirements for your application (English and Japanese).

Here is a link to a personal account of an American applying for their Japanese license (English).

Here is a link to the details of the practical test (English and Japanese).

Here is a link to a youtube video by an Australian Nagasaki ALT, detailing the process for Commonwealth country applicants (English).

Here is a link to the English site of the Japan Automobile Federation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DRIVERS
• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Although you may be able to have a drink in your home country, in Japan there is zero tolerance. This means zero alcohol. Please note that it is not only the driver who will face severe consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol. All the passengers and anyone who allowed the driver to drink (knowing that they will drive) will also face severe consequences.

• Don’t drive without a valid license.
• If you would like to drive a car with manual transmission, then you must get the manual license (MT). With a manual license you can then drive both manual and automatic cars. With an automatic license (AT) you can only drive cars with an automatic transmission.  When you are converting your licence, the officer will ask you to declare which license you are qualified for.  
• If you have an accident call the police. Every time. Even if you nudge a power pole and no one was hurt, call the police.