Getting a driving license in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide for Expats

A driving license is mandatory when operating a motor vehicle in Japan, some international residents can exchange their licenses while others must complete theory and practical tests. While residents from 30 reciprocal countries can exchange licenses with just an eye test, others must attend driving lessons and pass notoriously strict exams requiring 90% on written tests and 75% on practical tests.

Getting your Japanese driving license? Find driving services and local support in Japan to handle the process.

Getting a Japanese Driver's License

Residents 18 and older can apply for Japanese driver's license at their local driving license test centers. You need to book appointments and prepare relevant documents in advance. Typically required documents include: official translation of foreign driver's license and original (if you have one), passport, recent passport photo, and Resident's Card. If applicant's home country isn't part of reciprocal scheme or they still need to get license, they must attend driving lessons and pass all tests to obtain their permit. All drivers need to pass vision test.

Driving Tests in Japan

If you are from these countries and you have valid license, you do not need to sit any extra tests (apart from eye exam): Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom (UK), and The USA (States of Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington only). In contrast, those without license or from another country must attend driving lessons and pass theory and practical driving tests. First, student driver will write exam about traffic rules and road signs to get their learner's permit. Learner drivers have six months to convert their license into full permit with practical driving test. Japanese driving license tests are notoriously strict. Successful applicants must achieve written passing grade of 90% and 75% for practical test.

Driving Theory Tests

New drivers must first complete 10 hours of driving school lectures and 12 to 15 hours of driving practice. Two theory tests follow this. First is 30-minute multiple-choice exam on Japanese driving laws to obtain learner's permit. With this permit, student drivers must undertake further 19 hours of lectures and 16 hours of practical driving lessons to qualify for second theoretical exam. It is 50-minute test with 95 questions and 90% pass grade. You can take pen and paper theory tests, typically in Japanese, at local driving test centers. However, all prefectures do provide limited English-language centers and some even offer Chinese and Portuguese options.

Practical Driving Tests

Applicants must clock up between 31 to 34 hours of driving lessons and complete two-part practical test to qualify for valid driving license in Japan. First part takes place within controlled driving school environment to receive learner's permit. Upon passing this test, applicants can continue practicing on actual roads to complete second part within six months. Learner drivers' vehicles must have learner plates and new driver sticker attached to car. Passenger with valid driver's license must always accompany them. Student drivers must complete at least 16 hours of road experience before booking their final test at driving school. Japan's practical test is unique exam that involves driving correctly through narrow, artificial S-curve road and remaining 70cm from curb at all times. Major mistakes such as hitting curb or not stopping when signposted will result in outright fail.

Driving with a Foreign License in Japan

Most internationals can drive in Japan for up to 12 months with International Driving Permit (IDP). These are obtained before arriving in country. Those with valid driving licenses from Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland, and Taiwan may also drive in Japan for up to 12 months without IDP. However, drivers must carry Japanese translation with their original driving license. After year, these license holders must transfer their permits to retain any future driving rights in Japan.

Exchanging a Foreign Driving License

Japan has reciprocal agreement with 30 countries allowing their nationals to exchange their original licenses for Japanese ones without any additional exams apart from eye test. If you hold driving permit from one of countries on this list, you can make appointment at your local license center and take required paperwork. After documents have been verified and applicant has taken eye test, they will receive new Japanese driving license on same day. This license is valid for three years. Nationalities that do not appear on list must also complete written and practical tests.

Renewing a Driver's License

Japan has three license classes: Provisional (learner's permit), Class 1 (standard driving permit for all private cars), and Class 2 (specialist driving permit for passenger-carrying vehicles like taxis with minimum age of 21). Also, each license will also indicate driver's experience level with background color behind issue date on card: Green (beginner driver for two years after obtaining license), Blue (regular driver), and Gold (superior/excellent driver). You only qualify for Gold license once you have clean driving record for three years on Blue license. Gold license is valid for five instead of three years, renewal process is quicker, and fee is lower. You can renew your driver's license in Japan within two months of your birthday instead of expiry date.