Driving in Japan: Tips and Pitfalls for Getting Your License
If you're staying in Japan for under 12 months and already have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you can drive legally with an International Driving Permit (IDP). But if you're staying longer, or planning to live here long-term, it's time to think about switching to a Japanese driver's license.
Here’s your guide—packed with real-world tips, timelines, and personal lessons—so you don’t repeat the mistakes we made!
Quick Summary
You must complete the license conversion before your home country’s license expires.
Knowledge tests can be scheduled fairly quickly, but driving tests often take 2–3 months to book.
You must have stayed in your license-issuing country for at least 3 months after obtaining the license.
Driving experience doesn't matter—what matters is your ability to follow Japan’s specific test procedures.
Step 1: Can You Drive Without a Japanese License?
If you're from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, and meet certain requirements, you may be able to drive in Japan with your home license and an official translation.
🔗 See full list (Japanese police site)
Step 2: Are You Eligible for Test Exemption?
Some countries/states are exempt from written and/or driving tests. For example, residents from:
Certain U.S. states (e.g., Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington)
UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and more
🔗 Check the full list here
🛑 Our Story: A Cautionary Tale
My husband is from Illinois, USA—a state not on Japan’s exemption list. Despite having over 20 years of driving experience, none of that counted here.
In May 2023, my father decided to stop driving due to age and gifted us his car. At the time, we thought we had plenty of time—my husband’s U.S. license wouldn’t expire until July.
But that’s when the nightmare began. We soon realized the conversion process in Japan could easily take 3 to 4 months. If his license expired before completion, he’d have to start completely from scratch—as if he’d never driven before.
Lesson: Don’t wait until you “need” to drive. Start the process early—especially if your license is close to expiring.
Step 3: The Required Documents
Documents vary slightly by country, but here are the basics:
Valid foreign driver’s license
Official Japanese translation (from JAF)
Copy of your residence certificate (住民票) showing nationality
My Number card
Passport
ID photo
🔗 Required Documents by Country (PDF)
Step 4: The Process
Gather documents & get license translated
Submit application
Take the knowledge test (10 questions – must get 7 right)
Schedule the driving test (can take 1–2 months to book)
Pass the test = Receive your Japanese license same day
💡 Tips & Pitfalls
Knowledge Test
Available in multiple languages
Questions are easy—most people finish in 6-7 minutes
You’ll get results the same day
Driving Test
Only 20–30% pass rate
100-point scale, lose more than 30 points and you're out
Not about real-world driving—you must show "textbook" maneuvers
Example: "Five-point safety check" before moving
✅ Tip 1: Go to a short training school or hire a driving tutor
We hired a Japanese-speaking instructor and I (as a translator) sat in the back seat, as we don’t have much time before expiration. It worked. My husband passed on the first try.
Useful Links
Search for "Driver’s permit, foreigner, practice" to find more schools and trainers.
FCA Japan – Driving License Conversion Support
Koyama Driving School (English Info)
✅ Tip 2: Practice on the actual course
Some prefectures allow practice at the test center itself.
✅ Tip 3: Don’t forget required documents (like we did!)
We forgot his passport once—and missed the test.
✅ Tip 4: Examiners don’t speak English
You can’t bring a translator in the car, so learn the course beforehand. The examiner won’t give instructions during the test.
Final Step: You Passed!
You’ll receive your Japanese license on the same day you pass.
Wrap-Up: Start Early, Stay Calm
A guy next to us was taking the test for the fifth time. Driving in Japan isn’t hard—it’s just very different from what most foreigners are used to.
✔️ Start before your license expires
✔️ Take a training before the test
✔️ Don’t rely on “experience”—learn their method
Good luck!