Japan Driving License Test ー How to Get a Driving License in Japan
In Japan, the driving license test can be taken by both Japanese and foreigners with a resident status. A lot of people that come to Japan to settle, or just want to be able to drive their own car while in Japan, don't know how to get a Japanese Driver's license. There are two ways. One is if you're from a country included in the Geneva Agreement. The second is to start from scratch, with an entirely Japanese license.
That being said, today we'll talk about all of your options!
Index
Japan Driving License Test - Getting the License from Zero
Who can take it and Cost
Maybe you don't have a valid driving license from your home country. In that case, you'll have to take the written and practical exams, and if necessary, driving lessons.
Driving Lessons
Definitely the most expensive part of getting a driver's license in Japan. Taking driving lessons can cost around 200,000 to 300,000 yen depending on your location. The good news is, it is not a requirement!
However, if you choose to not take the lessons, make sure you're up to date with all the driving requirements and rules (they're many!) in Japan. The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) published a handbook called Rules of the Road in multiple languages to help you understand and prepare for the written exam. The book is also available on Amazon in the printed version and several other stores in digital form.
Written Exam
Before you start wondering, the exam is available in multiple languages including English. The written test consists of Japanese traffic laws and safe driving knowledge, so make sure to study them.
Be careful, you will only have 10 minutes to take the test, which consists of only true or false answers. Sometimes, the result of the test can be checked on the same day. Check this website for more information on the written test and mock tests!
Practical Exam
In addition to the written exam, you'll have to take a driving exam that should last all day. Most of it will be waiting for other participants to finish their turn.
If you have read the Rules of the Road book we mentioned earlier, you should be prepared for all the requirements necessary. Pay attention to small details, like checking your mirror and adjusting your seat. The common rule is people don't pass on their first, or second, try. If that happens, the examiner will let you know you haven't passed and later give you a slip with your next exam date. For more details on the road test, check out this website!
Final Steps
If everything goes smoothly, you can get your driver's license on the same day. After doing a medical examination and having your photo taken, you'll pay for the documents and you will be good to go!
Converting your Driver's License
Converting your domestic driver's license to a Japan driving license could be an alternative if your country is not part of the Geneva Convention and has no International Driver's License.
Depending on your country of origin, you won't even need to take the written and practical exams to convert the license. However, if it's not part of the list you'll have to go through the examinations to prove you're capable of driving. Fortunately, the cost for both exams is around 5,000 yen.
International Driver's License?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is available for countries that have signed the Convention at Geneva in 1949 (check here if your country was part of the Convention). If you're from one of the listed countries, you can drive in Japan using your IDP for 1 year, from the day you enter the country.
Each country has its own rules for obtaining the International Driver's License. So make sure to check them at your local Embassy in Japan's website.
Driving in Japan - Conclusion
Finally, after going through all the tests, you'll be able to drive in Japan! Take some time riding the bus and getting used to the traffic in big cities like Tokyo before getting behind the wheel.
For more tips on driving in Japan, check out this article!