Recommended for foreigners! How to drive in Japan

Introduction

I think that there are some foreigners living in Japan who have to drive a car for their work and life.
Of course, it is possible for foreigners to obtain a Japanese driver's Driver's License. However, Japan's driver's license system is different from that of other countries in many ways. Also, depending on the purpose and length of stay in Japan, the best way to obtain a license will change.
In this article, let's review how to get a driver's license in Japan.

Can I drive in Japan with a foreign driver's Driver's License?

In conclusion, you cannot drive in Japan just by having a foreign driver's Driver's License. However, there are three ways to drive in Japan with a foreign driver's Driver's License.

●Obtain an international driver's license

International Driving Permits that allow you to drive in Japan are issued based on the Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva Convention) of September 19, 1949.
An international license is valid for one year. You can drive for one year after landing in Japan, but if the international license expires first, it will be invalid. Also, even if the international driver's license is still valid, it will become invalid one year after landing in Japan (for those who are not registered in the Basic Resident Register). If you plan to stay in Japan for a long period of time, it is better to obtain a Japanese driver's Driver's License as soon as possible.
Reference: Period during which you can drive with an international driver's Driver's License

Also, an international license for a foreign Driver's License cannot be issued in Japan. Be sure to contact the license center or designated organization in the country where your license is issued and obtain it before entering Japan.
Reference: Driving in Japan - US Embassy & Consulates in Japan

● Countries where you can drive with a translation attached

If you have a driving Driver's License issued by a country or region that does not issue Geneva Convention style international licenses, but is defined as having the same level of standards as Japan, you may drive in Japan if you carry two items: a foreign Driver's License from that country and a "translation in Japanese".
As of May 2023, the following six countries allow driving with a "Japanese translation" attached.

1. Switzerland
2. France
3. Belgium
4. Monaco
5. Germany
6. Taiwan

Reference: How to drive in Japan with a foreign driver's Driver's License issued by government ordinance

●Gaimen-kirikae

If you have an international driver's license or a special country driver's license, you can drive in Japan for about a year if you have the necessary documents.
However, what should I do if I want to stay longer than a year or move to another country?
In conclusion, in that case, it is necessary to obtain a "Japanese driver's Driver's License". There are two main ways to obtain a driver's license in Japan.

① Go to a driving school (Driving Camp /commuter license)
② Go directly to the license center and take the test (one-shot test)

Those who originally live in Japan or those who came to Japan without a foreign license must obtain a license using the method described above. However, there is a "third method" that can only be used by people who have a license from a country other than Japan. That is "gaimen switching".
By switching to a foreign driver's license, it is much easier to obtain a Japanese driver's Driver's License than it is to obtain a driver's license from scratch in Japan. Instead, you will need to take a test at a Japanese driver's license center called a ``knowledge check'' regarding traffic rules and signs, and a ``skill check'' test to see if you can drive safely by running on the course at the driver's license center. there is.
For more information on the procedure for changing your Gaimen license, please see [ZIPLUS Gaimen Switching] Flow of Gaimen Switching.
The good thing about switching to a foreign driver's license is that you will officially obtain a Japanese driver's license, so the expiration date for driving will be longer. It is valid for three years from the date of new acquisition, and for five years thereafter if you are a good driver.

Reference article: Is it difficult to switch to a foreign license? Thorough explanation of advance preparation such as application conditions and costs

Finally

How was it? This time, we have looked at the three main ways for people with foreign licenses to drive in Japan.
(1) Obtain an international driver's license
(2) Acquire a translation and attach it to your foreign license before driving
(3) Change foreign driver's license

Choose the method that suits you and get a fulfilling driving life.