Japanese Driving license

[FG Lurker]

[kot.a]

I got my driving license when I 19 years old. According to opinions of a lot of people, I think that to get Japanese driving license is difficult. I had to spend much time and much money. There are many courses, and I had to take courses one by one. I could have courses when I want to go, so it take eight months to get my driving license. In Japan, to get driving license, they have to practice for long time. But I heard that it is easy to get driving license in any other countries.

[FG Lurker]

I got my driving license when I 19 years old. According to opinions of a lot of people, I think that to get Japanese driving license is difficult. I had to spend much time and much money. There are many courses, and I had to take courses one by one. I could have courses when I want to go, so it take eight months to get my driving license. In Japan, to get driving license, they have to practice for long time. But I heard that it is easy to get driving license in any other countries.

You don't *have* to take those courses you know... It's just what everyone does so you did it too.

[gmb]

I studied and will try again on the test. Wish me luck!!!

[gmb]

The continuos plight of my drivers license. So now I am in the process of getting a renewed visa and or gaijin card. On my present gaijin card is stamped saying as such. That it is still valid. So I studied hard. Then took a bus a train and another bus to get to the D.M.V. A one and half-hour trip. Get to the window to register to take the test. The lady tells me that I can not take the test because my gaijin card is expired. I told her that it is being renewed and that it clearly stamped saying as such and still valid. But no way. I can not take the test until I receive my new gaijin card. Well once again a Fu*ked gaijin.

[Taro Toporific]

The continous plight of my drivers license..So I studied hard. Then took a bus a train and another bus to get to the D.M.V. A one and half-hour trip. Get to the window to register to take the test. The lady tells me that I can not take the test because my gaijin card is expired. I told her that it is being renewed and that it clearly stamped saying as such and still valid. But no way. I can not take the test....

For you folks in the Real World, this is the typical huge room where written driving exams are taken (in Mito).

Picture via kung-foo.tv's moblog.

[Kanchou]

I have a question:

What is need to "prove" that you stayed in a country for at least 3 months after getting a license? Your entry date stamp on your Passport or something?

Also, where can I get the info for the rules of the road in English without having to pay for it?

I'm still trying to figure out if they'll take a US drivers permit as a valid US license (it's not expired until next month) since they require a driving test anyway.

[sillygirl]

As a Brit, I got my licenced changed over in 20 minutes, no tests or anything, cos we drive on the same side of the road as them.

Had to go to JAF with my Brit licence to get translated into Jpnese. Then showed my passport and gaijin card, and Robert's your mother's brother

[FG Lurker]

I have a question:

What is need to "prove" that you stayed in a country for at least 3 months after getting a license? Your entry date stamp on your Passport or something?

Yep, passport. Be sure to take any old ones too if your current valid one is not the one you first arrived in Japan with.

Also, where can I get the info for the rules of the road in English without having to pay for it?

Can't help you here... I've browsed the Japanese one but never seen one in English. Maybe JAF though?

I'm still trying to figure out if they'll take a US drivers permit as a valid US license (it's not expired until next month) since they require a driving test anyway.

It doesn't matter cause you'll have to take the full test anyway.

[FG Lurker]

As a Brit, I got my licenced changed over in 20 minutes, no tests or anything, cos we drive on the same side of the road as them.

Had to go to JAF with my Brit licence to get translated into Jpnese. Then showed my passport and gaijin card, and Robert's your mother's brother

I'm Canadian and it was the same for me. About 20 minutes of processing and then I had to wait a bit for my picture to be taken. Left with my license at about 11:30, arrived at the Osaka license centre around 9:20... Only needed an eye-check.

Crazy really -- we drive on the other side of the road! In the end it all comes down to reciprocal agreements. Canada and Japan have one so it's easy.

[Kanchou]

Geh... I apologize for the uber-bump but I have a question for Watcher or anyone else who knows what's involved with the full test.

Apparently my American drivers permit won't work (who would have thought... hehe), at least according to one guy (he's probably the only one who knew what he was talking about anyway).

I called one of the centers to ask about the process and costs, and I heard it's something like 5000 yen for the Karimenkyo and another 5000 or so for the Honmenkyo... plus 3000 yen or something when you fail the driving test (I think). But I want to know what's involved with the tests (written and practical) before I waste any money on train tickets, or worse, spending 5000+ yen for nothing (Yes, I am that poor).

so... what sort of questions are on the written tests? I suppose it won't be common sense stuff like on the Gaimen Kirikae test. How is the driving test compared to the conversion test? And, uh, any tips on how to not fail for some really unobvious reason?

[IkemenTommy]

Apparently my American drivers permit won't work (who would have thought... hehe), at least according to one guy (he's probably the only one who knew what he was talking about anyway).

Of course it won't pass. You have a permit, and not a real driver's license.

I called one of the centers to ask about the process and costs, and I heard it's something like 5000 yen for the Karimenkyo and another 5000 or so for the Honmenkyo... plus 3000 yen or something when you fail the driving test (I think). But I want to know what's involved with the tests (written and practical) before I waste any money on train tickets, or worse, spending 5000+ yen for nothing (Yes, I am that poor).

As somoene else already commented, you'll need to get your license translated at JAF or wherever. I got mine done at JAF located in Tama which cost 3000. I still have the silly receipt.

Then you have to head back to your local testing facility (shikenjo) along with your gaijin express card and a passport to fill out papers after papers which are just waivers that say you've never joy-rided in Japan without a license or been arrested, etc. After all that, you get your eyes checked for vision test and other tedious stuff.

There is a processing fee for all the paperwork but it is small compared to paying the full $3000 most people go through where they learn dick and are still bad drivers afterwards.

I made it all the way to the behind-the-wheel test but I fucked up big time when I screwed up royally by mistaking the windshield for the turn-blinkers. It was an ugly sight and I failed automaticly. I was always used to engaging the blinker with my left hand and the blinkers here are on the opposite.

I went through all that over 6 months ago and never had the time to go back to retake the driving test. The place is closed on the weekends and national holidays so I never had the chance to retake it unless I skipped work, which is business taboo here in Nippon. I figured I could take some days off for summer vaccation and take the final test for the home stretch..

WRONG.

I soon discovered that it's been 6 months already since the last time I took the test so my application was deemed invalid and I have to go through the entire process again. It is not much work, but still very time consuming and all that waiting in line bullshit. So I had to go to the test center all day yesterday to fill out papers just to get back where I was at 6 months ago.

The only thing left now is the driving test and hopefully I'll be driving *legally* soon

Oh yeah, screw the automatic test. Go Manual and you won't regret it.

[FG Lurker]

Man oh man am I happy to be Canadian. A quick trip to JAF to translate my license and a total of 30minutes in the licensing centre and I was DONE! No need to use the "New Driver LOOK OUT!" mark either.

[IkemenTommy]

Man oh man am I happy to be Canadian. A quick trip to JAF to translate my license and a total of 30minutes in the licensing centre and I was DONE! No need to use the "New Driver LOOK OUT!" mark either.

Canadian gaijins are luckier I suppose.

I am guessing that anyone going to Canada for long term will have it easy to convert their J-license to Canadian, correct? Someone earlier said that countries like Canada and Australia have reciprocal policies for driving license.

[FG Lurker]

It is reciprocal, yes.

I was really lucky when I went to get my license... I arrived just as they were opening and I was the only person at the "change from foreign license" counter. Had to write out a little application form, buy a fee stamp, and get my eyes checked. This all went by super quick. Then I was asked to come back later for a photo taking time. So I left for a bit and took care of some phone calls etc that I had to do, and went back for my photo and license. Everything was smooth and fast.

[amdg]

[Taro Toporific]

It is reciprocal, yes.
Had to write out a little application form, buy a fee stamp, and get my eyes checked... Everything was smooth and fast.

Ahhhh, the was the way it was for me in the Neo- Pleistocene (1985) as American. Then it changed about ten years ago(?) but I already had my Japanese licence, hee, hee.

[oyajikun]

Any more tips?

I'm going to Samezu on Sat for the full test as my licence expired some 10 years ago..

[omae mona]

I'm going to Samezu on Sat for the full test as my licence expired some 10 years ago..
Any more tips?

Yeah - don't drive to Samezu!

I have a question, though.. I assume you're not doing the "gaimen kirikae" process to change a foreign license into a Japanese license, since I think that requires a current (not expired) license.

If you're starting the whole thing from scratch, it's rather a pain to do it without going to a driving school, as far as I understand. According to http://www.koyama.co.jp/e1_1.htm the most you can do is get a temporary license at first. Then you have to practice 10 hours with somebody who's been licensed for several years or is a licensed instructor (how they prove this is beyond me). Then you can come back and get your license. Fun!

[Greji]

Ahhhh, the was the way it was for me in the Neo- Pleistocene (1985) as American. Then it changed about ten years ago(?) but I already had my Japanese licence, hee, hee.

The reason given for no reciprocal service between Japan and the US is that the license is national in Japan and by state in the US. Theoretically and in a lot of cases, true, the rules for driving in each state are different to even include age.

As a result Japan feels that they cannot compare their law to the laws of each state. So they will only reciprocate with countries with a standized licensing system i.e. national systems and that leaves the US sucking hind tit.

[Gilligan]

The reason given for no reciprocal service between Japan and the US is that the license is national in Japan and by state in the US. Theoretically and in a lot of cases, true, the rules for driving in each state are different to even include age.

As a result Japan feels that they cannot compare their law to the laws of each state. So they will only reciprocate with countries with a standized licensing system i.e. national systems and that leaves the US sucking hind tit.

It may not just be from the Japan side. For example, if someone with a driver's license from another state moves to California and wants a California driver's license, they have to pass a written test. So it's unlikely that California would do for a Japanese national what it wouldn't even do for an American citizen from another state.

That being said, I know that there was talk not too long ago about creating a national driver's license as a way to create a national ID card (in the US). I can only say (personally) that I hope that idea is dead.

[Greji]

That being said, I know that there was talk not too long ago about creating a national driver's license as a way to create a national ID card (in the US). I can only say (personally) that I hope that idea is dead.

That would be a very good idea. It will never be a national ID card as not everyone drives, plus, the US doesn't need one (they already have a better one called a Social Security card).

The problem is that the individual states will not concede drivers' license revenue to the feds. That's a lot of money they would have to give up, not including the jobs and other perks they would lose at the state level if DLs went to a national program.

[FG Lurker]

The reason given for no reciprocal service between Japan and the US is that the license is national in Japan and by state in the US. Theoretically and in a lot of cases, true, the rules for driving in each state are different to even include age.

As a result Japan feels that they cannot compare their law to the laws of each state. So they will only reciprocate with countries with a standized licensing system i.e. national systems and that leaves the US sucking hind tit.

Kanukistan (aka Canada) is the same though. We have different rules and driving ages from province to province. Drinking ages are different too, but that's a different (and better!) topic.

I think the federal gov't has more authority in Canada than the US though. That made it easier for the feds to negotiate a treaty and impose it on the provinces.

[IkemenTommy]

Any more tips?

Don't get the real license. Get the international license instead. When you get stopped by the J cops for whatever reason, they will better likely to let you go off the hook.

[FG Lurker]

Don't get the real license. Get the international license instead. When you get stopped by the J cops for whatever reason, they will better likely to let you go off the hook.

Not if you have been "in country" for over a year without leaving for at least 3 months.

If they bust you, you get a fine of up to 300,000yen (from memory), 12 points on your j-license if/when you do get it, and possibly some jail time, depending on the situation. (ie if you cause an accident with no license etc)

It used to be that you could drive forever on international licenses. They plugged this loophole cause Japanese were making quick trips over to Guam to get international licenses after their j-licenses were revoked.

[Mulboyne]

Don't get the real license. Get the international license instead. When you get stopped by the J cops for whatever reason, they will better likely to let you go off the hook.

That's not good advice these days. At least in and around Tokyo, if you commit any traffice offence or are involved in an accident then you will almost certainly be busted now as FG Lurker says. If you get in a spot check and asked for your licence and it's not valid, then the days of being waived on seem to be long gone. Virtually all my friends who used to use the international version - one for over 20 years - have switched, even when they have been obliged to take the test. There were just too many stories of people getting fined.

On the other hand, one bloke was apparently stopped for speeding in Atami on his way back to Tokyo. He used his best apologetic Japanese and was just about to be let-off when they noticed his Japanese licence had expired. They couldn't then let him drive but he had no money for a taxi. He was given a lift home while one of the other policeman followed with his car.

[IkemenTommy]

Yeah Mulboyne, I shouldn't be encouraging anything on here.. as people take it seriously sometimes.

FYI, I transfered my foreign license to a Japan one and so I carry one as an ID now. The only thing is that for "nationality," it says U.S. and it always draws attention from the locals.

[Mulboyne]

Here's an exception to the recent crackdown on international licences:

Mainichi: Singer Shigeru Matsuzaki avoids prosecution over car accident

Prosecutors have decided not to indict singer Shigeru Matsuzaki for causing a car accident, injuring a motorcyclist, while driving with an invalid international driver's license, law enforcers said. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office made the decision on the grounds the victim suffered only minor injuries, that Matsuzaki has reached an out-of-court settlement with the victim and that the singer was unaware that his license was invalid. Matsuzaki, 57, crashed his car into a motorcycle in Tokyo, slightly injuring the rider, while driving with an invalid international driver's license in November last year, prosecutors said. Matsuzaki was carrying an international driver's license issued by the U.S. government. However, it was invalid in Japan because he had stayed in the country where it was issued for less than three months under the Road Traffic Law amended in 2002.

[Mulboyne]

One FG reports a good experience with a driving school:

I signed up to take driving lessons at Koyama Driving School in Futako-Tamagawa...Koyama is notable for being the only driving school in Japan that offers classes in English. If you are thinking of getting a license, definitely give them a shout. They are super friendly and helpful.

[omae mona]

One FG reports a good experience with a driving school:

A more notable alumnus of the Koyama Driving School's Futako-Tamagawa campus is Charles Robert Jenkins, who took his classes there in October 2005.


Anyway, that blogger is nuts, in my opinion. He says:

the US is one of the countries that does not have a reciprocal driving license program with Japan. So I can't just pop in with a translation of my license and a pair of photographs

Technically true. But he could pop in with a translation of his license, a pair of photographs, AND take a quick driving test. Then he would get his Japanese license. But he chose a different path:

I did finish almost 60 hours of classes/lessons

Holy cow! Now that's a painful way to go about this process. And if I'm not mistaken he probably paid around 300,000 yen, too.