Australian Motorcycle License to Japanese License

[EDX442]

Hi.

I'm planning on getting a motorcycle license here in Australia some time in the next six months. The problem is it will still likely be a provisional (P2) license by the time I am hoping to go to Japan (a bit over 3 years time). I'm under the impression that as an Australian, I can change it into a Japanese license without having to undergo any kind of skills test (but that probably won't apply unless I have a full license).

Is there some way I can upgrade a provisional license to a Japanese full license over in Japan? Or are there any other suggestions that could help me in this situation?

Thanks.

[wagyl]

No practical knowledge involving the issues of P plates and the ability to get a licence in Japan by application rather than by full test (and are you sure you are Australian??? Licence as a noun is spelled with none of those "s" letters...), but to start the conversation off, I think the Japanese motorcycle license system has a number of restrictions on engine size or power output. (Up to 125cc, up to 400cc, and over 400cc, each with automatic transmission only versions) I don't know how this might map to the P plate system in your state, and, I don't know, to be frank, how much the Japanese licensing authorities know about these differences. Most likely event is that if there is a restriction on speed or engine size noted as part of your P plate on your license, and if that restriction matches or is broader than the restriction on one of the motorcycle license levels in Japan, you will be able to receive a Japanese license to that level.

[EDX442]

I know exactly how the P plates are issued... you hold the learner rider license for a minimum of 3 months and the P1 lasts 12 and the P2 lasts 24 (which adds up to just over 3 years). There are also practical tests that must be completed pre-L and pre-P1.

And as for my use of the 's' I suppose you could blame the influence of American English on the rest of the world... for your information I spell 'organisation' and 'colour' the British/Australian way.

Thanks for the response, anyway.

[wagyl]

Haha yes you can see that my post is all over the place with the spelling. But I hope you can see the gist of what I am saying: Is there a restriction on engine size of the bikes you can ride with a P2 there, or other restrictions? If there is a Japanese licence which restrictions fit entirely inside the restrictions you have on your licence, I see no reason why you would not be granted a licence here. If the worst comes to the worst, and you have a car licence, you can ride a moped here.

[Taro Toporific]

..Is there some way I can upgrade a provisional license to a Japanese full license over in Japan? Or are there any other suggestions that could help me in this situation?

At the moment, the two hard-core motorcycling members of this Forum are M.I.A. (and I had my valid US motorcycle license revoked in Japan because of disability so I only can get away with driving a 50cc moped with my automobile license on and around the farm). Sorry to be so unhelpful but you ought to try researching and/or asking your question at: http://www.reddit.com/r/RideitJapan

[EDX442]

Thanks for the replies.

@wagyl: This list http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/dow ... 130403.pdf

After looking at the list, I get the impression that the limit is 659cc (but of course that may only include the specific models on this list). Also, any bike under 260cc is approved with only a handful of exceptions and any bike up to 660 built before December 1960 is approved.

[Coligny]

..Is there some way I can upgrade a provisional license to a Japanese full license over in Japan? Or are there any other suggestions that could help me in this situation?

At the moment, the two hard-core motorcycling members of this Forum are M.I.A. (and I had my valid US motorcycle license revoked in Japan because of disability so I only can get away with driving a 50cc moped with my automobile license on and around the farm). Sorry to be so unhelpful but you ought to try researching and/or asking your question at: http://www.reddit.com/r/RideitJapan

There goes my japanese biker versus bald mexican wrestler ero-fandic...

[simplebeing]

I converted my oz license in Japan last year and I got all the bells and whistles. I hold an unrestricted HR in Australia and they gave me the same here. Mind u I got my bike license more than a decade ago. The officer here asked me questions like when I got my learners and when I got my P's and big bike license. If u can satisfy Ur accessor, u r guaranteed a license. Just note all the dates when u upgrade Ur license and hopefully before u get here they won't revoke the bilateral agreement they have with Australia about licenses.


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