Getting a Driver's License
Steps to getting a Japanese driver's license
Application Process
The first step is to get a translated version of your driver's license from home.
Translating your license
Only a translation by the JAF (Japan Automotive Federation) will be accepted as valid, which will set you back ¥3000.
The application can be downloaded online at the JAF English site (application link as at the bottom). You can fill out the application and mail it to the Mie JAF along with a post office money order (現金為替 genkin kawase). Add ¥290 for return postage, the mail takes about two-three weeks.
Alternatively, you can stop by one of two JAF locations in Mie:
Yokkaichi JAF
You can reach JAF by taking the bus from Kintetsu Yokkaichi. The bus stop is Shinsho [新正]. Bus # 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 41 should all stop at Shinsho. Exit the bus and walk towards the big AOKI building [same direction as traffic]. When you reach AOKI, cross the street - making a right. Walk down for about 5 minutes. JAF should be on your left side - with a big sign, can't miss it. You can also take the local train, one stop south of Kintetsu Yokkaichi, also called Shinsho. I've never taken it so can't give exact directions but just look for the big AOKI building and figure out your orientation from there.
You then take this, and head to the Mie Prefectural Driver's License Center (514-0821 Mie Prefecture, Tsu City Oaza, Tarumi 2566. Open 8:30-17:15) to start all the paperwork and booking your exams. The center is located 500m from the Kintetsu Minamigaoka station which is between Hisai and Tsushinmachi stations. Take the west exit (the sign mentions the license center), when you come out onto the street go left down the street (south) with the train tracks on your left. Walk for about 10 minutes, turn left at the second light into the center, and take the left fork to get to the entrance of the building.
You'll need to book an appointment with the Drivers License Centre before you show up - Ph: (059) 229-1212 Make sure to book well in advance. Depending on the time of year, you will have to wait up to a month before an appointment is available. This applies even if you are from a country that does not require the practical test.
Here's a cut and paste from the prefectural site as to what you'll need to bring with you.
For the translation: --- (1) Where to apply: JAF Regional Offices counters across the country (2) How to apply: Apply directly at the JAF counter, or mail your application to a JAF counter by registered mail for cash (Genkin Kakitome). (3) Required documents: A photocopy of the foreign driver’s license (original licenses cannot be accepted). (4) Application fees: ¥3,000 per license. Extra fee of ¥290 for return postage (delivery-recorded mail) when an application is made by mail.
- The Japanese translation will not be reissued in principle. The translation may be reissued only when it is deemed necessary under unavoidable circumstances. Reissues are carried out as a new application, therefore a ¥3,000 fee is charged. Please note that fees will not be refunded even if the application for Foreign License Exchange (Gaimen Kirikae) has been rejected.
- The period of validity of the Japanese translated version is the same as that of the original license.
Application has directions in English and can be filled out using Romaji. In fact, you can get the application at the JAF website or here JAF Application PDF
This is the general JAF website - JAF Website They also have practice permit tests and road sign rules. ---
At the Driving License Centre:
--- (1) Required items For details on what documents are required to be presented, inquire at the Driver’s License Center / Driver’s License Examination Center
(i) Driver’s License Application Form (available at the Examination Center) (ii) 1 Photograph (3cm high X 2.4cm wide). Can be taken at the application office for a fee. (iii) Certificate of Alien Registration (iv) Foreign Driver’s License (If expiration date is not stated, proof of expiration date is required) (v) Passport (with record of entry and departure from relevant countries) (vi) A Japanese translation of the foreign driver’s license Only translations made by the administrative agency that issued the license, by foreign embassy and consular offices in Japan, or by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) are accepted. (vii) Fees vary depending on the type of license.
(2) The process involved in a regular application (i) Make application for exchange, (ii) Suitability test, (iii) Check of one’s knowledge of the rules of the road, (iv) Driving skills test (Practical driving test on a course at the Driver’s License Examination Center), (v) Obtain a Japanese license
(3) People who hold a license from a country which is a member of the international treaty on exemption from driving knowledge and skills tests need take only the Suitability Test (Tekisei Shiken). However, a practical driving test is required for large two-wheel vehicles.
They ask some pretty strange questions, that you might not know the answers to if you don't check/refresh your memory beforehand. Things like: how many hours of driving school, how many questions were on the written section of your test, what was the exact date on which you got each level of your license(learners permit, full license, any graduation/probation dates), the make, model and displacement in ccs of the car you learned on.
The answers don't seem to matter much, there were a few questions I didn't know the answers to, the person just smiled and said "OK", but, it's probably better to prepare beforehand and have that kind of information available.
Also, note: You must prove that the license you obtained in your country (abroad) is valid (a license that is out of date cannot be exchanged), and prove that you stayed in the country where the license was obtained for more than 3 three months after obtaining the license.
