International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a permit that allows you to drive in Japan without having to go through the procedure of acquiring a Japanese license.

General

IDPs are good for one year. People from most countries will be able to use their IDP to easily switch over to a Japanese license, however people from the US will be required to take the driving test because the US has 50 separate sets of driving laws and standards, whereas other countries have just one.

The IDP should be acquired before you come to Japan as a JET. The date of validity will be based on the date of your entry into Japan, so bring it with you to get the full 12 months out of it. If you go home halfway into your first year and then return with a new IDP, you will only be able to use it for six months.

In general, you should allow 4-6 weeks for getting an IDP.

Procedures for Acquiring

• Where to get IDPs - List of agents authorized to issue permits, listed by country