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Driving and Licensing

Information on driving in Japan, including international driving permits, obtaining a Japanese license, and road rules.

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Comprehensive Guide to Driving and Licensing in Japan

Driving in Japan can be a convenient way to explore the country, especially in rural areas where public transportation may be limited. However, Japan has a highly regulated and structured system for driving and obtaining a driverโ€™s license. This guide provides detailed information on national regulations, the process for obtaining a driverโ€™s license, costs, requirements for foreigners, road rules, cultural norms, and necessary documentation.

1. National Regulations for Driving in Japan

1.1 Driving Age

  • The minimum age to drive in Japan is:
    • 18 years for cars and motorcycles.
    • 16 years for mopeds (50cc or less).
    • 20 years for large vehicles (e.g., trucks, buses).

1.2 Driving Side

  • In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road, and the driverโ€™s seat is on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

1.3 Licensing Authority

  • Driverโ€™s licenses in Japan are issued and regulated by the Prefectural Police Departments under the supervision of the National Police Agency.

1.4 Types of Licenses

  • Ordinary License (ๆ™ฎ้€šๅ…่จฑ, Futsuu Menkyo): For standard passenger vehicles.
  • Motorcycle License (ไบŒ่ผชๅ…่จฑ, Nirin Menkyo): For motorcycles, with subcategories based on engine size.
  • Large Vehicle License (ๅคงๅž‹ๅ…่จฑ, Oogata Menkyo): For trucks, buses, and other large vehicles.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Temporary license for foreigners (valid for up to one year).

2. Obtaining a Driverโ€™s License in Japan

2.1 For Japanese Citizens or Long-Term Residents

The process for obtaining a driverโ€™s license in Japan involves several steps:

Step 1: Attend a Driving School

  • Enroll in a designated driving school (ๆŒ‡ๅฎš่‡ชๅ‹•่ปŠๆ•™็ฟ’ๆ‰€, Shitei Jidousha Kyoushuujo).
  • Complete classroom lessons and practical driving training.
  • Driving schools typically offer courses in Japanese, but some schools in major cities may provide English-language instruction.

Step 2: Take the Written Test

  • The written test consists of multiple-choice questions about road rules and traffic signs.
  • The test is available in Japanese and sometimes in English at certain locations.

Step 3: Take the Practical Driving Test

  • The practical test is conducted on a closed course and/or public roads.
  • It evaluates your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic rules, and respond to real-world scenarios.

Step 4: Obtain the License

  • Upon passing the tests, you will receive your driverโ€™s license.
  • New drivers are issued a provisional license (ๅˆๅฟƒ่€…ใƒžใƒผใ‚ฏ, Shoshinsha Mark) for the first year, requiring them to display a green-and-yellow beginnerโ€™s mark on their vehicle.

2.2 For Foreigners: Converting a Foreign License

Foreigners living in Japan can either:

  1. Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) (short-term visitors only).
  2. Convert their foreign license to a Japanese license (long-term residents).

Option 1: Driving with an International Driving Permit (IDP)

  • An IDP is valid for up to one year from the date of entry into Japan.
  • It must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
  • Not all countries issue IDPs under this convention (e.g., Germany, France, Switzerland). Citizens of these countries must carry a certified Japanese translation of their license instead.

Option 2: Converting a Foreign License (Gaimen Kirikae, ๅค–ๅ…ๅˆ‡ๆ›ฟ)

Foreigners with a valid driverโ€™s license from their home country can apply to convert it to a Japanese license. The process involves:

  1. Eligibility Requirements

    • You must have held your foreign license for at least three months after issuance.
    • Provide proof of residency in Japan (e.g., residence card).

  2. Required Documents

    • Original foreign driverโ€™s license.
    • Certified Japanese translation of the license (available from JAF or your embassy).
    • Residence card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyu Card).
    • Passport.
    • One passport-sized photo (3cm x 2.4cm).
    • Application fee (varies by prefecture).

  3. Application Process

    • Submit the documents to the Driverโ€™s License Center in your prefecture.
    • Take a written test (10 true/false questions, available in English).
    • Pass a practical driving test (may be waived for certain countries with reciprocal agreements, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and others).

  4. Costs

    • Translation fee: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000.
    • Application fee: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ4,000.
    • Practical test fee (if required): ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000.

3. Costs of Obtaining a Driverโ€™s License

  • Driving School Fees: ยฅ200,000โ€“ยฅ400,000 (varies by school and location).
  • License Issuance Fee: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ3,000.
  • Testing Fees: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000 per attempt.
  • Translation Fees (for foreign licenses): ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000.

4. Road Rules and Cultural Norms

4.1 Key Road Rules

  • Speed Limits:
    • Urban areas: 40โ€“50 km/h.
    • Rural roads: 50โ€“60 km/h.
    • Expressways: 80โ€“100 km/h.
  • Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
  • Drunk Driving: Strictly prohibited. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
  • Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless using a hands-free device.
  • Traffic Lights: Red means stop, green means go, and yellow means prepare to stop.

4.2 Cultural Norms

  • Politeness: Japanese drivers are generally polite and patient. Honking is rare and considered rude.
  • Yielding: Drivers often yield to pedestrians and cyclists, especially at crosswalks.
  • Parking: Illegal parking is strictly enforced. Use designated parking lots or spaces.
  • Road Etiquette: Flashing hazard lights is a common way to say "thank you" when another driver lets you merge.

5. Necessary Documentation for Driving in Japan

  1. Driverโ€™s License: Japanese license, IDP, or foreign license with a certified translation.
  2. Residence Card: Required for long-term residents.
  3. Vehicle Registration (่ปŠๆคœ่จผ, Shaken-shou): If you own a car.
  4. Insurance Documents:
    • Compulsory Insurance (่‡ช่ณ ่ฒฌไฟ้™บ, Jibaiseki Hoken): Mandatory for all vehicles.
    • Optional Insurance (ไปปๆ„ไฟ้™บ, Nini Hoken): Strongly recommended for additional coverage.

6. Additional Considerations

6.1 Renting a Car

  • To rent a car in Japan, you need:
    • A valid driverโ€™s license (Japanese or IDP).
    • Passport (for foreigners).
    • Credit card for payment.
  • Major rental companies include Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and Times Car Rental.

6.2 Owning a Car

  • Owning a car in Japan requires:
    • Proof of parking space (่ปŠๅบซ่จผๆ˜Ž, Shako Shoumei).
    • Regular vehicle inspections (่ปŠๆคœ, Shaken) every 2โ€“3 years.
    • Payment of annual taxes and insurance.

6.3 Driving in Winter

  • In northern regions (e.g., Hokkaido), winter tires or snow chains are essential during the snowy season.

7. Summary Checklist for Foreign Drivers

  • Short-term visitors: Obtain an IDP or certified translation of your license.
  • Long-term residents: Convert your foreign license to a Japanese license.
  • Always carry your license, residence card, and insurance documents while driving.
  • Familiarize yourself with Japanโ€™s road rules and cultural norms.

By following this guide, you can navigate Japanโ€™s driving and licensing system with confidence and enjoy the freedom of exploring the country by car.