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Newcomers may need to obtain or convert their driver's license to legally drive in Japan.

To obtain a driver’s license in Tokyo, you must meet the following criteria:

Age Requirements:
- For a regular car license (普通自動車免許, Futsū Jidōsha Menkyo): You must be at least 18 years old.
- For a motorcycle license: The minimum age varies depending on the type of motorcycle (16 for smaller motorcycles, 18 for larger ones).
Residency: You must have a valid residence status in Japan and proof of living in Tokyo.
Health: You must pass a vision test (minimum 0.5 vision in both eyes combined) and a basic physical exam.
Driving Experience (for license conversion): If converting a foreign license, you must prove you held your foreign license for at least three months after issuance in the issuing country.

The documents required depend on whether you are applying for a new license or converting a foreign license. Below are the details:

Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo): Proof of legal residency in Japan.
My Number Card or Certificate of Residence (住民票, Jūminhyō): Obtainable from your local ward office.
Passport: For identification purposes.
Two Passport-Sized Photos: 3 cm x 2.4 cm, taken within the last six months.
Application Form: Provided at the licensing center.
Health Certificate: Issued after passing the vision and physical tests at the licensing center.

Valid Foreign Driver’s License: Issued in your home country.
Certified Translation of Your License: Must be translated into Japanese by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or an embassy. JAF is the most commonly used service.
Proof of Driving History: Documentation showing you held your foreign license for at least three months after issuance (e.g., passport stamps, residence records).
Residence Card (在留カード).
Certificate of Residence (住民票).
Passport.
Two Passport-Sized Photos.
Application Form.

The process differs depending on whether you are applying for a new license or converting a foreign one.

Attend a Driving School (Optional but Recommended):
- Enroll in a certified driving school (自動車教習所, Jidōsha Kyōshūjo) to learn driving skills and traffic rules.
- Driving schools in Tokyo typically offer courses in Japanese, but some schools provide English instruction.
- Completing a driving school course allows you to skip the practical driving test at the licensing center.
Pass the Written Test:
- The written test is available in English and other languages.
- It consists of basic traffic rules and safety questions.
Pass the Practical Driving Test:
- If you did not attend a driving school, you must take the practical test at a licensing center.
- The test is conducted on a closed course and evaluates your driving skills, adherence to traffic rules, and safety awareness.
Obtain Your License:
- After passing all tests, you will receive your driver’s license.

Prepare Your Documents:
- Ensure all required documents are complete, including the certified translation of your foreign license.
Visit a Licensing Center:
- In Tokyo, the main licensing centers are:
  - Samezu Driver’s License Center (鮫洲運転免許試験場).
  - Fuchu Driver’s License Center (府中運転免許試験場).
  - Koto Driver’s License Center (江東運転免許試験場).
- Book an appointment in advance if required.
Take the Written Test:
- A simplified test (10 true/false questions) on Japanese traffic rules.
- Available in English and other languages.
Take the Practical Driving Test:
- Conducted on a closed course at the licensing center.
- You may need to practice beforehand, as the test is strict and evaluates precise driving skills.
Receive Your License:
- If you pass both tests, you will receive your Japanese driver’s license.

The costs vary depending on whether you are applying for a new license or converting a foreign one.

Language Barrier: Most licensing centers and driving schools operate primarily in Japanese. Consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend or hiring a translator if you are not fluent.
Strict Testing Standards: The practical driving test is known for being strict. Even experienced drivers may fail on their first attempt due to minor mistakes. Practice on a similar course beforehand if possible.
Driving Rules in Japan:
- Japan drives on the left side of the road.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited (zero tolerance).
International Driving Permit (IDP): If you are a short-term visitor, you can drive in Japan using an IDP for up to one year. However, residents must obtain a Japanese license.

Here are the main licensing centers in Tokyo where you can apply for or convert your license:

Samezu Driver’s License Center (鮫洲運転免許試験場):
- Address: 1-12-5 Higashi-Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo.
- Access: 10-minute walk from Samezu Station (Keikyu Line).
- Services: New applications, foreign license conversions, renewals.
Fuchu Driver’s License Center (府中運転免許試験場):
- Address: 3-1-1 Tama-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo.
- Access: 15-minute bus ride from Fuchu Station (Keio Line).
- Services: New applications, foreign license conversions, renewals.
Koto Driver’s License Center (江東運転免許試験場):
- Address: 1-7-24 Shinsuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo.
- Access: 15-minute walk from Toyocho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line).
- Services: New applications, foreign license conversions, renewals.

Practice Driving: If you are unfamiliar with Japanese driving rules or the practical test course, consider taking a few practice lessons at a driving school.
Plan Ahead: Licensing centers can be busy, so arrive early and allocate sufficient time for the process.
Stay Patient: The process can be time-consuming, especially for foreign license conversions, as multiple visits may be required.

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate the process of obtaining a driver’s license in Tokyo. Safe driving!

Tokyo