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Rite of Passage: Getting a Japanese Driver's License

By Rachel Turner | Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008

Canadians don’t have to worry about it. Neither do Australians or most foreigners hailing from Europe. Switching from an international driver’s license to a Japanese one for them is easy and breezy. A translation, a long line, some money paid, and shazam! Get back on the road. For Americans living in Japan, though, there are a few more hoops to jump through.

For the first year, we have it easy. Our International Driver’s Permit allows us access to motor vehicles across the country. After that first year is up, though, it’s time to go local. All Americans living in Japan for more than twelve months are legally required to get a Japanese driver’s license. I read somewhere that statistically it takes 2.4 times for Americans to pass the test (I’m still not sure who gets to take it .4 times). If you know what the facilitators are looking for, though, passing it in the first shot is a walk in the park.

First, let’s talk about what you need to do before showing up to take the test. You need an unexpired license from your home country that you had for at least three months before leaving. (If, like me, you had to renew your license only a month before leaving, you should contact your state’s DMV to get a copy of your driving record. This will show that you had a license for more than three months prior to moving to Japan.) You will need a translation of your American driver’s license. The translation costs 3000 yen, and can be obtained through JAF (Japanese Automobile Federation). Download the application here: http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/switch.htm

Next it’s off to the DMV. Take your passport, original driver’s license, alien registration card, license translation, two passport-size photos, and some cash. After filling out your paperwork, you should take your eye exam, pay 2,400 yen, and wait wait wait. Then it’s time to take the written test. The English test consists of 10 questions, most of which are ridiculously simple common knowledge. I would advise boning up on road signs and their meanings. You can also take practice tests online at www.japanesedriverslicense.com. Now the easy part is over.

After you have passed your written test, it’s time for the driving test. When you pass the written exam, you can make an appointment for the driving test. On rare occasions you can take both in the same day, but most likely you’ll need to return a couple weeks later. But that gives you lots of study time. There are many sites that give step-by-step instructions for the test. Two of the more detailed ones are http://www.globalcompassion.com/driving.htm and http://www.supermelf.com/japan/ajetdrivingbook/index.htm

My general advice is to go slow and exaggerate your actions. Don’t just glance in a side mirror with your eyes, but turn your head to look. More specific advice, now. Pump your brakes. Coming from America, I’m a big fan of easing on the brake and making a smooth stop. Japan is different. Inspectors want you to tap (loudly, remember to exaggerate) three times when slowing down. When making a left-hand turn, check your rearview mirror, your passenger-side mirror, and turn your head to look behind you to the left. It seems counter-intuitive to take your eyes off the road, but it’s what they are looking for. When you are stopped at a stop light, look both ways before going forward when the light turns green. Know your turn signal, love your turn signal, use your turn signal…often. Instructions for the test will most likely be in Japanese, but you don’t need to be fluent to get the gist of it. Memorize right (migi), left (hidari), straight (massugu), and signal (shingo), and you should be fine. Reply to instructions with an OK or hai so the instructor knows you understand.

It all seems a bit overwhelming at first, but with a little study passing the Japanese driving test on the first go is a breeze. Remember to bring a book (you’ll spend a lot of time waiting around) and exaggerate during the driving test. Good luck, and I’ll see you on the road!