Questions about obtaining a Japanese Driver’s License

Questions about obtaining a Japanese Driver’s License Video Online Driver in Japan To drive in Japan you must have your Japanese license or an international driver’s license that is issued in the signatory states of the Geneva Treaty. For more details, please go directly to the Aichi Driver’s License Examination Center, or the Higashi Mikawa Driver’s License Center

How much does a driver’s license cost in Japan? 

The course costs about 300 to 400,000 yen (approximately) and the practical exam costs 9,000 to 1,200 yen (approximately), as many times as you need to do it. In case you have not approved it 

Driver’s license

In order to drive a car or motorcycle in Japan, you must have one of the following licences.

· 1.Japanese license (expiration date must be valid).

· 2. An international driver’s license issued by a country belonging to the Geneva Treaty.

One year from the date of arrival in Japan, or until the expiration of applicable licenses, whichever is shorter.

Grades

A license is not considered valid if it is obtained abroad and the time between departure and return to Japan is less than three months.

3. Driver’s licenses from Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Taiwan, Principality of Monaco and the Republic of Estonia

Driver’s licenses from Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Taiwan, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of Estonia are recognized at the same level as Japan’s.

Grades

Only within the validity period of the foreign driver’s license. Only when a Japanese translation made by an authorized person such as a consular institution that issued the foreign driver’s license is attached.

A license is not considered valid if it is obtained abroad and the time between departure and return to Japan is less than three months.

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How to get a Japanese driver’s license

There are two methods to obtain a Japanese driver’s license, described below:

1.Transfer from a foreign license to a Japanese license.

To do this, you must meet the following conditions:

· You must have lived in the country in which you were licensed for at least three months after you were licensed.

· The license must continue to be valid in the country of origin at the time of transfer.

· You must pass an aptitude test and road safety knowledge exams (practical and written) conducted by the Public Safety Committee.

Where

You must carry out the necessary procedures at your local police station. People who live in the jurisdiction of the Hamakita Police Station should apply at the Seibu Driver’s License Center.

Reception Days:

Every Wednesday (Except holidays and holidays for the end and beginning of the new year, from December 29 to January 3)

Reception Hours:

Meet at 9:30am. (Puntuality)

Grades

· Due to the reservation system, the exchange test will be approximately one month after the date of receipt.

· People who cannot write or speak Japanese must present themselves with an interpreter.

Items to be submitted:

· 1 copy of the resident registration certificate with the registration of nationality in case of being a foreigner (for Japanese citizens, 1 copy of the resident registration certificate showing your registered address)

Special permanent resident certificate or residence card (Zairyu Card)

· Identification photograph of 3 cm X 2.4 cm that has been taken in the last six months.

Valid foreign driver’s license

· Translation of foreign driver’s license. Only translations made by an embassy, ​​a consulate or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) will be accepted.

· Passport (all passports you have).

· You must also present an identification card if it is a Brazilian or Chinese license. You must also present an official receipt if it is a Philippine license.

· Money to cover the cost of the transfer.

· There may be cases where other documents are required.

· Persons who previously held a Japanese driver’s license, an expired Japanese license, or a driving registration certificate.

2. Obtaining a Japanese driver’s license

You can take an aptitude test, a written test on Japan’s road rules, and a driving ability test regardless of your nationality. Many Japanese attend a driving school in order to pass these exams. Driving school classes, like exams, are conducted in Japanese, so you need to be able to read, write, and converse in Japanese. also.