Driver’s License

Being on the smaller side, Minamisoma is based around cars far more than it is around public transportation. Therefore, if you are planning on staying for more than a year, it may be a good idea to get a Japanese driver’s license. Here are a few tips to help you along the way based on research and personal experience. Keep in mind that the process and paperwork is subject to change, so please be sure to double-check the information beforehand.

Note: Details may vary between driving schools. Contact the individual driving school for more information.

While driving school is not required if you are simply converting your driver’s license from your home country into a Japanese one, it has helped many get comfortable with the format of the practical driving exam.

There are several ways to make an appointment, depending on the driving school. Depending on your fluency level, you can use their phone line, or ask via email. You can also simply walk in and ask in person, which may be the quickest and easiest way to get it done.

For the application, you may need to bring certain items such as your current driver’s license and your international driving permit. Select a date and time that works best for your schedule, and make sure to be on time for your appointment.

Keep in mind that if you already have a driver’s license from your home country that you are converting into a Japanese license*, you will not have to take a full driving class. You can take single hour-long lessons in which you practice going around the driving course and get tips for passing the test. They are fairly expensive, running 4000 yen to 8000yen per lesson, but they can be very informative.

During the lesson, you will be taken out to the driving course with an instructor. They will give you directions for a route through the course, along with advice for each part, such as getting into and starting the car, making turns, and passing obstacles in the road. Keep in mind that minute details could be the difference between passing and failing the driving test. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if something is unclear. Simple words, gestures, and even drawing diagrams will help overcome the language barrier.

*Your home country driver’s license will not be taken away or invalidated.

Note: Details may vary between driver’s license centers. Contact the individual center for more information.

As your international driver’s license expiration date approaches, it’s time to visit a driver’s license center. Unfortunately, they are typically only open on weekdays, so you may need to take the day off of work.

The first step is to make an appointment. You will not be able to undergo the proceedings without an appointment. In some cases, your company may assist you with this step. If not, you will need to call the center or go in person. Keep in mind that if you go in person, the chances that you will be able to complete the procedure the same day are slim to none. However you do it, ask to convert your license into a Japanese license. This is called “外国の運転免許から日本の運転免許への切替” (gaikoku no unten menkyo kara nihon no unten menkyo e no kirikae).

Next, you will need to prepare the necessary documents. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Residence card (在留カード, zairyuu kaado)
• Passport
• Certificate of residence (住民票, juuminhyou)
  You can get a certificate at city hall for a small handling fee. You will need to get one issued within 6 months prior to the exam date.
• Valid driver’s license from your home country
  This is necessary to convert to a Japanese license, but your original license will not be invalidated. 
• An official translation of your driver’s license from your home country
  This can be received by going to the website of the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF). See Additional Information for a link.
• One photo, 2.4cmx3cm
• Official inkan (seal), if you have one
• Money for handling and testing fees (3000~5000 yen)
• Copies of your residence card (front and back), driver’s license from your home country (front and back), and passport (photo page)

With all of these documents in hand, head to the center for your exam. It is highly advisable to take a translator with you if you are unable to speak or write in Japanese. The exam has multiple steps: the interview, the written exam, the eye exam, and the practical exam.

First up, you will have a one-on-one interview to confirm your driving history. You will be asked questions such as how long you have been driving, when you received your license, and the testing process in your home country. Try to be as specific as possible.

Next, you will be given ten true-or-false statements with ten minutes to answer them. Written exams are available in multiple languages. You will need seven or more correct answers to pass.

You will be shown a series of “C” shapes and will have to say which way the opening is facing. It is a fairly simple test, as long as you know your directions:

右(migi) – right                  左(hidari) – left

上(ue) – up                        下(shita) - down

Note: Depending on which country you hail from, you may not need to take the practical test. Be sure to check beforehand.

Finally, it’s time for the dreaded practical exam. This is when your driving school lessons will come in handy. It is highly recommended that you do your research before you attempt the test. Fortunately, there are so many great English guides to passing the Japanese driving exam available online. Make sure that you are very familiar with the procedure and requirements.

You will be given a map detailing the route you are to take, and you will have some time before the exam to study it. You can go out to the actual course and walk around, so it may be a good idea to run the route on foot.

Then you will be put into a car with other test-takers as each person completes the exam. If it is your first attempt, it is likely that you will not be tested first. This is a great opportunity to study the route one last time before your exam.

There are many guides that give minute details on each part of the course available online, but here are some general points to keep in mind:

Use your free time wisely after receiving the map. Go out on to the course, and get to know the turns, the stop signs, and the intersections, so that you will be comfortable with where to go during the test.

For example, every time you turn, change lanes, or even start the engine, you will need to check your left blind spot, left mirror, rearview mirror, right mirror, and right blind spot, in that order. Don’t just glance with your eyes; face your whole head in each direction. Many people also say “よし!” (“Yosh!” “Okay!”) as they check each direction to make extra sure the test instructor notices. There are many actions like this that are absolutely essential to passing the exam. Take your time with each movement.

Use as much Japanese as you can. For instance, start off the test with よろしくおねがいします！(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! Please treat me well!), and acknowledge any instruction with はい! (Hai! Yes!). Finally, thank your instructor when you get out of the car with ありがとうございます! (Arigatou gozaimasu! Thank you very much!)

You will need to go slower than you think, particularly when turning, although you will have to speed up on the longer straight areas. Regardless, don’t rush yourself.

After the test, you will be informed whether you passed or failed. Be aware that there is a high possibility of failing the test on your first attempt. Don’t get discouraged! Take it as a chance to learn and come back with a better understanding of the procedure next time. This is also a good reason why you should start the process well before your international driving license expires. Fortunately, they will have all your paperwork, and you can bypass the written exam. Test slots get taken fast, so don’t wait until the last minute!

NOTE: Details may differ slightly between driving license centers and police stations. Check with the individual center or station for more information.

Around two months before your birthday in the year your driver’s license is set to expire, you will receive a postcard reminding you to renew it and providing details on how to do so. Fortunately, unlike the test, this can be done on Sundays at many locations, although it will be more crowded than on weekdays. Another benefit compared to the driver’s license test is that renewing your license can be done in town at the local police station, although going to a driver’s license center is still an option. It will typically cost around 3000~4000 yen, and you will usually have about a month before and after your birthday to complete the process.

You will need to bring your driver’s license, the renewal message postcard, and your residence card. You may also need additional papers if you have changed your name or address.

After filling out the application, you will go through a simple eye test and get your photo taken. Then you will be informed of the date and time of a training lecture you must attend (also held at the location where you filled out the application).