First-time visitors to Japan
Required Licenses
License Checker
Answer the following questions to confirm the licenses you need to drive in Japan
Is your country a member of the Hague Convention?
The Hague Convention is an international treaty on road traffic. The main countries that have joined are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, South Korea, etc.
Is your stay in Japan for one year or less?
The duration of driving with an international driver license or foreign driver license is from the day of entry to Japan for a maximum of one year.
Is your country a specific country or region?
Specific countries or regions include Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, Slovenia, etc.
Specific country or region driver licenses can be used with a translation.
Is your international driver license valid?
The validity period of an international driver license is usually one year from the date of issue. The duration of driving with an international driver license or foreign driver license is from the day of entry to Japan for a maximum of one year.
Has your country’s license been valid for more than three months?
To switch from a foreign license to a Japanese license, you must have been living in that country for a total of three months after obtaining the foreign license.
What is your stay duration?
If you have a driver license from a specific country or region, the procedures required will vary depending on your stay duration.
Is your country a member of the Vienna Convention?
Driver licenses based on the Vienna Convention cannot be used in Japan. Even if you are a member of the Vienna Convention, you will need another means to drive in Japan.
You can drive with an international driver license
You can drive in Japan from the day of entry to Japan for a maximum of one year (or until the expiration date of the international driver license, whichever is earlier).
Required items
Tips
- Always check the validity period of your international driver license
- You will not be able to drive in Japan after one year from the day of entry, even if it is still valid
- Always carry your international driver license, driver license from your country, and passport
- The one-year period from the day of entry will expire even if you leave and return to Japan
Recommended actions
- Study Japanese traffic rules
- Inform the rental car company that you are carrying an international driver license
- If you plan to stay in Japan for more than one year, consider applying for a Japanese driver license as soon as possible
You need to update your international driver license or switch to a Japanese driver license
Your international driver license is expired or will expire soon. You need to take action to continue driving.
Options
1. Update your international driver license in your country
You can update your international driver license in your country while you are in Japan. However, you cannot use it if you return to Japan and the total time since your entry exceeds one year.
2. Switch to a Japanese driver license
If you plan to stay in Japan for more than one year, we recommend that you switch to a Japanese driver license at the Japanese driver license center.
Items required for license switch
If you plan to stay in Japan for more than one year, we recommend that you switch to a Japanese driver license at the Japanese driver license center. You are eligible for the switch, so the procedure is possible.
web/forVisitor.result_idp_expired_choices_2_actions_2_description
License switch procedure
- Reserve at a driver license center in your jurisdiction (many places have a reservation system)
- Go to the driver license center with the necessary documents
- Take the aptitude test (visual acuity test, etc.)
- Knowledge test (may be waived in some countries)
- Skill test (may be waived in some countries)
- You will receive a Japanese driver license upon passing the exam
Required documents
Country-specific differences
Countries where aptitude and skill tests are waived (some countries)： Iceland, Ireland, the United States (some states), the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, etc.
Other countries： Knowledge confirmation (written test) and skill confirmation (practical test) are required
You need to take the Japanese driver license test from scratch
If you have obtained a foreign driver license after staying in that country for less than three months, you cannot switch to a Japanese driver license.
Steps to obtain a Japanese driver license
- Enroll in a driving school (training center)
- Take driving lessons (about 1-3 months)
- Pass the graduation exam
- Take the aptitude test at the driver license center
- You will receive a Japanese driver license upon passing the exam
Required items
Reference information
- There are driving schools that offer foreign language support (English, Chinese, etc.)
- There are driving schools that offer short-term intensive courses (about 2 weeks to 1 month)
- In some cases, you can take the aptitude test in a foreign language
You can drive with a translation
If you have a driver license from a specific country or region and plan to stay in Japan for less than one year, you can drive in Japan by attaching a Japanese translation of your driver license.
Required items
web/forVisitor.result_special_country_short_tips
1. JAF (Japanese Automobile Federation)
- You can apply in person or by mail
- Fee: About 3,000 to 4,000 yen
- Processing time: Same day for in-person applications, 1 week for mail applications
2. Embassy or consulate of the issuing country in Japan
- The procedures and fees vary by country.
- We recommend you contact in advance
Specific country or region
Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, Slovenia, etc.
Japanese driver license switch is recommended
If you plan to stay in Japan for more than one year, it is recommended to switch to a Japanese driver license.
About driving for the time being
You can drive in Japan for one year from the day you enter Japan with a driver license from a specific country or region and a Japanese translation of your driver license.
Required items for license switch
Special
Specific country residents may be exempt from aptitude and skill tests when switching to a Japanese driver license. Please consult your nearest driver license center for details.
Vienna Convention driver license is not valid in Japan
Japan is a member of the Hague Convention, but not the Vienna Convention. Therefore, driver licenses based on the Vienna Convention are not valid in Japan.
1. Get a Hague Convention driver license
If your country is also a member of the Hague Convention, consider getting a Hague Convention driver license when returning home.
2. Get a Japanese driver license
You can get a Japanese driver license by enrolling in a driving school (training center) and taking driving lessons (about 1-3 months).
3. Try to switch to a Japanese driver license
After obtaining a foreign driver license, if you stay in that country for more than three months, you can try to switch to a Japanese driver license. Please consult your nearest driver license center for details.
Public transportation
Japan has well-developed public transportation. In particular, for short-term stays, you may also consider using trains, buses, taxis, etc. Access to tourist attractions is also relatively easy.
You cannot drive in Japan with your current license
If your country is not a member of the Hague Convention or Vienna Convention, or if you are not from a specific country or region, you cannot drive in Japan with your current license.
Options
1. 1. Get a Japanese driver license
You can get a Japanese driver license by enrolling in a driving school (training center) and taking driving lessons (about 1-3 months).
2. Try to switch to a Japanese driver license
After obtaining a foreign driver license, if you stay in that country for more than three months, you can try to switch to a Japanese driver license. Please consult your nearest driver license center for details.
3. Public transportation and taxis
Japan has well-developed public transportation. In particular, for short-term stays, you may also consider using trains, buses, taxis, etc. Access to tourist attractions is also relatively easy.
Reference information
- Some driving schools in Japan offer foreign language instruction (English, Chinese, etc.)
- There are driving schools that offer short-term intensive courses (about 2 weeks to 1 month)
- In some cases, you can take the aptitude test in a foreign language
Videos to learn Japanese traffic rules
Basic knowledge about driving in Japan
Traffic rules
Left-side traffic
In Japan, traffic is on the left. At intersections, turn right and prioritize the right lane.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians are encouraged to walk in the middle of the road.
Speed limit
General road: 40〜60km/hHighway: 80〜100km/hResidential road: 30km/h or less
Drunk driving
Drunk driving is strictly punished. Never drive after drinking, even if it is only a small amount.
One point: In Japan, there is a custom called "Thank you hazard" where you signal to the driver who let you pass with hazard lights to show your gratitude.
Japanese characteristic road signs
Temporary stop
You must completely stop. Japanese temporary stop signs are triangular with "Stop" written in reverse.
Parking
A square with a blue background and a P sign or cross mark indicates a parking area.
No entry
A circular sign with a red horizontal bar on a white background indicates that vehicle entry is prohibited.
Pedestrian
A triangular sign with "Pedestrian" written in reverse indicates that the speed must be reduced.
One point: Japanese road signs often have auxiliary signs below them that specify time periods or days of the week. For example, "8:00-20:00" indicates that the restriction only applies during those hours.
Emergency response
When an accident occurs
- Prioritize the rescue of injured persons (call emergency services: 119)
- Move the vehicle to a safe location (if possible)
- Report to the police (110)
- Record the contact information, driver license, and insurance information of the other party
- If you are renting a car, contact the rental car company
When a vehicle breakdown occurs
- Stop the vehicle safely
- Turn on hazard lights
- Set up a triangular sign (stop sign) (required on expressways)
- Please contact our insurance provider (Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance) at 0120-024-024. English support is available.
- Please contact our company (Note: We may not be able to respond outside of business hours).
Emergency contact
- Police 110 (emergency)
- Ambulance 119 (emergency)
- Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance 0120-024-024
- Car Rental Tokyo 047-391-8080
- Tourism Agency Hotline 050-3816-2787 (24 hours, multilingual)
One point: Install emergency information apps such as "Japan Travel" or "Safety tips" on your smartphone to be prepared for emergencies. You can confirm emergency response methods and contacts in multiple languages.