Driving in Japan（日本で車を運転するには）

When driving a car or riding a motorcycle in Japan, you need a driving license. Also, when driving a car or riding a motorcycle, you must be sure to carry your license with you.

Driving Licenses That Can Be Used to Drive in Japan（日本で運転できる免許証）

1. A driving license gained in Japan

2. An international driving license issued by a country that has signed the Geneva Convention

★You can drive for one year after entering Japan or for the period of validity
of the license, whichever is shorter.

★ If you are using an international driving license, please check at the Driving
License Center or at a Police Station that the license is valid in Japan.

★ If you have completed resident registration, and if you leave Japan but return within three months, then even if you have an international driving license, you may not be able to use it to drive in Japan.

3. A foreign driving license (only Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Taiwan, and Monaco) with a Japanese translation

★ The licenses in 3 above are only valid with a Japanese translation (from a consulate or embassy of the country that issued the license, or provided by the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) or Ziplus), and when the holder also carries his/her passport.

★The licenses are only valid for one year after the holder has entered Japan.

Obtaining a Driving License in Japan（日本での運転免許取得）

If you pass the tests shown below, you can obtain a driving license in Japan. The tests are held at the Driving License Center.

1. Written test

You can choose from Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Portuguese.

2. Practical test

An advance reservation is needed

※If you have graduated from a driving school, etc., you are exempt from this test.

Necessary Items

□A copy of your certificate of resident registration, showing your nationality
□ A personal identification document (your residence card, passport, Health Insurance
Certificate, etc.)
□ A certificate of graduation from a designated driving school (if you attended a driving school and gained a certificate of graduation)
□Your provisional driving license
□ A certificate of completion for a moped course (only if you wish to take the tests for a moped license)
□The necessary fee

Changing Your Driving License to a Japanese License（日本の運転免許への切り替え）

If you have a driving license from a foreign country, and you wish to obtain a valid license in Japan, you need to complete the formalities for changing your foreign license to a Japanese one, at the Driving License Center.
(it is necessary to make a reservation in advance)

※For reservations in advance, from 8:30 to 17:00 on weekdays (you can also make a reservation by phone).

Information on Driver's License Formalities at Hiroshima Prefectural License Center and Eastern(Fukuyama) License Center

>>>For an explanation of changing a foreign license to a Japanese one, please see the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) website (you can also download an explanation and an application form):

Japanese Automobile Federation（JAF）

Hiroshima Prefecture Driving License Center (広島県運転免許センター)

082-228-0110 (Extension 703-253)

大きな地図を見る（GoogleMapページへ）

Hiroshima Prefecture Eastern (Fukuyama) Driving License Center （広島県東部（福山）運転免許センター）

082-228-0110 (Extension 704-263)