Guide to Driving in Japan: Licenses and Traffic Regulations

Many foreigners living in Japan would like to drive a car.

However, many people may give up driving because they do not know what to do with their licenses or are worried about traffic rules that are different from those in their home countries.

This article introduces important points that foreigners should know when driving in Japan, such as how to obtain a driver's license, traffic rules, and what to do in an emergency.

To drive a car in Japan

Driver's license types required for driving in Japan

When a foreigner drives a car in Japan, one of the listed is required.

(1) Japanese driver's license
Period of validity: Within the expiration period

(2) International driver's license (issued in a foreign country in accordance with the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic)
Drive license permission: 1 year

Expiration dates are counted differently once you leave Japan.
For more information, please see the following page.

警察庁「国際運転免許証で運転できる期間」
 "Period available for driving with an international driver's license."

(3) Foreign driver's license plus Japanese translation prepared by the embassy or other organization
Drive license permission: 1 year
*Only Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan are covered (as of March 2024).

How to obtain a Japanese driver's license

There are two ways to obtain a Japanese driver's license.

(1) By the Japanese driver's license test

The following three tests are administered at the Driver's License Center or other locations.

• Skills test: Tests driving methods
• Written test: Tests whether you have the necessary knowledge when driving.
• Aptitude test (vision, etc.): Tests whether the driver can drive safely
  

If you pass these three tests, you can get a driver's license.

In order to pass the test, you must either study on your own or complete a full training from a driving school (designated driving school).

Once you graduate from driving school, you do not have to take the skills test.
For this reason, most people in Japan attend driving schools.

(2) By switching from a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license

Those who have obtained a driver's license in a foreign country and stayed in that country for more than three months may switch to a Japanese driver's license.

If you apply at the Driver's License Center and are found to have no problem driving, you are not required to take the skills and academic tests.

（Sources：出入国在留管理庁　外国人生活支援ポータルサイト　生活・就労ガイドブック　第9章　P98、外務省　海外教育・年金・保険・運転免許・犯罪被害、警察庁　外国の運転免許をお持ちの方）

Things to keep in mind after getting a Japanese driver's license

Procedures for changing your name and address if changed

If you change your name, address, etc., you are required to change your driver's license information.

Procedures are available at police stations, driver's license centers, and driver's license examination centers.

Remember to renew your driver's license before the expiration date

When the expiration date approaches, you will receive a postcard with information on what you need to do for the renewal procedure.

You will not be able to drive if you do not complete the renewal procedure, so be sure to do so within the time frame of the procedure.

Check your mailbox regularly to ensure that you receive important communications properly.

There is a suspension or revocation of the license

If you have a traffic violation or accident, you will accumulate a set number of points.
Your license may be suspended or revoked based on your total points for the past three years.

Therefore, please follow the traffic rules and drive properly.
(Source: 出入国在留管理庁　外国人生活支援ポータルサイト　生活・就労ガイドブック　第9章　P99）

Traffic rules for driving in Japan

Right-hand drive, left-hand traffic

The steering wheel of Japanese cars is on the right side.
Also, on roads, you must drive on the left side of the road relative to the direction you are going.
Be careful not to confuse them if they are from a different country than you lived in before.

Understanding Japanese traffic lights

Signals are green, yellow, and red from left to right.
However, a green signal is generally considered a "青(Blue)".

*But proceed if you cross the stop line or if you cannot stop safely.

There is also a signal with a green arrow below the three colors.

If the signal is red, but an arrow appears, you can proceed in the direction of that arrow.

Everyone in the car should wear a seat belt

In Japan, it is mandatory that everyone in the car, not just the driver, to fasten seat belt.
Seatbelts must be used on highways as well as on ordinary roads.

Do not drink alcohol and drive

In Japan, drunk driving is severely punished.
Never do this, as it can lead to a major accident and a revocation of your license.

Do not use a cell phone while driving

Operating a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
While driving, use hands-free to make calls or stop in a safe place before operating the device.

Do not wear headphones while driving

Headphones or earphones while driving are also prohibited.
This is because it is harder to hear sirens of ambulances, police cars, etc.

Focus on the sounds around you as you drive.
(Source: 警察庁　Traffic Bureau「To all foreigners driving in Japan」）

What to do if there is a traffic accident?

If you are involved in a traffic accident, you should respond as follows

(1) Stop driving and stop

Stop driving immediately and stop.

Move your car to a safe place, such as the edge of the road or an open space, being careful not to block other cars.

(2) Contact emergency services and the police

If anyone is injured, including yourself, call an ambulance. (Call 119)
Do not move the person until the ambulance arrives and follow the instructions of the paramedics.

And even if no one is injured, the police must be called. (Call 110.)
When the police officer arrives, explain the accident.

(3) Go to the hospital

In many cases, even if you think your injuries are minor when you have an accident, they are actually serious.

Therefore, go to a hospital for a checkup as soon as possible, but after the instructions of the police.

(4) Apply for a traffic accident certificate

A "Traffic Accident Certificate" is required for various procedures, including car insurance.

However, be sure to report the accident to the police, otherwise you will not be able to obtain a certificate.

You can also apply at the Automobile Safety & Driving Center or online.

自動車安全運転センター「各種証明書のご案内」
国土交通省「交通事故にあったらまずどうする？」

Drive safe, obey the rules

If you want to drive in Japan, you first need a driver's license.

Once you have your driver's license, please follow the rules and always pay attention to your surroundings.

If you know the correct rules, you can drive safely and happily.

Please be careful not to have any accidents.

FAQ

Q1. What should I pay attention to when driving on Japanese highways?

Expressways are toll-free. Pay at the toll booth.
Note that the lanes are different depending on whether you pay in cash or use an ETC card at that time.
It is also important to observe speed limits and to take proper breaks when driving long distances.

Q2. How is driving in urban areas in Japan?

Urban areas in Japan have a large number of pedestrians and bicycles as well as cars.

There are also many narrow streets.
Therefore, it is important to drive with maximum care.

Additionally, parking can be difficult to find. It is a good idea to find out where you can park in advance.