Each prefecture in Japan has different rules and requirements for driver licensing. For the most accurate information please contact the licensing center in your area directly. You can find your local center by clicking this link, where we have prepared a list for you.
let’s take a look at the process using this flowchart:
Now that you have the overall picture, let’s go a little deeper.
Step 1: Official Translation of your Foreign Driver’s License :
To start the process, license holders need to obtain an official translation of their foreign driver’s license from an approved source. This is most commonly done through the Japan Auto Federation (JAF).
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
After you obtain your official translation, you must go to the Licensing Center that serves your area with, at least the following (each area has slightly different requirements and procedures). In my case it was Futamatagawa driving school. (Address: 2 Chome-2-15 Nakao, Asahi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-0815 )
Required Documents
Valid Indian driver’s license– and previous licenses, if you have them; if the license does not show the date of issue, or if the license was recently renewed, it may be necessary to submit additional documentation. ( In my case they have asked to provide the certificate from India RTO office ( my DL was issued by Chennai RTO and then first i had to get the certificate from Chennai and submit here along with other required document ) This is mandatory.
Japanese translation of foreign license– available from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or (sometimes) at the embassy or consulate of the issuing country in Japan. JAF is best to obtain the translation – you can either visit to them and submit your application or you can do it via postal service as well. up to you.
Resident certificate (Jūminhyō) – required at License Centers.
Passport – and any expired passports; the passport is required to prove that you were in the country that issued your license for at least three months after you obtained your license.
Photo – one photo, 3 x 2.4 cm; must be taken within the last six months – you don’t need to bring it in advance . you can find photo studio in license center , it’s so easy to get it done there.
Previous Japanese license (if you have one)
Step 3: Applying at the Driver’s License Center
The application procedure at each License Center varies; but they all inspect your documents to make sure that you have lived in the country that issued your license for at least three months after your license was issued, and that all of your documentation is up-to-date and complete. There may be other steps required. Contact your local center for information!
Step 4: Eye Test
Standard eye test; you should point in the direction that the arrow is pointing (your local center may be different but probably not). Once you pass the eye exam you will take the written test. Carry on!
Step 5: Written Test
The written test for license conversion is much simpler than the test given to people getting their first license. The test itself is available in English; however, the instruction session just prior to the test will most likely be in Japanese. The main point of the Japanese explanation to understand is that in Japan X means false and O means true, and that when you have completed the test you may leave the room (again, your local center may be different). The best way to study for the test is to read the Japan Auto Federations book, in English, “Rules of the Road.”
Read more about the written test, or take a practice test here
Step 6: The Driving Test
Once you pass the eye exam and written test, you will be scheduled for your driving test. The test is not usually given on the same day you apply; you will probably have to come back to the testing center. Most likely; it will be a testing block period, rather than a specific time. You may be able to change this schedule on the spot or over the phone later. You will usually also receive a map of the driving course, which you will be required to drive from memory on test day. If the chance is offered, take the opportunity to walk the driving course before you leave, it will help you to memorize it.
Depending on the driving center, you may be required to pay an additional car rental fee. Be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting. When your turn comes, you will be required to get in the car and drive the prescribed course with an examiner, who will speak only in Japanese. It is necessary to memorize all the turns and elements of the course in advance as you will not receive instructions from the proctor.
If you make a “major” mistake you will fail on the spot. Whether or not you passed, you will be instructed to go inside and wait for the results with the other test takers. If you were not successful, you’ll be given a paper with your next scheduled opportunity to try again. If you are successful, you should receive your new license that day. This will entail paying more fees, getting your picture taken, and filling out forms.
Read more about taking the driving test, or see our guide to common street signs in Japan here.
above information you can find many places in web portal , i have just tried to put it together here – Now i am going to share my experience with you all.
If you are good in Indian road with your driving skills , you don’t need to worry much about it – But , But you don’t need to be too much confident in-front of Examiner at center. They should feel you are too much cautious about this driving test.
NEVER drive your car in single Hand ( expert used to drive in India 🙂 ) your hand position should always be in 10:10 clock position.
Don’t rush in driving , they will allow you to rectify your error 3 times during the whole test drive.
Acting is more important than driving skills ( considering you are already a good driver )
you may find one mirror near to front CD/Music player to watch your eye movement so whenever you are driving – you always need to keep on checking all mirrors ( left , middle and right ) . This is very important.
follow all basic courtesy rules of local driving skills..you may find many video’s in you tube.
Now let’s understand my Track route and preparation to clear the test step by step.
you have to remember this track MAP course in advance.
Only think to keep in your mind is that you have Only 2 Huddles (Z-Road & S-Road) to across.
Please See the below some of steps : HOPE it will help you !
■Before get on to CAR. Verification. (after checking you should say [OK] many times)
Say 「YOROSHIKU-ONEGAISHIMASU」 before START your exam.
01. Check your left & Right road(To see If any person or car is coming or not)
02. Check the Tire AIR (all 4 wheels) ←Point your finger on tires while checking.
03. Open the door and say 「SHITSURE-SHIMASU」 and get on to the CAR.
■After get on to CAR.(See the speed limit board)
01. Set the Mirror first (Set the mirrors to your eyes pointer) & after adjusting your seat put the seat belt.
02. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror (To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
03. See if the Gear is on 「P」 Mark. (It should be in 「P」 Mark while starts the Ignition)←「P」=Parking
04. Press the Break PEDDLE. (press until step-8)
05. Start the Ignition.
06. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror (To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
07. Change the Gear lever to 「D」 mark. 「D」=Drive
08. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror (To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
09. Slowly release the Break Peddle (Car will automatically move)←If need then press the Accelerator. otherwise no need to press.
■ Your Course STARTED. Fist STEP procedure.(See the speed limit board)
01. Your first task is to turn the RIGHT side.
02. Press the Right Indicator and slowly turn right.(Indicator TIMING is when you released the break peddle)
03. After turned the right side, keep drive on going left road. (SPEED LIMIT up to 30k/h) ←Follow the speed limit board.
■ Second TURN Procedure. (Turn the LEFT)(See the speed limit board)
01. From the 30m you need to ON your left Indicator to turn the left.
02. When you turning the car, you need to check the left Mirror & Middle Mirror.
03. Turn the left from 16th number.
■ Third TURN. (Turn the RIGHT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After Turned the right side,5m go on left side road and turn on your right Indicator before 30m from right side cross.
02. Turn the right side from 5th number.
03. After turning your right side, You can see the SIGNAL ahead.
04. DO NOT GO if the signal is in YELLOW or RED color. Only ONLY ONLY GO when its in GREEN color.
05. Go straight until the end.
06. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the left turn.
07. Check the left & Middle(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
08. Turn the LEFT from 7th Number.
■ Fourth TURN.(Turn the LEFT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After you turned LEFT keep going left road until left turn comes.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the left turn.
03. Check the left & Middle(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn the LEFT side from 4th number.
■ Fifth TURN.(Turn the RIGHT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned the LEFT side, your next RIGHT turn will Immediately appear.
02. Immediately, turn on your 「RIGHT」 Indicator and turn slowly on the right side to take the right side.
03. DO NOT drive on the opposite coming right side road.
04. Check the left & Middle(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
05. Turn RIGHT side.
■ Sixth TURN 「Z」 Road HUDDLE.
01. Speed down as much as you can.
02. DO NOT Speed up and go fast.
03. If you over up your tire in the road side, DO NOT go ZABAR-DASTI. Bring your tire back and go a head again.
04. After finishing you 「Z」Road, your right side turn will imminently appear.
05. Immediately, turn on your RIGHT Indicator FATA-FAT 🙂
06. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
07. Turn the RIGHT side.
■ Seventh TURN.(Turn the RIGHT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned RIGHT side, go straight.
02. You can see the VERY BAD Left side.
03. Stop once on the boarder line of the left side.
04. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
05. Turn left side from the 5th Number.
■ Eighth TURN.(Turn the LEFT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned LEFT side, go straight.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the left turn.
03. Slow down up to 5k/h speed.
04. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
05. Turn left side from the 10th Number.
■ Ninth TURN.(Turn the RIGHT)(See the speed limit board)
01. Slow down, predestine road a head. Drive slowly up to 5k/h speed.
02. Cross the predestine road/Zebra road.
03. Turn ON your 「RIGHT」 Indicator before 30m away from the Right turn.
04. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
05. Turn Right from the 12th Number.
■ Tenth TURN.(Turn the RIGHT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned RIGHT side, go straight until 15th number.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the LEFT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn LEFT from the 15th Number.
■ Eleventh TURN.(Turn the LEFT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned LEFT side, go straight until 2nd number.
02. Turn ON your 「RIGHT」 Indicator before 30m away from the RIGHT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn RIGHT from the 2nd Number.
■ Twelfth TURN.(Turn the LEFT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned RIGHT side, go straight until 15th number.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the LEFT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn LEFT from the 15th Number.
■ Thirteen TURN.(Turn the RIGHT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned RIGHT side, go straight until 12th number.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the RIGHT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn RIGHT from the 12th Number.
■ Fourteen TURN「S」 Road HUDDLE.
01. Speed down as much as you can.
02. DO NOT Speed up and go fast.
03. If you over up your tire in the road side, DO NOT go ZABAR-DASTI. Bring your tire back and go a head again.
04. After finishing the 「S」Road, your LEFT side turn will imminently appear.
05. Immediately, turn on your LEFT Indicator FATA-FAT.
06. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
07. Turn the LEFT side.
■ Fifteen TURN.(Turn the LEFT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned LEFT side, go straight until 15th number.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the RIGHT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn LEFT from the 2nd Number.
■ Sixteen TURN.(Turn the LEFT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned LEFT side, go straight until 16th number.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the RIGHT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn LEFT from the 2nd Number.
■ Seventeen TURN.(Turn the RIGHT)(See the speed limit board)
01. After turned RIGHT side, go straight until 20th number.
02. Turn ON your 「RIGHT」 Indicator before 30m away from the RIGHT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn RIGHT from the 20th Number.
■ FINISHING COURSE:
01. After Turned the Seventeen TURN. Keep on going until left turn comes.
02. Turn ON your 「LEFT」 Indicator before 30m away from the RIGHT turn.
03. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
04. Turn LEFT and go inside and park where you have started LINE is.
■ LAST CONFIRMATION:
01. After parked the car,Press the BREAK Paddle.
02. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
03. SET the Gear Level from 「D」 to 「P」 Mark.
04. Side HAND BREAK lock.
05. INGINE Ignition OFF.
06. BREAK Released.
07. Take out the Key.
08. Check the left & Middle & Right Mirror(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
09. Door OPEN.
10. Check the left & Right side(To see If any person or car is coming or not) ←After checking say 「OK」
11. Return KEY to the inspector. Say – 「ARIGATO-GOZAIMASHITA」
FINISHED.
P.S: Your Exam will NOT finish until you give back the CAR KEY to the Officer. He/She will observe you until KEY return.
Hope this will help you to understand the basics of Driving test in Japan.
A Senior SAP Consultant Working in Tokyo Japan , passionate about Cricket and Photography . Believe in Social services and love to meet people at various platform . Active by nature and Proud alumni of Netarhat Vidyalaya , Jharkhand. Active member of Bihar & Jharkhand Association of Japan. A Volunteer in HSS Japan. Playing Cricket with Men In Blue Cricket Club Tokyo
View all posts by vikashranjan55
11 comments on “Do you want to convert your Indian Driving License to a Japanese Driver’s License ?”
Good article. Just note that for Indian driving license conversion, your cumulative stay in India needs to be over 1 year after issue of the license. They will check through passport dates.
This was the case at least 17 years ago when I converted.
Good one brother. Nicely detailed explained. I would appreciate if you can mark the turning point with numbers to match and distinguish easily with the explanation.
And one more point they are recently asking for India License history printout which can be taken from below site and take printout from parivahan website. They will very both it online and offline while applying.
hello sir
My name is Rohan.
I am from Kerala .
Recently I had gone to the license office(Chiba driving license center) near my place. I had all the documents which is mentioned in this article written above. But still they said those documents are not enough to get my license converted . They said One more document is required to confirm the contents of the license card ,so that they can verify that the contents in my license card is true.
One of my friend recently got his license converted by presenting the same documents, but he did not face any trouble with the documents screening nor did they ask for any extra documents.
My license is just a Card with no chip in it, so I thought may be because of that they could not access my data. But all the required information is shown in my card.
they showed me a picture of the document required.
I tried the link which you have mentioned in your comment. The thing is that our photo is not there in the document in the portal, but in the example document the license office people showed there was a picture of the license holder but that document was very old.
Is this document the same ? it would be really be helpful if you can reply.
hello sir,
I want to apply for a Japanese driving license but in my India driving license, the year of birth is wrong. Is there any way to get it converted to Japanese driving license?
thank you for your help
I am working in Osaka. I am holding Malaysian Driving licnese, but i am not Malaysian. Sharing my personal experience.
Eligiblity requirement.
1. Must have valid license ( not expired) of any country.
2. Must have proof of stay in the country for atleast 3 months after Driving License is issued.
Process.
1. Translate Driving License into Japanse.
– photo copy in color of both side of license with enlarged size and send via Post to JAF ( because of covid-19). Find your prefecture JAF address and send.
– charges
* 3000¥ for translation
* 500¥ for returning post charge
These both total 3500¥ must be inside the envelope with photo copy of license.
> Post charge 500¥ ( registered)
—— TOTAL – 4000¥
2. Get Juminyo ( certificate of resident) from your city hall.
– Charges
* 300¥
3. Photocopy of your passport, each and every page except empty one, Jayuru card ( resident card and Driving livense
4. Keep all required document
– Resident Certificate ( original )
– Driving License copy
– Driving Livense Japanese Translated ( Original )
– Resident Card copy
– Passport copy
– Photo ( they choose my auto size photo)
Do not forget to bring original of every documents.
Go to the Driving testing center of your prefecture and ask them for Driving Livense Convert.. They will Guide you to go to the proper windows number.
NOTE: If you don’t know Nihongo, bring 1 friend to translate to process faster. But not compulsary. Officers are friendly and they try to make you understand. Submit all the document alon with orignals.
5. They will verify your driving license is original or not. ( may requir approved by embassy if there is no online verification method of the Driving License issuing countries).
6. If verified, they will inform, you are eligible to get Japanese driving License. They returned original documents except resident certificate and Driving License Translation.
Get ready for interview. It was held on same windows and i was standing infront of windows. They asked,
– Did you go to driving school, before you get Driving Licese?
– what is the school name?
– how many hours was the practice?
– what are the process ?
– what about written test?
– where you attend Driving practical test?
– what you did on driving practical test?
( they show some pictures and asked what you did on practical test, so i hav to point what i had done).
They said you are done.. and gave me 1 file, which contains questions. And gave me 1 small paper with number of 1 to 10 whoch have blank boxes at right sode of each numbers. So it was written test where i have to answer just TRUE or FALSE. So it was 10 questions.. If TRUE I have to write ( O ) and if FALSE ( X ) inside the box along with the number, where number denotes the questions number. I don’t know eactaly what is pass mark. I think 8/10. I scored 9/10 so they said I am pass. They help me to fill the form and they stick my photo on the form.
Questions are very easy, 2-3 questions are bit confusing.
7. After passing everything, i was asked to pay 2550¥ and proceed for the eye test ( there are diffrent sizes of C Faced all directions, just we have to say the directions, i don’t know nihongo so i show with fingers as up, down, right, left. And three colors lights there, RED, YELLOW and BLUE, I answered in English). After done eye test. I have to go to the next windows to choose the date for practical test. I choose the date.
8. My time on the date i choosed was 8:30 am, i reached around 8:15am and asked there what to do now.. they asked to go to the windows where i choose the date for practical test. Stay in que it was long. Windows open at 8:30 am ( very punctual ). They cross my paper with red pen and asked me to go to next windows.. there i have to pay 1450¥.. then asked to got to 1 room where having many chairs. So i went there and sit.. so everybody are there. One officer came nd start telling the rules, as cannot use phone and etc.. it’s all in Nihongo, so i don’t get anything. After he end lecture about ( 10-15 min). Our names are displayed on DIsplay TV, so i knew my turn. Thennext officer came with file and announcing names.. when my turn came, i stood and he gave me the file whoch i fill the form and my photos are there. After everyone get the file, they took us to test the eye again.
When turns comes there will be a sound on TV.. there will be some Khanji in RED or YEWLLOW color infornt of Name . RED means driving, YELLOW means sit at behind as passenger.. if your tirn is 1st you cannot be as passenger.. but 2nd can have chnCe to see the what is the process ofbtest so they can prepare themself. I was lucky because my turn was on 6th. so, when my turns came i go and sit os passenger. Do not forget to greet officer while enteing to the car. After greeting sit and don’t forget seat belt.. don’t let driver ask you to wear seat belt.
Then officer asked the person to start the car, he started and officer asked to move. He stop the car bit far from the white stop line on the circuit, officer asked him to turn car back to the starting point.. ( that means fail ).
My tirn came, i stopped the car on whote line for short time, i was asked to turn car to starting point. Officer explain my fault.
9. Hold the file and go to the same windows where i choose the date for test.. pay 2550¥ and choose the date for second test.
10. Same repeat.. stand on line on test date, pay 1450¥ and esy test and mybturn then practical test.. again disqualify because my car was 3-6 inch further than the line while i was turning left.
11. Repeat same stand on same windows pay 2550¥ and choose the date again.
Total expenses per test is 4000¥ and don’t expect that anyone can pass on first try.. Ita jot about driving skill test, it’s bout driving rule test, because many cyclist in Japan, thats why foreigners get failed.
Rules:
– alwys check under the car at back then to the front walking fron left side and go to the driver’s door from the front side of the car, before open the door, tirn left and then right then only open the door.
– 3 second rules, alwys check back by turning your head to the left first and the left mirror and right side rurninghead and right mirror and back mirror before you do turning, where ever you see STOP, there is 3 second rules.
– side indicater light, 30-10 meter before you turn.
– if you are turning to the left car must be closer to the left line on the road and if turning right, car kust be closer to the eight line of the road.. don’t keep car at the center..
– drive car on the left lane.. and closer to the left line on the road.
Thats all my experience and waiting for the next test.
DON’T GET DISAPPOINTED OR PANIC IF YOU ARE DISQUALIFY.
Most of the foreigners get on 5th tryz because we are learning rules on test.
Even you go for practice, you won’t pass on first try.
GOOD LUCK.. hope it helps to people who are going to convert Foreign License to Japanese Driving License.
By 
My Take on Whatever 
Bahut khub likha hai, Nicely written I have done this in 2015, feel free to add if somebody wants to do in Matsuyama and renew in Tokyo https://cookievagabond.com/japanese-driving-license 🙂
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Good article. Just note that for Indian driving license conversion, your cumulative stay in India needs to be over 1 year after issue of the license. They will check through passport dates.
This was the case at least 17 years ago when I converted.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your experience. Though as per current rule it is now 3 months only.
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How and where did you apply for the driving license certificate?
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Good one brother. Nicely detailed explained. I would appreciate if you can mark the turning point with numbers to match and distinguish easily with the explanation.
And one more point they are recently asking for India License history printout which can be taken from below site and take printout from parivahan website. They will very both it online and offline while applying.
https://parivahan.gov.in/rcdlstatus/?pur_cd=101
LikeLike
hello sir
My name is Rohan.
I am from Kerala .
Recently I had gone to the license office(Chiba driving license center) near my place. I had all the documents which is mentioned in this article written above. But still they said those documents are not enough to get my license converted . They said One more document is required to confirm the contents of the license card ,so that they can verify that the contents in my license card is true.
One of my friend recently got his license converted by presenting the same documents, but he did not face any trouble with the documents screening nor did they ask for any extra documents.
My license is just a Card with no chip in it, so I thought may be because of that they could not access my data. But all the required information is shown in my card.
they showed me a picture of the document required.
I tried the link which you have mentioned in your comment. The thing is that our photo is not there in the document in the portal, but in the example document the license office people showed there was a picture of the license holder but that document was very old.
Is this document the same ? it would be really be helpful if you can reply.
mail id: b.rohan479@gmail.com
LikeLike
hello sir,
I want to apply for a Japanese driving license but in my India driving license, the year of birth is wrong. Is there any way to get it converted to Japanese driving license?
thank you for your help
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Very nicely enumerated.
Thank you Vikash san.
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I am working in Osaka. I am holding Malaysian Driving licnese, but i am not Malaysian. Sharing my personal experience.
Eligiblity requirement.
1. Must have valid license ( not expired) of any country.
2. Must have proof of stay in the country for atleast 3 months after Driving License is issued.
Process.
1. Translate Driving License into Japanse.
– photo copy in color of both side of license with enlarged size and send via Post to JAF ( because of covid-19). Find your prefecture JAF address and send.
– charges
* 3000¥ for translation
* 500¥ for returning post charge
These both total 3500¥ must be inside the envelope with photo copy of license.
> Post charge 500¥ ( registered)
—— TOTAL – 4000¥
2. Get Juminyo ( certificate of resident) from your city hall.
– Charges
* 300¥
3. Photocopy of your passport, each and every page except empty one, Jayuru card ( resident card and Driving livense
4. Keep all required document
– Resident Certificate ( original )
– Driving License copy
– Driving Livense Japanese Translated ( Original )
– Resident Card copy
– Passport copy
– Photo ( they choose my auto size photo)
Do not forget to bring original of every documents.
Go to the Driving testing center of your prefecture and ask them for Driving Livense Convert.. They will Guide you to go to the proper windows number.
NOTE: If you don’t know Nihongo, bring 1 friend to translate to process faster. But not compulsary. Officers are friendly and they try to make you understand. Submit all the document alon with orignals.
5. They will verify your driving license is original or not. ( may requir approved by embassy if there is no online verification method of the Driving License issuing countries).
6. If verified, they will inform, you are eligible to get Japanese driving License. They returned original documents except resident certificate and Driving License Translation.
Get ready for interview. It was held on same windows and i was standing infront of windows. They asked,
– Did you go to driving school, before you get Driving Licese?
– what is the school name?
– how many hours was the practice?
– what are the process ?
– what about written test?
– where you attend Driving practical test?
– what you did on driving practical test?
( they show some pictures and asked what you did on practical test, so i hav to point what i had done).
They said you are done.. and gave me 1 file, which contains questions. And gave me 1 small paper with number of 1 to 10 whoch have blank boxes at right sode of each numbers. So it was written test where i have to answer just TRUE or FALSE. So it was 10 questions.. If TRUE I have to write ( O ) and if FALSE ( X ) inside the box along with the number, where number denotes the questions number. I don’t know eactaly what is pass mark. I think 8/10. I scored 9/10 so they said I am pass. They help me to fill the form and they stick my photo on the form.
Questions are very easy, 2-3 questions are bit confusing.
7. After passing everything, i was asked to pay 2550¥ and proceed for the eye test ( there are diffrent sizes of C Faced all directions, just we have to say the directions, i don’t know nihongo so i show with fingers as up, down, right, left. And three colors lights there, RED, YELLOW and BLUE, I answered in English). After done eye test. I have to go to the next windows to choose the date for practical test. I choose the date.
8. My time on the date i choosed was 8:30 am, i reached around 8:15am and asked there what to do now.. they asked to go to the windows where i choose the date for practical test. Stay in que it was long. Windows open at 8:30 am ( very punctual ). They cross my paper with red pen and asked me to go to next windows.. there i have to pay 1450¥.. then asked to got to 1 room where having many chairs. So i went there and sit.. so everybody are there. One officer came nd start telling the rules, as cannot use phone and etc.. it’s all in Nihongo, so i don’t get anything. After he end lecture about ( 10-15 min). Our names are displayed on DIsplay TV, so i knew my turn. Thennext officer came with file and announcing names.. when my turn came, i stood and he gave me the file whoch i fill the form and my photos are there. After everyone get the file, they took us to test the eye again.
When turns comes there will be a sound on TV.. there will be some Khanji in RED or YEWLLOW color infornt of Name . RED means driving, YELLOW means sit at behind as passenger.. if your tirn is 1st you cannot be as passenger.. but 2nd can have chnCe to see the what is the process ofbtest so they can prepare themself. I was lucky because my turn was on 6th. so, when my turns came i go and sit os passenger. Do not forget to greet officer while enteing to the car. After greeting sit and don’t forget seat belt.. don’t let driver ask you to wear seat belt.
Then officer asked the person to start the car, he started and officer asked to move. He stop the car bit far from the white stop line on the circuit, officer asked him to turn car back to the starting point.. ( that means fail ).
My tirn came, i stopped the car on whote line for short time, i was asked to turn car to starting point. Officer explain my fault.
9. Hold the file and go to the same windows where i choose the date for test.. pay 2550¥ and choose the date for second test.
10. Same repeat.. stand on line on test date, pay 1450¥ and esy test and mybturn then practical test.. again disqualify because my car was 3-6 inch further than the line while i was turning left.
11. Repeat same stand on same windows pay 2550¥ and choose the date again.
Total expenses per test is 4000¥ and don’t expect that anyone can pass on first try.. Ita jot about driving skill test, it’s bout driving rule test, because many cyclist in Japan, thats why foreigners get failed.
Rules:
– alwys check under the car at back then to the front walking fron left side and go to the driver’s door from the front side of the car, before open the door, tirn left and then right then only open the door.
– 3 second rules, alwys check back by turning your head to the left first and the left mirror and right side rurninghead and right mirror and back mirror before you do turning, where ever you see STOP, there is 3 second rules.
– side indicater light, 30-10 meter before you turn.
– if you are turning to the left car must be closer to the left line on the road and if turning right, car kust be closer to the eight line of the road.. don’t keep car at the center..
– drive car on the left lane.. and closer to the left line on the road.
Thats all my experience and waiting for the next test.
DON’T GET DISAPPOINTED OR PANIC IF YOU ARE DISQUALIFY.
Most of the foreigners get on 5th tryz because we are learning rules on test.
Even you go for practice, you won’t pass on first try.
GOOD LUCK.. hope it helps to people who are going to convert Foreign License to Japanese Driving License.
Thanks.
Execuse for my typo.
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Thank you for sharing your experience, was very informative.
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This is very informative, planning to apply and will provide my experience and feedback from saitama.
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