{"id":2744,"date":"2025-12-23T18:33:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T23:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/?p=2744"},"modified":"2025-12-23T18:33:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T23:33:12","slug":"drivers-license-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/drivers-license-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Driver\u2019s License in Japan as a Foreigner: What Expats Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Many people planning a long-term stay in Japan for an overseas assignment may wonder,<br><strong>\u201cHow can I obtain a driver\u2019s license that allows me to drive in Japan?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we explain the <strong>types of driver\u2019s licenses required to drive in Japan<\/strong>, as well as <strong>three ways foreign residents can obtain a Japanese driver\u2019s license<\/strong> and the procedures for each method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We will also outline <strong>important points to keep in mind when using a car in Japan as a foreign resident<\/strong>, so we hope you find this guide helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of Driver\u2019s Licenses Required to Drive in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1572237_m-e1766490196469.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1572237_m-e1766490196469.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2747\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To drive a car in Japan, you must hold <strong>one of the following types of driver\u2019s licenses<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A <strong>Japanese driver\u2019s license<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An <strong>International Driving Permit (IDP)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An <strong>International Driving Permit (IDP)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese driver\u2019s licenses include several categories\u2014such as <strong>Standard License<\/strong>, <strong>Semi-Medium License<\/strong>, <strong>Medium License<\/strong>, and <strong>Large License<\/strong>\u2014each of which allows the holder to drive different types of vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, if you hold an <strong>International Driving Permit issued under the Geneva Convention<\/strong>, you are allowed to drive in Japan for <strong>up to one year from the date of entry into Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, holders of driver\u2019s licenses issued by countries recognized as having license systems equivalent to Japan\u2014namely <strong>Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan<\/strong>\u2014may drive in Japan <strong>provided that an official Japanese translation of the license is attached<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Three Ways Foreign Residents Can Obtain a Driver\u2019s License in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/jackie-alexander-Z1w7Ef6NP2s-unsplash-e1766490238170.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/jackie-alexander-Z1w7Ef6NP2s-unsplash-e1766490238170.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2748\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three main ways for foreign residents to obtain a driver\u2019s license in Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Converting a foreign driver\u2019s license to a Japanese driver\u2019s license<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using an International Driving Permit (IDP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obtaining a Japanese driver\u2019s license from scratch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are from a country that issues <strong>International Driving Permits<\/strong>, you can drive in Japan for <strong>up to one year<\/strong> during the permit\u2019s validity period. However, if you plan to stay in Japan long-term, converting your <strong>foreign driver\u2019s license to a Japanese license<\/strong> is generally the most suitable option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do not hold a driver\u2019s license in your home country, the appropriate approach is to <strong>obtain a Japanese driver\u2019s license by completing the licensing process in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The detailed procedures for each of these three methods will be explained in the following sections, so please use them as a reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to Convert a Foreign Driver\u2019s License to a Japanese Driver\u2019s License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ali-farhat-Qr32phWKH8Q-unsplash-e1766490282286.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ali-farhat-Qr32phWKH8Q-unsplash-e1766490282286.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2749\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The process for converting a foreign driver\u2019s license to a Japanese driver\u2019s license consists of the following four steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Check your eligibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Confirm whether your country or region is exempt from certain tests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Prepare the required documents for license conversion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Take and pass the required examinations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, each step is explained in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Check Your Eligibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply for the license conversion test, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>You must be <strong>18 years of age or older<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> (16 or older for a standard motorcycle license, 20 or older for a medium vehicle license, and 21 or older for a large vehicle license)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your <strong>visual acuity<\/strong> must be <strong>0.3 or higher in each eye<\/strong>, and <strong>0.7 or higher with both eyes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your foreign driver\u2019s license must be <strong>equivalent to a Japanese license<\/strong> and <strong>still valid<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must have <strong>resided in the issuing country for a total of at least three months after obtaining the license<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must <strong>apply in person<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To convert a foreign driver\u2019s license to a Japanese one, you must meet all of these eligibility requirements and <strong>pass the required examinations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Confirm Countries and Regions Eligible for Test Exemptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some countries and regions are eligible for exemptions from certain tests when converting a foreign driver\u2019s license to a Japanese driver\u2019s license. Be sure to check whether your license qualifies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Countries and Regions Exempt from the Driving Skills Test<\/td><td>United States (Indiana)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Countries and Regions Exempt from Both the Written and Driving Skills Tests<\/td><td>United States (Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington),Iceland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Canada,South Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Denmark,Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal,Monaco, Luxembourg, Taiwan<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents for License Conversion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The following documents are required to convert a foreign driver\u2019s license to a Japanese driver\u2019s license:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Application form<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical questionnaire (regarding health conditions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Application photo (<strong>3.0 \u00d7 2.4 cm<\/strong>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copy of your <strong>resident record (j\u016bminhy\u014d)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identification documents, such as a <strong>My Number Card<\/strong> or <strong>passport<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your <strong>foreign driver\u2019s license<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An <strong>official Japanese translation<\/strong> of the foreign driver\u2019s license<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documents proving that you <strong>resided in the issuing country for at least three months after obtaining the license<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Application fee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have prepared these documents, submit your application at a <strong>driver\u2019s license center<\/strong> operated by the prefectural police that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Tokyo, for example, procedures can be completed at facilities such as the <strong>Samezu Driver\u2019s License Examination Center<\/strong> or the <strong>Fuchu Driver\u2019s License Examination Center<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Take the Required Tests and Pass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To convert a foreign driver\u2019s license to a Japanese driver\u2019s license, you may be required to complete the following four assessments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Document Review<\/td><td>A review of your application documents, along with an interview regarding the driving test you took when obtaining your foreign license.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aptitude Test<\/td><td>Tests to assess vision and basic physical functions.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Written Test<\/td><td>An examination covering traffic signs and traffic rules.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving Skills Test<\/td><td>A practical driving test that evaluates actions such as entering and exiting the vehicle, stopping at stop signs, navigating intersections, passing designated obstacles, and driving behavior near pedestrian crossings.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During the <strong>document review<\/strong>, the interview is conducted in Japanese. If you do not speak Japanese, an <strong>interpreter is required<\/strong>. However, the <strong>written test is available in multiple languages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>driving skills test<\/strong> is scored out of 100 points, with <strong>70 points required to pass<\/strong>. However, it is widely regarded as a difficult test. Certain violations\u2014such as driving in the wrong direction\u2014result in <strong>immediate failure<\/strong>, and many infractions lead to a <strong>10-point deduction for a single mistake<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-apartments-tokyo-blog wp-block-embed-apartments-tokyo-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"cdilJxtTPZ\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/find-luxury-apartment-tokyo\/\">Moving to Tokyo? A Complete Guide to Finding a Luxury Apartment in Japan<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Moving to Tokyo? A Complete Guide to Finding a Luxury Apartment in Japan&#8221; &#8212; Apartments Tokyo Blog.\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/find-luxury-apartment-tokyo\/embed\/#?secret=11a7FdKaSW#?secret=cdilJxtTPZ\" data-secret=\"cdilJxtTPZ\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to Using an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/why-kei-8e2gal_GIE8-unsplash-e1766490338144.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/why-kei-8e2gal_GIE8-unsplash-e1766490338144.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2750\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main steps to using an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Check the conditions for using an IDP in Japan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Obtain an International Driving Permit issued under the Geneva Convention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, each step is explained in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Check the Conditions for Using an IDP in Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The main conditions for using an International Driving Permit in Japan include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The IDP must be <strong>within one year of its date of issuance<\/strong>, and you must also be <strong>within one year of your date of entry into Japan<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must <strong>not violate the \u201cthree-month rule\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note that the validity period is not simply one year from your arrival in Japan. The IDP must also be used <strong>within one year from the date it was issued<\/strong>, so careful attention to the time limits is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, if you leave Japan and obtain a new International Driving Permit while staying <strong>outside Japan for less than three months<\/strong>, then re-enter Japan, you are generally <strong>not permitted to drive in Japan<\/strong> under this rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Obtain an International Driving Permit Issued Under the Geneva Convention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to obtain an <strong>International Driving Permit issued in accordance with the Geneva Convention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if an IDP is issued by a country that is a party to the Geneva Convention, <strong>IDPs issued under other conventions\u2014such as the Vienna Convention\u2014are not valid for driving in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to Obtain a Japanese Driver\u2019s License from Scratch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/joyce-wu-9Tz6W8-Pyjw-unsplash-e1766490674491.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/joyce-wu-9Tz6W8-Pyjw-unsplash-e1766490674491.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2753\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main steps to obtaining a Japanese driver\u2019s license from scratch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Attend a driving school<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Pass the driver\u2019s license examinations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, each step is explained in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Attend a Driving School<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To obtain a Japanese driver\u2019s license from scratch, the most common approach is to attend a driving school, where you will receive instruction on <strong>traffic laws<\/strong> and <strong>driving skills<\/strong>, and then pass the required examinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By enrolling in a <strong>designated driving school<\/strong> officially approved by the police, you can benefit from having the <strong>practical driving test at the driver\u2019s license center waived<\/strong>, provided that you pass both the written and practical tests at the driving school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Pass the Driver\u2019s License Examinations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you attend a designated driving school, you will be required to take the following examinations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Aptitude test<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learner\u2019s permit test<\/strong> (written test and practical driving test)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Graduation examination<\/strong> (practical driving test)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Full license examination<\/strong> (aptitude test and written test)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Up to the graduation examination, all tests are conducted at the designated driving school. The final <strong>full driver\u2019s license examination<\/strong> is taken at a <strong>driver\u2019s license center<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Points for Foreign Residents Driving in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/istrfry-marcus-Z2v4cFPuZFU-unsplash-e1766490448982.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/istrfry-marcus-Z2v4cFPuZFU-unsplash-e1766490400798.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2751\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The following are four key points that foreign residents should keep in mind when driving in Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Driving without a valid license is a serious legal offense<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow Japanese traffic rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respond appropriately in the event of a traffic accident<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comply with insurance and vehicle inspection requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of these points is explained in detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Driving Without a License Is a Serious Legal Offense<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japan, driving without a valid license is a serious violation of the law. Criminal penalties may include <strong>up to three years in prison or a fine of up to \u00a5500,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving without a license includes situations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Not having obtained a driver\u2019s license<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving with an <strong>expired license<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving while your license is <strong>suspended or revoked<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If an accident occurs while driving without a license, the driver may be required to pay <strong>extremely high compensation<\/strong>, potentially ranging from <strong>tens of millions to hundreds of millions of yen<\/strong>. To avoid these risks, be sure to obtain and maintain a valid driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Follow Japanese Traffic Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan has specific traffic rules that must be followed at all times when driving, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Driving on the <strong>left side<\/strong> of the road<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traffic signals:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Green:<\/strong> You may proceed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yellow:<\/strong> Stop (you may proceed only if you have already crossed the stop line or cannot stop safely)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Red:<\/strong> Stop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>All passengers must wear seat belts<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No drunk driving<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wearing earphones or headphones while driving is prohibited<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because these rules may differ from those in your home country, it is important to familiarize yourself thoroughly with Japanese traffic regulations before driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Respond Appropriately in the Event of a Traffic Accident<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a traffic accident occurs, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location, such as the side of the road<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact <strong>emergency services and the police<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit a hospital for a medical examination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply for an official <strong>traffic accident certificate<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are any injured persons, call <strong>119<\/strong> immediately to request an ambulance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japan, <strong>reporting traffic accidents to the police is mandatory<\/strong>, even if no one is injured. In such cases, call <strong>110<\/strong> to contact the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>traffic accident certificate<\/strong>, which is required for insurance claims and other procedures, can be obtained from the <strong>Japan Safe Driving Center<\/strong> or related offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Comply With Insurance and Vehicle Inspection Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japan, all vehicle owners are required to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Enroll in <strong>Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Undergo regular <strong>vehicle inspections (shaken)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance covers basic compensation for injuries or death caused to third parties and is mandatory for all vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vehicle inspections (shaken) are periodic inspections to ensure that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. Depending on the type of vehicle, inspections are required <strong>every one or two years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-apartments-tokyo-blog wp-block-embed-apartments-tokyo-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"jrjTdv4em6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/rental-contracts-japan\/\">Understanding Rental Contracts in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Understanding Rental Contracts in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats&#8221; &#8212; Apartments Tokyo Blog.\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/rental-contracts-japan\/embed\/#?secret=HweFPREWTo#?secret=jrjTdv4em6\" data-secret=\"jrjTdv4em6\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary:How to Get a Driver\u2019s License in Japan as a Foreigner: What Expats Should Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/saurabh-yadav-SMbbs83CjCg-unsplash-e1766490502928.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/saurabh-yadav-SMbbs83CjCg-unsplash-e1766490502928.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2752\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we explained the <strong>types of driver\u2019s licenses required to drive in Japan<\/strong>, as well as the <strong>three ways foreign residents can obtain a driver\u2019s license<\/strong> and the procedures involved in each option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are an expat looking for <strong>luxury rental properties in Tokyo for an overseas assignment<\/strong>, we recommend exploring properties through <a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/\"><strong>APARTMENTS TOKYO by Asian Property<\/strong><\/a>, a platform specializing in high-end real estate in Tokyo.APARTMENTS TOKYO provides comprehensive <strong>English-language support<\/strong> to help expatriates find the right home in Tokyo smoothly and with confidence. <a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/contact\/\">Please feel free to contact us for assistance with your property search.<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><div class=\"like_button\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Fdrivers-license-japan%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=21&amp;locale=en_US&amp;width=90\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:96px; height:21px;\" allowTransparency=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><div class=\"twitter_button\"><iframe allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets\/tweet_button.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Fdrivers-license-japan%2F&#038;counturl=http%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Fdrivers-license-japan%2F&#038;count=horizontal&#038;text=How%20to%20Get%20a%20Driver%E2%80%99s%20License%20in%20Japan%20as%20a%20Foreigner%3A%20What%20Expats%20Should%20Know%3A&#038;via=API_tokyo\" style=\"width:101px; height:20px;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-linkedin\"><div class=\"linkedin_button\"><script type=\"in\/share\" data-url=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/drivers-license-japan\/\" data-counter=\"right\"><\/script><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people planning a long-term stay in Japan for an overseas assignment may wonder,\u201cHow can I obtain a driver\u2019s license that allows me to drive in Japan?\u201d In this article, we explain the types of driver\u2019s licenses required to drive in Japan, as well as three ways foreign residents can &hellip;<\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><div class=\"like_button\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Fdrivers-license-japan%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=21&amp;locale=en_US&amp;width=90\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:96px; height:21px;\" allowTransparency=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><div class=\"twitter_button\"><iframe allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets\/tweet_button.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Fdrivers-license-japan%2F&#038;counturl=http%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Fdrivers-license-japan%2F&#038;count=horizontal&#038;text=How%20to%20Get%20a%20Driver%E2%80%99s%20License%20in%20Japan%20as%20a%20Foreigner%3A%20What%20Expats%20Should%20Know%3A&#038;via=API_tokyo\" style=\"width:101px; height:20px;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-linkedin\"><div class=\"linkedin_button\"><script type=\"in\/share\" data-url=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/drivers-license-japan\/\" data-counter=\"right\"><\/script><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2746,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2744"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2744"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2744\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2754,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2744\/revisions\/2754"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2746"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}