Driving in Japan
Information provided by EPIC.
How to Obtain a Driver's License
International Driver's License
If you obtain an international driver's license before coming to Japan, it will be valid for one year from the date of issue.
* You must not use it more than one year after you entered Japan. The maximum validity is one year from the date of landing.
Japanese Driver's License
A driver's license obtained outside Japan cab be switched to a Japanese driver's license. In addition to submitting the documents shown below, the applicant must take an aptitude test and a driving test conducted on the examination course.
Requirements for switching to a Japanese Driver's license:
*Note : the translation must be done by one of the following:
- Any Japanese embassy or consulate abroad
- Any foreign embassy or consulate abroad
- The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF, Nihon Jidosha Renmei)
Applicatins should be made to:
Ehime Driver's license Center (Ehimeken Unen Menkyou Sentaa)
Address: 1163-7 Katsuokacho, Matsuyama
Phone: 089-934-0110
Change of Name and Address
If you change your name and address, bring proof of this change (such as your amended Certificate of Alien Registration) to the Ehime Driver's License Center, located in Katsuokacho, Matsuyama.
Renewal
Renewal Period Your Japanese driver's license is valid until your birthday in the third year after its issue. You can renew your license beginning one month before the expiration date at the Ehime Diver's License Center, located in Katsuokacho, Matauyama.
Necessary Items
Registration times (except Saturdays, National holidays)
8:00 - 9:30 / 13:00 - 14:00
Failing to Renew your License during the Renewal Period
You may renew your license within six months after the expiration date at the Ehime Prefectural Driving Test Center by taking the appropriate tests. Bring the following items with you:
If you are seriously ill, are not in the country, or other circumstances prevent you from renewing your license within six months of the expiration date, bring the items listed above and evidence proving why you could not go to renew (passport, doctor's note, etc.). When you are able to go, you must renew within one month and take the appropriate tests.
Registration time: 13:00 - 13:30 daily, except Saturdays, national holidays.
Parking (shako)
Before you can buy a car, you must give evidence that you have a parking space near your home. If your residence does nto have a garage, you must rent parking space in your neighborhood.
Automobile Inspection (shaken)
Automobiles and motorcycles over 251 cc must be inspected at regular intervals. You must carry an inspection certificate when driving. For further information, contact the Ehime Office of the Shikoku District Land Transport Bureau (Shikoku Rikuunkyoku Ehime Rikuun Shikyoku) at 089-956-1562/089-905-1000. For questions about compact cars (cars with yellow license plates) contact the Ehime Management Office of the Compact Car Inspection Association (Keijidousha Kensa Kyokai Ehime Jimusho) at 089-975-6730.
Insurance (hoken)
Two types of automobile insurance cover traffic accidents:
Vehicle Registration (sharyo toroku)
Cars and motorbikes must be registered in the name of the owner and any change in ownership must be reported. Registration usually will be taken care of by the dealer when you buy a vehicle. If there is any change in information about your vehicle, inqurie at the following locations.
Japan Automobile Federation(JAF), Nihon Jidosha Renmei
15-32 Minamiedo 5 chome, Matsuayma
TEL: (089) 925-8668
A variety of services are offered by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF):