Driver's License・Medical Insurance

In order to drive a car in Japan, an International Driver's License or a Japanese Driver's License is necessary. If you can get an international driver's license which the member nation of the Geneva Convention agreement of 1949 publishes in your country.

The International Driver's license is valid in Japan for one year from the date of the holder's initial enter to Japan or the date of expiration, whichever comes first. Between the countries Japan has an agreement with, you could obtain a Japanese Drivers License if you have a valid driver's license of your country. You need to bring an official translation of the driver's license, and you must go through some tests on physical fitness for driving, test on traffic laws and actual driving tests sometimes.

　
　If you hold a foreign
　country’s driver's
　license except*1

　If you do not hold a
　foreign country’s
　driver's license or 
　Japanese one.

 Drive with an IDP together with Foreign country’s driver’s license

・Only International Driving Permit issued by a member nation of Geneva Treaty concerning the traffic
　rules is valid in Japan 
・IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue　or from your arrival date in Japan, whichever　
　shorter period.

※ We recommend you get an International driving permit before your departure of your home 
　country.

 Drive with your country’s driver's license with an official translation to Japanese.

　・Foreign driver's license issued in Switzerland, Estonia, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or
　　Taiwan is valid in Japan. However, you must hold your country’s driver’s license with an official
　　translation to Japanese from your foreign driver's license, as you drive. A translation of your
　　foreign driver's license will be prepared by the embassy of your country or JAF(Japan Automobile
　　Federation).
　・It is valid for one year from your arrival date in Japan..

 Drive with a Japanese Driver’s License

　3-1. If you hold a foreign country’s driver's license　
　　　→ Exchange a Home country’s driver's license to Japanese one,”Gaimen Kirikae", Pleases read
　　　　“Gaimen-kirikae”

　3-2. If you do not hold a foreign country’s driver's license.　
　　　→ After learning a Japanese traffic regulation and driving skills, you need to a pass written test
　　　　and driving skills test at Mito Driver’s License Center to get it.

　It is a important note, if you are going to drive a car in Japan (PDF)

More Detail:

Application form for Japanese Translation of foreign driver’s license（JAF)　<English >

English written test :
　When you take the written examination in English, apply at the reception counter.　 　
　Please visit the Ibaraki Police website to see more information:
　　 　　http://www.pref.ibaraki.jp/kenkei/a03_license/info/english.html <Japanese/English>

Chinese written test :
　When you take the written examination in Chinese, apply at the reception counter.　 　
　Please visit the Ibaraki Police website to see more information:
　　 　　http://www.pref.ibaraki.jp/kenkei/a03_license/info/china.html <Japanese/English>