- Drivers license
- Japan is included in the 90 countries that permit foreigners to drive inside their territory if they have an International Driver's License. An International Driver's License is valid for one year from the day that it is issued. However, if you have a valid driver's license issued by your country, it is possible to get a Japanese driver's license. An explanation of the procedures follows.
- Persons who are eligible to receive a Japanese driver's license
The first requirement is to have a valid driver's license from a foreign country (your country) and to have resided there for at least three months after your driver's license was issued. In addition, to be qualified for a Japanese driver's license, you must be judged to have the skills and knowledge necessary to drive a car. (This judgment is based on the results of a driving test that you will be required to take).
- Items necessary to request to convert your license into a Japanese license
- A valid driver's license issued by a foreign country (your country).
- A Japanese translation of the license procured from the foreign country, your country's embassy or from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
- Passport (to verify that you were living in the foreign country for three months after the license was issued).
- Alien registration
- A clear picture taken within the previous 6 months (3cm x 2.4cm; a black and white photo is permissible).
- Where to apply
The nearest driving license testing center
- Cost
The amount varies slightly, depending on the type of license for which you are applying, but is in the range of 4,000 yen - 5,000 yen.
- Contents of the driving test
Written test (Select either English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Persian)
Driving test/Eye check.
- Other
By the time that the license is issued and you are ready to leave, the time is likely to be close to five in the afternoon. Therefore, you should plan to take off a day of work or plan so that you have as much time as possible.
In addition, your new driver's license will be valid for a period of three years and the following period up to your birthday. The subsequent periods will be either 3 years or 5 years.
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Car insurance
Car insurance consists of the legally required minimum insurance or the legally required insurance plus optional features. The legally required insurance covers injuries or death involving another party only. Thus, it is advisable to include the optional parts of car insurance in your car insurance policy. In Japan, the pedestrian always has the right of way. In the case of an accident, there have been many cases where damages claimed have been very high. When you buy a car or receive a car from another person, be sure to check the contents of the car insurance policy very carefully.
Accidents
If, unluckily, you have an accident, you are required by law to report the accident to the police. Especially, in a case where you have injured someone while driving, it is absolutely necessary that you report this. (If you do not report an accident, there are cases where you will not be able to receive the Certificate of Proof of An Accident that is required to be able to process your insurance claims. If someone has been injured, even slightly, be absolutely certain that they receive an examination from by a doctor. Be sure to get the other party's name and address. Also, be sure to contact your insurance company or the insurance agent that is handling your policy.
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