Japan Tightens Rules for Foreign Driver's License Conversions
Japan has implemented stricter regulations for converting overseas driver's licenses into Japanese ones, effective Wednesday. These changes primarily affect foreign tourists and short-stay visitors, aiming to enhance road safety and ensure a comprehensive understanding of Japanese traffic laws.
New Requirements for License Conversion
The revised rules introduce several key changes. Firstly, foreign tourists and other short-term visitors are now ineligible to convert their licenses. Previously, short-term visitors could even use hotels or temporary accommodations as their address, a practice now disallowed. Applicants must now provide proof of residence by submitting a copy of their residence certificate, regardless of their nationality.
Furthermore, the written traffic knowledge test has been significantly expanded. The test now includes 50 questions, a substantial increase from the previous 10. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 90 percent to pass, indicating a need for a more thorough understanding of Japanese traffic rules.
Reasons Behind the Changes
The National Police Agency initiated a review of the license conversion system following rising concerns. In 2024, over 68,600 foreigners obtained Japanese licenses through the previous system, a record high. Some argued that allowing temporary addresses could complicate law enforcement efforts during traffic accidents, while others considered the previous test to be insufficiently rigorous.
"The stricter rules were implemented in response to lawmakers criticising the previous conversion test as being “too easy” to pass..."
Specifically, the previous knowledge test only required examinees to correctly answer seven out of 10 questions.
Expanded Skills Testing
The driving skills test has also been expanded. Applicants now face assessments on how they navigate pedestrian and railway crossings on test courses. This enhancement aims to ensure a more practical demonstration of driving competence within Japanese road conditions.
Japanese nationals living abroad are still able to convert their foreign licenses by submitting their family register certificates.
Impact and Future Steps
Officials have stated their commitment to informing the public about the revised regulations. They also plan to continue their efforts to prevent traffic accidents throughout Japan. The agency noted a significant number of license conversions in 2024, with Vietnamese citizens comprising the largest group at 16,681, followed by Chinese and South Koreans. Foreign nationals who have newly obtained Japanese licenses are not permitted to renew them if they no longer have a residence certificate.
