Driving a Car, and Driver's Licenses

To drive a car in Japan, you need a driver's license or similar that is valid in Japan.

Even if you hold a foreign license, that alone does not mean you can drive in Japan at any time.

Types of licenses that may allow you to drive in Japan

This is not an automatic determination of whether you can drive. For conversion of a foreign license, check conditions such as the license's validity and having stayed in the country or region that issued it for a total of 3 months or more after obtaining it. Japan drives on the left, and driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.

Japanese driver's license

The types of vehicles you can drive differ depending on the license

International Driving Permit

A valid one issued by certain countries or regions
There are conditions on eligibility and how long you can drive with one

Some foreign licenses

Check which countries or regions qualify
You may be able to drive by carrying required documents such as a Japanese translation

Japanese driver's license

There are ways to obtain a license in Japan.

The types of vehicles you can drive differ depending on the license.

International Driving Permit

A valid International Driving Permit (kokusai unten menkyosho) issued by certain countries or regions may allow you to drive within Japan.

There are conditions on which International Driving Permits qualify and how long you can drive with one.

Converting a foreign licence to a Japanese licence

You have a foreign driving licence
Confirm you were in the country/region that issued it for a total of 3+ months after getting it
Apply at the driving licence centre (or similar) in the prefecture where you live
Document check
Knowledge check (written test)
Skill check (driving test)
If you meet the requirements, you switch to a Japanese driving licence

Some checks may be waived depending on the country/region. Required documents, how to book, and the reception location vary by prefecture. Check the current details (such as the number of questions or passing criteria) with the prefectural police / driving licence centre's official information.

Foreign driver's license

A license from some countries or regions may allow you to drive if you carry required documents, such as a Japanese translation.

Please check which countries or regions qualify, and the time period.

Converting a foreign license to a Japanese license

There is a system called "conversion of a foreign license" (gaikoku menkyo kirikae) for converting a foreign driver's license into a Japanese one.

In addition to the license being valid, there are conditions such as having stayed in the country or region that issued the license for a total of 3 months or more after obtaining it.

Please check the required documents and the examination with a Driver's License Center of the prefectural police, or similar.

Japan's traffic rules

In Japan, vehicles drive on the left side of the road.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.

There are also rules such as seatbelts and child seats.

What you can check next

Bicycle Rules
Traffic Accidents You Were In or Caused

Main places to check

National Police Agency
Prefectural police
Driver's License Center

Last checked: August 2026