Japan
Japan to Bar Foreign Tourists from Converting Driver’s Licenses: Japan’s National Police Agency has announced a major policy change: it will bar foreign tourists and short-stay visitors from converting their overseas driver’s licenses into Japanese ones.
Currently, people holding a valid license from abroad can obtain a Japanese driver’s license if they prove their knowledge and skills meet local standards. However, the agency revealed that last year, nearly 68,000 foreigners secured Japanese licenses through this system—a record high.
Consequently, Japanese lawmakers raised concerns in the Diet. They argued that allowing foreign tourists to use temporary accommodations, such as hotels, as their registered address could hamper law enforcement, especially if these visitors caused traffic accidents. Moreover, lawmakers pointed out that the current knowledge test might be too lenient, enabling foreigners to drive without fully understanding Japan’s strict traffic rules.
In response, the National Police Agency decided to revise its verification process. From October 1, applicants must present a copy of their residence certificate to confirm their address, regardless of nationality. An agency survey found that in 15 other countries and regions, none allowed tourists to convert licenses. Therefore, Japan’s move aligns with international standards.
Additionally, the revised system will require applicants to pass a much tougher written test. The number of questions will increase from 10 to 50, and applicants must answer at least 90 percent correctly to pass. Besides, scoring criteria for the practical driving skills test will also become stricter.
Moving forward, foreign tourists wishing to drive in Japan must obtain an international driver’s license under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Finally, before implementing the changes, the agency will solicit public opinions starting Friday.
This decisive move aims to enhance road safety and ensure that only residents with proper knowledge and skills drive on Japan’s roads.
