What are Japan's driving regulations? How can I convert my foreign driver's license to a Japanese one?

Okay, no problem! Driving and getting a license in Japan is indeed a common hurdle for many newcomers. Don't worry, I'll break it down for you step-by-step to make it crystal clear.

1. First, Let's Talk About Japanese Driving Rules (Very Different from Home!)

Alright, let's forget your driving habits from back home first. Remember these "golden rules," and you'll be halfway to success driving in Japan.

1. Steering Wheel on the Right, Drive on the LEFT!

This is the absolute most important point! It's the complete opposite of what you're used to. It might feel awkward at first, and you might instinctively drift into the oncoming lane when turning right, so constantly remind yourself: "Left side! Left side!" The wiper and turn signal stalks are also likely reversed. Be prepared to accidentally turn on your wipers instead of your signals on sunny days for the first few days – happens to everyone, haha.

2. Pedestrians are "Gods"!

In Japan, pedestrians have absolute right of way. If a pedestrian is at a crosswalk (or even near one), you MUST stop and let them cross first – regardless of traffic lights. Come to a complete stop, don't just slow down. Even if the pedestrian stops and bows, gesturing for you to go, you must wait until they have completely crossed. Never try to compete with a pedestrian for space – the consequences are severe.

3. "止まれ" (Tomare) = MUST STOP COMPLETELY!

When you see a red, inverted triangular sign saying "止まれ" (Tomare), meaning "Stop," you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop for at least one full second. Look left and right, confirm it's safe, then proceed. Many newcomers or foreigners unfamiliar with the rules get pulled over for "rolling stops" instead of a full stop.

4. STOP Before Railway Crossings!

Similar to the "Tomare" sign, you must stop before all railway crossings, whether the barrier is down or not, and whether a train is coming or not. Stop behind the line, roll down your window to listen, look both ways, and only proceed when absolutely sure it's safe. This is the law and crucial for your safety.

5. Speed Limits are "Slow," But Please Obey Them

Speed limits in Japanese cities are typically 40-50 km/h, and 80-100 km/h on expressways. Feels slow, right? But there are plenty of speed cameras and undercover police. Slightly exceeding the limit might slide, but going significantly over will result in painful fines and points. Remember: drive defensively, safety first.

6. Strictly NO Drunk Driving – Harms Yourself and Others

Japan has a "zero tolerance" policy for drunk driving. Not only the driver, but also the person providing the vehicle, passengers in the car, and even establishments that served alcohol to the driver can be punished. So, "Don't drink and drive" is an absolute rule in Japan.

7. Parking is a Skill

You generally cannot park just anywhere on the street in most Japanese cities. Illegal parking results in tickets with high fines. You need to find a "有料駐車場" (paid parking lot), usually coin-operated or self-pay.

2. What Do I Need to Drive Legally in Japan?

You have three options to drive legally in Japan:

International Driving Permit (IDP): If you're visiting short-term, you can use an IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Note: Driver's licenses issued in Mainland China cannot be used to obtain this type of IDP, so this option isn't available for most people from Mainland China.
License from Specific Countries/Regions + Official Translation: If you hold a license from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Estonia, or Taiwan (China), you can drive in Japan using your "home license + an official JAF translation" for up to one year.
Japanese Driver's License: If you are a long-term resident (with a Residence Card), the most reliable way is to get a Japanese license. This is what we'll focus on next.

3. The Main Event: How to Convert a Foreign License to a Japanese License (外免切替 / Gaimen Kirikae)

This process is officially called "外国免許切り替え" (Gaimen Kirikae) – essentially exchanging your Chinese license (or license from another country) for a Japanese one.

Who Can Apply for "Gaimen Kirikae"?

There are two strict requirements:

Your foreign driver's license must be valid.
【Crucial Point】 You must have stayed in the country that issued your license for a cumulative total of at least 3 months (90 days) AFTER obtaining that license. This prevents people from getting a "quick" license abroad just to exchange it. Japanese police will meticulously check your passport stamps to calculate the exact days spent in the issuing country post-licensing. Missing even one day disqualifies you.

What's the Conversion Process? Basically, these steps:

Step 1: Prepare Documents (This is the most tedious step – patience required!)

Official Translation of License: This is not something you translate yourself or get done at a notary. You must go to a JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) office. Bring your original license and Residence Card, and they will provide a standard format translation. Mail-in or in-person options are available.
Original Chinese Driver's License: Must be valid.
Passport: Bring ALL your passports (current and expired)! Needed to prove you meet the "90-day" requirement.
Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
Residence Certificate (Juminhyo): Get this from your local ward/city office (区役所 or 市役所). Request the version that includes your "Nationality."
Photo: One passport-sized photo (3cm x 2.4cm) taken within the last 6 months. Can also be taken onsite.
Application Fee: A few thousand yen. Have cash ready.

Step 2: Submit Application at the "Driver's License Center"

You can't do this at any police station. You must go to the Driver's License Center (運転免許センター / Unten Menkyo Sentaa) for your region. Look up the address and hours in advance. It's highly recommended to call and confirm the required documents, as requirements can vary slightly by location.

Step 3: Take the "Tests" (Don't worry, it varies)

After submitting documents, staff will review them. If approved, you proceed to testing. The process differs based on your license's country of origin.

Countries Exempt from Written & Driving Tests: If you hold a license from the UK, Canada, Australia, South Korea, or about 20 other countries, congratulations! You only need to pass a simple vision test and a knowledge confirmation (staff will ask you a few traffic rule questions), and you get your license directly.
Countries Requiring Written & Driving Tests (Including Mainland China): You need to complete these three steps:
1. Vision Test (適性試験 / Tekisei Shiken): Checks eyesight and color vision. Very simple.
2. Written Test (知識試験 / Chishiki Shiken): Don't stress! This is NOT like the Chinese "Subject 1" exam. It's only 10 True/False questions, and you need 7 correct to pass. Chinese test papers are available! Questions cover basic rules like "Should you yield to pedestrians?" If you've read the rules above, you should pass easily.
3. Driving Test (技能試験 / Ginou Shiken): Remember, this is the big one and where many people fail!
  - It's not testing how smoothly you drive, but how well you follow the "rules". The test happens on a closed course. An examiner sits beside you and scores you against a very strict checklist.
  - Key Points: Timing of turn signals, the "three-point check" before changing lanes (left mirror, rearview mirror, look over left shoulder), "blind spot check" (巻き込み確認 / Makikomi Kakunin) when turning at intersections (to avoid pedestrians/bikes), smoothly navigating S-curves and right-angle turns. Every action must be performed very precisely, even exaggeratedly.
  - Strong Recommendation: Pay for practice sessions at a driving school near the test center before your exam! Instructors will teach you the test route and every potential point deduction. This expense is absolutely essential. Otherwise, you might fail multiple times over minor, easily avoidable mistakes, wasting both time and money.

Step 4: Get Your License!

Once you pass the driving test, congratulations! Your license will be made the same day; wait an hour or two, and you'll have your brand new Japanese driver's license.

4. Some Tips from Experience

Be Patient: The conversion process, especially paperwork and the driving test, tests your patience. Failing once is normal; don't get discouraged.
Get the JAF Translation Early: This is step one; get it done ASAP.
Practice Driving is the Shortcut: Emphasizing again – don't skimp on practice fees. It's the most effective way to pass the driving test.
Drive Safely: Once licensed, always remember Japanese driving rules, especially "pedestrian priority" and "drive on the left."

Hope this guide helps! Driving in Japan lets you discover the scenery in a whole new way. Best of luck!