Good day all,
I have been reading through posts in this community about converting a foreign license into a Japanese one but have a few questions about the process that I hope someone could shed some light on.
I have a Canadian driver license and the translation done by JAF. I have also prepared the papers listed on their website pref.kyoto.jp However, my biggest concern is about the language barrier they mentioned. I just got to Japan (Kyoto) in early April and I have been taking Japanese courses since last year, but it is more for JLPT test, so I had not got the chance to do real conversation with Japanese until I got here.
My questions are:
What kind of paperwork that needs to be filled out onsite? I mean what information it asks for? So far, based on my experience with the paperwork at the city hall, I could read and understand for the most part because it basically asks for personal information only and I can read kanji.
Regarding the hearing test, it is written on the website that "日本語による会話ができない方は、聞き取り審査ができませんので、必ず通訳の方の同行をお願いします。" I wonder what kind of hearing test that is. Are they testing the applicant's Japanese listening skills or what they are looking for? Would you say that an interpreter is only required for those who cannot communicate in Japanese at all or it is required for any foreigners who cannot speak Japanese fluently?
I did call the police station to book an appointment and asked about the requirements and stuff, but thinking about bringing an interpreter, I had to find someone and figure out the time that works so I ended up not booking anything yet. During the call with the officer, I could understand like 60% of the context. I was struggling when he spoke non-stop about the requirements. Just guessing that he was reading from a guideline or something so my brain could not catch up with his words.
I hope to hear from the community members who have had experience in converting their driver licenses in Kyoto. I apologize in advance if there is not enough context in my post. If you need any additional information, please let me know.
Thank you all!
by TohsakaW