I have a specific question to ask, because I want to err on the side of caution and avoid getting in unnecessary trouble.
I'm a first year JET about to go into my second year in August. I am one of the "unfortunate" ones in terms of the gaikokujin Japanese Drivers License process (aka I don't come from a country or U.S. state where you don't have to take the driving test itself to get your license converted). I have failed multiple times and my next attempt in August is a day after my IDP expires. I'll be able to take the train there. If I do pass, it'll only be a day without driving legally so that's manageable. Even if I fail, I'll be at least able to attend my schools and go back to retake the test all via train.
However here is the thing: my parents are visiting Japan and their visit overlaps with when my IDP expires and my next test. They are aware that I've been trying and failing the test a few times and as a contingency plan they both got their own IDPs in case they need to drive in Japan.
But this leads me to one big question that I didn't consider until fellow ALTs and other foreigners brought it up: depending on my BOE it could be an issue for them to drive my car just on their own. I don't want to get them or myself in trouble.
The facts to know are that I have fully paid for my car and the only monthly payments on it are insurance. In addition, my BOE says that during vacation and off-time I can drive anywhere, but any work-related stuff can only be driven to within city limits (JET meetings in the nearby city we can only go to by train).
Friends have suggested that perhaps my parents or I need to invest in a temporary or individual insurance on their end, although I'm confused about the details. If something does go wrong with them behind the wheel, I personally am alright with being responsible for paying things off, but I don't want there to be any legal or employment repercussions on my end.
All of this assumes that I will fail my next attempt. If I pass, this concern is rendered moot.
Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated!
by SpennyTheSpoon