I’ve just realized I lost my US drivers license. Is there a way for me to get my Japanese license without having having to get my permit and taking courses?
You could see if you can get your US license reissued.
Other than that, you can theoretically just take the driving test and pass. It’s a popular myth that driving school is necessary. It isn’t but you are likely to fail the test if you can’t read Japanese well enough to find the rubric online.
I was surprised that some states allow renewal online. Check your state dmv website, there might be an easy online fix- especially if you can have someone fedex it to you from overseas
Japan and America don’t have an agreement to directly transfer licenses.
Unless you’re from the district of Columbia you’re going to need to take the test anyway.
Best to go to the driving school as there are so many rules and road signs in Japan. It’s great to learn them all.
I’ve seen a lot of tourists and travelers going into bus priority Lanes and then having no clue why the police are pulling them over.
4 comments
use your French license and covert that instead?
You could see if you can get your US license reissued.
Other than that, you can theoretically just take the driving test and pass. It’s a popular myth that driving school is necessary. It isn’t but you are likely to fail the test if you can’t read Japanese well enough to find the rubric online.
I was surprised that some states allow renewal online. Check your state dmv website, there might be an easy online fix- especially if you can have someone fedex it to you from overseas
Japan and America don’t have an agreement to directly transfer licenses.
Unless you’re from the district of Columbia you’re going to need to take the test anyway.
Best to go to the driving school as there are so many rules and road signs in Japan. It’s great to learn them all.
I’ve seen a lot of tourists and travelers going into bus priority Lanes and then having no clue why the police are pulling them over.