Get your Japanese drivers license: Buy online with these easy steps.

So, I’ve been wanting to get a Japanese driver’s license for a while now. It’s a bit of a hassle, but I figured I’d share my experience going through the process.

First off, I did some digging online to figure out what exactly I needed to do. Turns out, there are a couple of ways to go about it. If you don’t have a license at all, you can go through a driving school or a driving camp, which is like an intensive course. I already had a license from back home, but it wasn’t one of those that can be easily converted here in Japan. Bummer.

Since I couldn’t just swap my old license for a Japanese one, I knew I had to take a written and a practical exam. From what I’d heard, it can take a few tries even if you’re a good driver, so I was mentally preparing for that.

I gathered all my documents, things like my passport, residence card, and my foreign driver’s license, I made sure I had everything that was required. It’s important to get this part right, otherwise, they won’t even let you take the tests. They do provide the option to take the test in a bunch of languages, like English, Chinese, and a few others, so that’s a relief.

• Went online to find the requirements: Found out about driving schools, driving camps, and the process for those with foreign licenses.
• Realized I had to take the exams: My license wasn’t eligible for a simple conversion.
• Prepared all the necessary documents: Double-checked everything to make sure I had it all.

The day came for the written test. I went to the license center, filled out some forms, and paid the fees. The test itself wasn’t too bad. It was mostly about traffic rules and signs. I passed, which was a good start.

Next up was the practical exam. This one was a bit more nerve-wracking. You have to drive around a course with an examiner, and they’re pretty strict. I practiced a bit beforehand, but I still made a couple of mistakes during the test. I failed the first time, which was a bit discouraging, but I booked another test right away.

• Took the written test: It was fairly straightforward, and I passed.
• Took the practical test the first time: Failed, but scheduled another one.

The second time around, I was more prepared. I focused on the areas where I’d messed up before, and I was extra careful during the test. And guess what? I passed! It was such a relief to finally get that out of the way.

The Final Steps

After passing both tests, there were a few more things to do. I had to get my vision checked again, take a photo, and pay some more fees. Then, I just had to wait for a bit. Finally, they handed me my brand-new Japanese driver’s license. It felt great to finally have it after all that effort.

• Passed the practical test on the second try: Felt much more confident and prepared.
• Completed the final steps: Vision check, photo, and more fees.
• Received my Japanese driver’s license: Success!

So yeah, that’s my story of getting a Japanese driver’s license. It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it’s definitely doable. Just be prepared to study, practice, and maybe fail a time or two before you succeed. Good luck to anyone else going through the process!