How to order a Japanese drivers license online: A step-by-step guide for you

So, I’ve been meaning to get my Japanese driver’s license for a while now, and I finally decided to take the plunge and do it all online. Let me tell you, it wasn’t as daunting as I thought it would be. I’m gonna walk you through my experience, step by step, so you can see how I managed it.

First things first, I had to get all my documents in order. You know, the usual stuff: my residence card, passport, and my current driver’s license from back home. Also, I got a certified translation of my current license, which is mandatory. It took some time, I asked a translation company for help. Once I had all that sorted, I felt like I was halfway there.

Getting Ready for the Test

Next up, I needed to book a time for the written test at the local driver’s license center. I just hopped on Google Maps, found the nearest center, and saw their available slots on their website. I picked a date that worked for me, and just like that, I was scheduled.

Taking the Test

I’ve heard from some friends that the test can be a bit tricky, so I did some prep beforehand. I found a few websites that offer practice tests, and I spent some time going through them. The actual test was pretty straightforward. It’s mostly about traffic rules and signs, nothing too crazy. I passed it on my first try, which was a huge relief. I went to the test center at the set time to complete it. All things going well, I finished the test with a good mark.

The Driving Test

Now, for the driving test, I was a bit nervous. I mean, driving in Japan is a whole different ball game compared to what I’m used to. I practiced a bit, especially the parts I was worried about, like parallel parking and making sure I was using my indicators right. I booked the driving test online, too, which was super convenient. The day of the test, I made sure to arrive early, get a feel for the car, and just tried to stay calm. The instructor was pretty chill, which helped. I followed all the rules, drove carefully, and, to my surprise, I passed! The instructor gave me some feedback, which was nice, and then handed me the paperwork saying I’d passed.

Final Steps

After passing both tests, I had to fill out some more forms, pay the license fee, and get my photo taken. A few days later, I went back to the center, and there it was – my brand-new Japanese driver’s license. It was such a good feeling to finally have it in my hands.

Looking back, the whole process was way easier than I expected. I did it all online, from gathering documents to booking tests, and it was pretty smooth sailing. If you’re thinking about getting your driver’s license in Japan, I’d say go for it. Just do your homework, stay calm during the tests, and you’ll be driving around in no time.

I hope my experience helps you out if you’re planning to get your Japanese driver’s license. It’s definitely doable, and having that license opens up so many more opportunities to explore this beautiful country. Good luck!