If you’re new to Japan and have been asking around about how to get a Japanese driver’s license, you’ve probably heard some tales. There are some determined ALTs out there. Shrugging off the expenses and stress, they take the driving skills test over and over again until they finally pass.
If you’re looking for another way, a 50cc scooter license might be right up your alley. Getting one is actually very simple. No need to take a driving skills test. No struggling through a Japanese paper test. Here you’ll find information on obtaining a scooter license the simple and easy way.
Step 1: Translate your home country’s license to Japanese at JAF (the Japan Automobile Federation)
First, check that you meet the following requirements: (1) you must have lived in Japan for at least three months. (2) your foreign license is not expired.
Documents to bring to the JAF office:
- Application form, direct from the JAF website. 外国運転免許証翻訳文発行申請書１
- Your driver’s license from your home country. 外国運転免許2
- Photocopy of your residence card. (Also, bring your card just in case). 在留カード3
- 3,000 円
How to:
- Prepare the required documents.
- Check the location for your nearest JAF office
- Go there. You don’t need an appointment, but check their hours of operation beforehand.
- Talk to an agent and submit necessary documents.
- Receive the translation. Keep it in a safe place until you go to the Traffic Center.
For more information, check out Information on the Japanese Translation for Switch a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese License.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents and Study for the 10 question English Driving Test
According to section 3 of the local Traffic Center’s Procedure for Obtaining a Japanese Driver’s License document, you must bring the following documents to the Prefectural Driving Center. You may need to go to City Hall to collect one or more of these.
(3) a. Your original driver’s license + a copy of both the front and back
(3) b. The Japanese translation of your license from JAF外国運転免許証翻訳文4
(3) c. Your passport + copies of most of its pages
(3) d. Your resident card and certificate of residence住民票5 + a copy of each
The Certificate of Residence is different from the document you initially received in City Hall. Take the attached original document with the Japanese to City Hall to make it very clear which document you’re requesting.
(3) e. Written application (the clerk will produce and may fill out on your behalf) + your 3 x 2.4 cm photograph.
Photo booths are often located outside large chain stores or train stations. The Traffic Center also has a photo booth handy. No, these are not the fun purikura kind where you can add a mustache and place a ghost in the background!
(3)f. Bring your international driver’s license (if you have one) just in case.
If you are from a non-Western country, you may need more documentation (when I was waiting, I heard the Japanese clerk tell a Sri Lankan man that he needed additional papers)
To prepare for the 10 question English driving test, get to know Japanese road signs and regulations. Learn the 3-point turn that is specific to driving a 50cc scooter. Also, drive with friends and chat about driving with coworkers or other ALTs who have been driving in Japan for a while.
Step 3: Getting your Japanese Driver’s License at the Prefectural Traffic Center
Check the location and hours of Gunma Prefecture’s Traffic Center 総合交通センター6. It’s a ten minute walk from Shin-Maebashi Station. Bring more than enough cash to cover the fees (these total around 1 man yen 一万円).
Go to the Traffic Center right when they open because it will already be busy. In 2012, the hours were 1:00-4:30pm Monday to Friday. Expect to be at the Traffic Center until after 4:00pm. Expect to wait between the various steps and bring something to fill your time.
Follow the yellow line to the second floor. Stand in line for Foreign License Conversion (this was on the far right). Wait until it is your turn and, in Japanese, tell them you want a 50cc scooter license and that you aren’t going to take the driving skill test運転技術試験7 .
Provide your documents. They will check them, ask you clarifying questions, and maybe request more copies. If they need a copy of something, they will send you to the copier down the hall. (Interesting note, they asked me about the age restriction printed on my Wisconsin driver’s license. I told them it was to make it clear to clerks that I couldn’t buy alcohol and that it had nothing to do with driving.)
Take the vision test. When they’re ready, the clerk will direct you to the back of the reception area to complete an eyesight test視力検査8. You will be asked to look at circles and tell the vision specialist which direction the gap in each circle is facing. Make sure you know the Japanese for “up” “down” “right” and “left.” Then, you will need to identify colors. Be ready with your Japanese color words! Then, the vision specialist will sign your papers, and you will take them back to the reception counter at the front of the room. There you will pay for the vision test. Wait as they complete your paperwork and process the other foreigners in line.
Take the 50cc scooter 10 question paper test in English or Portuguese/Spanish. When called, follow the clerk to a nearby room. Each question of the test is accompanied by a descriptive picture, likely because the English is wordy. At the end of the test, the clerk collects your test and grades it. You’ll know right then and there if you passed.
Pay for the test at another counter. You will then be asked to enter two four digit numbers into a machine, which will print a paper you will need for the next step. Again, there may be a long wait at this time. Take out something to do, but pay attention to what’s going on.
Get your driving license photo taken. Finally, go with the other people who have passed the test to have your photo taken. After your license is printed, your name will be called, the clerk will ask you to check the spelling of your name and your address, and then you’re free to go– Japanese 50 cc scooter license in hand!
Step Four: Buying Your Scooter & Gear
You’ll Need:
- Scooter
- Mandatory vehicle liability insurance自賠責保険9
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Windproof/waterproof coat
If you want to buy a used scooter and an ALT near you isn’t selling one, find a used motorbike shop (usually you can find these near a university). I bought my scooter from Tsukagoshi Motors塚越モーター near 高崎市経済大学校Takasaki Keizai Daigakko at 744-1 Kaminamiemachi, Takasaki 370-0801. Used scooters sell for between 50,000 -80,000 yen.
Shiny new scooters sell at any motorbike store. These are usually located on main roads and easy to identify because bikes and scooters are displayed in the windows. These run 170,000-200,000 yen.
For accessories and gear, go to a specialty shop. Takasaki’s Ricoland ライコランド高崎
stocks helmets, gloves, and jackets. I recommend getting a helmet that shields your face. Bugs are real. Rain will also happen.
You’ll need insurance before you start driving. I asked the owner of the shop where I bought my scooter for a recommendation. He suggested an insurance company in downtown Takasaki called Zenrosai共済ショップ高崎店.
Insurance can run near 30,000 yen annually and may involve authorizing an auto-withdrawal from your bank account.
Stay Safe
Remember to keep in the left lane and do 3-point turns at intersections which are wider than 2 lanes (one way). Keep track of your mileage and when you’ll need an oil change. Know your route before departing, be aware of traffic, and try to keep at a reasonable speed.
Don’t hold a phone and don’t drive in the rain. Be safe. If you think you’ve missed your turn or it starts raining, just pull over, shut off your bike, check Google maps or wait out the downpour, and return to the road when conditions are right.
Good luck!
This guide was compiled by a former JET who completed this process in 2013. If you notice any errors or feel you have any important information to add, please contact the GAJET Editor.
Glossary
1. 外国運転免許証翻訳文発行申請書（がいこくうんてんめんきょしょうほんやくぶんはっこうしんせいしょ）foreign driver’s license translation application form
2. 外国運転免許 （がいこくうんてんめんきょ）foreign driver’s license
3. 在留カード （ざいりゅうカード）residence card
4. 外国運転免許証翻訳文（がいこくうんてんめんきょしょうほんやくぶん）foreign driver’s license translation
5. 住民票（じゅうみんひょう）certificate of residence
6. 総合交通センター6（そうごうこうつうセンター）General Traffic Center
7. 運転技術試験（うんてんぎじゅつしけん）driving skill test
8. 視力検査 （しりょくけんさ） eyesight test
9. 自賠責保険 （じばいせきほけん) mandatory vehicle liability insurance
