Drivers’ License Conversion: Prepare NOW!

[Cliodhna]

You should note that an IDP is NOT a license. It is more like an additional document that certifies the license you have is valid and up to certain standards.
If your Canadian/US/Japanese/etc. license expires before the IDP, you -no longer have a valid driver's license-. (To put it another way, you cannot legally drive in an IDP without ALSO having a valid license).

Ah, thank you for making that clear, Cal!

Another thing we learned recently up here in Takayama -- apparently, you are supposed to have your passport with you along with your home country License and the IDP. This information was not given out anywhere, but a friend got into trouble with the police for not having it with him..... We're working on negotiating that through our supervisor, but for now, we were told to make sure we at least have a copy of our entry permit if not the actual passport with us along with the license and IDP. Kind of sucks since that wasn't written anywhere -- oh well. It's good to keep in mind.

So your alien registration card doesn't cut it? Or is it that you need the proof of passport for treaty reasons? That's a bit convoluted, not to mention extremely risky, to be lugging your passport everywhere with you. I suppose, though, that the IDP isn't meant as a long-term thing, and these could be the costs of using it for a prolonged period of time...

[lenamarie0485]

If your international driving permits are at all like the US ones (I imagine they probably are, being international and all) they probably require a VALID drivers license from your home country along with the permit in order for the permit to be valid. Make sure you know the details before you plan on coming...

So, are you saying that after driving on the IDP for a year when you go to get a Japanese license they ask you how long you've had your Driver's license in the usa??

This is more important for non-US citizens as we can just transfer our licenses with no testing.
Yes, they require that information. They want to make sure that your license back home matches up with their requirements for a Japanese license.
They are EXTREMELY picky.
Bring as much information with you as you can.

Do you think tax papers from previous years are acceptable?
I'm just wondering what kind of proof they are looking to see. I've had my American drivers license since I was 16.

[happytofu]

My sister has horror stories related to harassment by the police for not having her Passport on hand--and she doesn't even drive. She has a spousal visa and has lived in Japan for nearly a decade, so there is certainly the potential for unprovoked hostility from police, even if the reason is bogus.

[Siyris]

So your alien registration card doesn't cut it? Or is it that you need the proof of passport for treaty reasons? That's a bit convoluted, not to mention extremely risky, to be lugging your passport everywhere with you. I suppose, though, that the IDP isn't meant as a long-term thing, and these could be the costs of using it for a prolonged period of time...

According to all the paperwork and laws and written down things we could find anywhere (including what our supervisor could find) it doesn't say ANYWHERE that you need your passport. HOWEVER the policewoman was still about to arrest my coworker until my supervisor managed to talk her out of if and explain that it was City Hall's fault for not telling us to carry it.
Apparently, according to the Policewoman, you are required to keep your passport with you as well in order to show the date of arrival in Japan. Japan will not honor an IDP after the first year of residency in the country... even if you were to return to your country to get a new IDP, the new one IS NOT VALID according to Japanese laws. The policewoman said that my coworker needed his passport with him to show when he came into the country originally to make sure that he hadn't been past the one year mark.
Personally, all the ALTs in the area thought that was BS, but as it's something you can get into a lot of trouble for (seen as driving without a license and therefore subject to anything from a fine to deportation depending on why you were stopped initially), our supervisor has now insisted that those of us without Japanese licenses yet keep our home license, our IDP, and our passport with us when we drive. It sucks... but being deported would suck more.

[Siyris]

My sister has horror stories related to harassment by the police for not having her Passport on hand--and she doesn't even drive. She has a spousal visa and has lived in Japan for nearly a decade, so there is certainly the potential for unprovoked hostility from police, even if the reason is bogus.

I have heard this from a friend who lives in Tokyo and has for 20+ years. However, she gives them her residency card and has no trouble. But please PLEASE don't worry that just because you are foreign you will automatically be targeted by the police. It could happen, but for me at least, it has never happened. Nor can I think of any of my ALT friends to whom it has happened. It's possible, but not especially likely.

One thing to keep in mind though, if you should find yourself in that situation, Japanese police officers are not required to have any reason to ask for identification -- there is nothing in Japanese law that limits that, so they can just ask out of the blue for no reason... do not argue with them.

[canadiansensei]

Hello , I am currently a Canadian Alternate residing in Alberta. I recently attained my Driver's License in December; however, my license is deemed as "Provisional" for 2 years, then I must take an advanced road test. I think my chances of driving in Japan are next to nil, does anyone have some suggestions? I am truly hoping that not having an International Driving permit does not limit my chances of being upgraded as an ALT.

Cheers

[MapleVic]

I've hunted around online, but I haven't been able to find an answer...

What is the minimum license level needed to get an IDP? I assume [Canadian] G, but I was wondering if G2 was sufficient.

I don't know what province you are in, but in B.C. they have a graduated licensing program starting at Learners (someone over 25 has to be in the car with you, no passengers, other restrictions), then New Driver (basically a full license, but there are restrictions on the number of passengers you can have in your car and zero tolerance for alcohol), and finally your full license.

I heard from a friend who had their New Driver's license who was denied a Japanese license because of the restrictions. So, although I could not tell you for sure, I would not rely on being able to use an IDP with anything other than your FULL Canadian license.

I'm in Ontario, so G1, G2, and G would be synonymous to Learners, New Driver, and Full License respectively. I can understand why your friend was denied her license then.

Thanks for the helpful reply ^_^