Driving in Japan for Foreigners: License Rules & the 3-Month Rule

Many foreign travelers and residents are interested in driving in Japan. To drive legally, it is essential to understand the use of International Driving Permits (IDPs), foreign driver’s licenses, as well as Japan’s traffic rules and legal requirements such as the “three-month rule.” This article explains in detail the types of licenses needed, the conditions for obtaining a Japanese driver’s license, and important points to keep in mind when driving.

Please note that ignorance of these rules is not excusable under Japanese law, so it is crucial to fully understand and comply with all regulations to avoid serious penalties.

Rules of the Road in Japan

The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) publishes and sells foreign language editions of the “Rules of the Road.” These resources help foreign drivers understand Japan’s traffic regulations and prevent accidents. Both digital and printed formats are available. We highly recommend purchasing the version in your native language and studying the traffic rules before driving. For more details, please also refer to “Traffic Rules in Japan.”

Foreign Nationals Driving in Japan

To ensure safe driving, it is essential to familiarize yourself with Japanese traffic rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the National Police Academy’s page on How to Drive in Japan (National Police Academy).

What You Need to Drive in Japan

Besides holding a valid Japanese driver’s license, certain foreign licenses are also accepted for driving in Japan. If you plan to convert your foreign license to a Japanese one, please refer to the guidelines on How to Switch your Driver's License to a Japanese License. For license renewal procedures, please check the relevant information here.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Please note that an International Driving Permit is intended for short-term visitors only. Residents of Japan, including foreign nationals with a registered address, should not rely on an IDP but are encouraged to apply for license conversion as soon as possible.

Validity of International Driving Permits in Japan

IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid for driving in Japan for up to one year, provided that:

1. The permit is used within one year from its issue date, and

2. The permit is used within one year from the date of entry into Japan.

The shorter of these two periods determines the allowed driving duration in Japan.

Valid International Driving Permit in Japan

Driving Without a Valid License

Please note that driving without a valid license in Japan is a serious offense. It is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to ¥500,000, under Article 117-2-2 of the Road Traffic Act. This includes driving with an expired license, a license not valid in Japan, or no license at all. Offenders may also face additional penalties such as a driving ban or vehicle seizure.

Importantly, if you fail to comply with the “three-month rule” when using an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a foreign license with a Japanese translation (such as from Germany, France, or Taiwan), you may be considered as driving without a valid license—even if you were unaware of the rule.

Under Japanese law, failure to meet the legal requirements for driving automatically classifies you as an unlicensed driver. It is your responsibility to understand and follow the applicable regulations to avoid unintentionally violating the law.

What is the “Three-Month Rule” for IDPs?

Japanese nationals or foreign residents who are registered in the Basic Resident Register and hold a mid- to long-term residency status cannot drive in Japan if they fail to comply with the “Three-Month Rule” stipulated in Article 107-2 of the Road Traffic Act. The following explanation will help you understand whether you are allowed to drive in Japan.

For short-term visitors who are NOT registered in the Basic Resident Register

You may drive using your International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to one year from the date of issue or up to one year from the date of entry into Japan—whichever period is shorter.

(1) When entering Japan for the first time after obtaining an IDP (this usually applies to most short-term visitors).

Source: Chiba Prefectural Police

(2) Acquiring an IDP by mail or other methods within Japan after your initial entry

Source: Chiba Prefectural Police

2. For those REGISTERED in the Basic Resident Register who leave and re-enter Japan

If you are a Japanese or foreign mid- to long-term resident registered in the Basic Resident Register, you cannot drive in Japan with an IDP obtained abroad if you return to Japan within less than three months after leaving, even with proper confirmation of departure or re-entry permission. This is because the date of re-entry after staying overseas for less than three months does not count as the start of the valid driving period for the IDP holder.

(1) Re-entering Japan after staying overseas for less than three months (this situation often applies to non-Japanese residents)

Source: Chiba Prefectural Police

(2) Re-entering Japan after an overseas stay of less than three months (a situation often applicable to Japanese nationals)

Source: Chiba Prefectural Police

(3) Re-entering Japan after staying overseas for three months or more

Source: Chiba Prefectural Police

Use of Driver’s Licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan in Japan

If you hold a driver’s license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, you may drive in Japan by carrying a Japanese translation of your license. This translation must be issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or the respective embassy in Japan. The combination of your license and the Japanese translation is valid for one year from the date of your entry into Japan.

Valid Foreign Driving License in Japan

If you leave Japan and then re-enter, the validity period resets to one year from the date of re-entry. However, if you are a resident registered in the Basic Resident Register, the period between leaving and re-entering Japan must be at least three months for the validity to reset.

For assistance with obtaining a Japanese translation of your license, please contact JAF or visit their website.

For more details on driving with foreign licenses, please contact your nearest police station or Driver’s License Center.

Please note that the same “three-month rule” (read above) applies when driving in Japan with a driver’s license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan accompanied by a Japanese translation. Mid- to long-term residents registered in the Basic Resident Register must ensure that the period between leaving and re-entering Japan is at least three months; otherwise, the validity period for driving in Japan will not reset upon re-entry, and you may not be allowed to drive.

Source: Chiba Prefectural Police

Requirements for Obtaining a Japanese Driver’s License

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Visual Acuity

0.3 or better in each eye, and 0.7 or better with both eyes together. If one eye is below 0.3, the better eye must be 0.7 or better. A visual field of at least 150 degrees is required. Corrected vision with glasses or contact lenses is acceptable.

Hearing

Ability to hear a 90-decibel alarm from 10 meters in both ears. Use of a hearing aid is acceptable.

Color Discrimination

Ability to distinguish red, blue, and yellow colors.

Physical Ability

Ability to operate the steering wheel and other controls safely.

The Legal Driving Age in Japan

The minimum driving age is 18 years old for a car and 16 years old for a motorcycle (apart from a heavy motorcycle). Please read "Japanese Driver's License Classifications & Their Meanings" for further details.

English-Speaking Driving Schools in Tokyo

If you would like to take driving lessons in English in Tokyo, please refer to this page.

ASAHI Paper Driving School provides driving lessons for those who are preparing to get a Japanese driver's license as well as services for changing from a foreign license to a Japanese license and practicing driving in Japan. All services are provided in English. Please contact them if you would like to leran more about their services.

Asahi Group also offers a driving test handbook and manual, you can easily understand with videos and illustrations. Click the banner below to check more details.