Bijgewerkt op 22 april 2026
Rijbewijs in Japan voor Expats
Ja, voor 1 year (with valid IDP based on Geneva Convention). Daarna moet je omwisselen naar een Japan rijbewijs. Goed nieuws: het officiële examen is beschikbaar in het Engels.
Kernfeiten: Japan Rijbewijs voor Expats
- Examenautoriteit
- NPA — National Police Agency (Prefectural Public Safety Commissions)
- Officiële Examentaal
- Japanese, English (some prefectures)
- Overgangsperiode
- 1 year (with valid IDP based on Geneva Convention)
- Verwerkingstijd
- 1 day (exchange) or 1-3 months (full test with school)
- Theorie-examen Vereist
- Ja (als geen uitwisselingsovereenkomst)
- Praktijkexamen Vereist
- Ja (als geen uitwisselingsovereenkomst)
- Medische Keuring
- Niet vereist
- Totale Kosten
- ¥7,000-10,000 (~$47-67 USD) exchange or ¥300,000+ (~$2,000+ USD) full driving school
Geschiktheid per Nationaliteit
EU/EER-burgers
Must convert license. Most EU countries eligible for direct exchange.
US/UK-burgers
USA: Exchange with knowledge + skills confirmation test. UK: Direct exchange without tests.
Andere Niet-EU-burgers
Must convert license. Requirements depend on home country agreements.
Studenten
Can use IDP for up to 1 year. Must convert if staying longer.
Vereiste Documenten
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Residence card (在留カード)
- ✓Original foreign license
- ✓JAF translation of foreign license (mandatory)
- ✓Passport photos (3x2.4cm)
- ✓Proof of 3+ months holding license in issuing country before arriving in Japan
Kostenoverzicht
- Omwisselings-/Examenkosten
- ¥3,800-5,000 (~$25-35 USD)
- Medische Keuring
- Included in application process
- Vertaling
- ¥3,300 (~$22 USD) JAF translation fee
- Geschat Totaal
- ¥7,000-10,000 (~$47-67 USD) exchange or ¥300,000+ (~$2,000+ USD) full driving school
Rijbewijs Uitwisselingsovereenkomsten
Directe Omwisseling (Geen Examen Vereist) · 23
Rijbewijs Uitwisselingsovereenkomsten
Directe Omwisseling (Geen Examen Vereist) · 23
Exempt from knowledge/skills test: AustriaBelgiumCzech RepublicDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceIcelandIrelandItalyLuxembourgMonacoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPortugalSouth KoreaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTaiwanUK
Geen Overeenkomst (Volledig Examen Vereist): Countries not listed require full test at driving school (教習所)
Tips voor Expats in Japan
- JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) translation is mandatory - no other translations accepted
- Must prove you held your license 3+ months in the issuing country BEFORE arriving in Japan
- Driving schools (教習所) are very structured and expensive but thorough
- Some prefectures offer the test in English - check your local license center
- Exchange process includes a short driving skills test on a closed course
Veelgestelde Vragen
Can I take the Japanese driving test in English?
Some prefectures offer the knowledge confirmation test in English, but this varies. Check with your local license center. Practice with AutoviaTest in English to prepare regardless.
What is the JAF translation and where do I get it?
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) provides the only accepted translation of foreign licenses. You can apply at JAF offices or by mail. It costs ¥3,300 and takes about 2 weeks.
What is the 3-month rule?
You must prove you held your foreign license for at least 3 months in the issuing country before entering Japan. If you got your license just before moving to Japan, you won't qualify for exchange.
Can I exchange my US license for a Japanese one?
Yes, the USA is on Japan's exchange list. You'll need to pass a knowledge confirmation and skills confirmation test, but these are generally straightforward for experienced drivers.
How expensive is a Japanese driving school?
Japanese driving schools (教習所) typically cost ¥250,000-350,000 ($1,700-2,400 USD). Residential courses where you stay at the school can be faster and sometimes cheaper.