Getting a Japanese Driver's License

[gerbilcat]

Well, I got MINE!

It took me a long while, namely because I first tried for it two years ago and had 0 five times. So I stopped trying and settled for the yearly trip to the states.

Then, of course, in June 2002 they changed the rules again. One has to return for three months. So I went and tried again and got a zero *argh*. However, I did some research, figured out what all I was failing at, worked on it every time I drove *coughcough* And finally I went there on Friday (10/8/2003). I got 50! That's very nice. So I went again on Monday, armored with an actual understanding of what the guy told me at the Friday test.

And I passed! This tester even said I did an excellent job! That's nice to hear.

I was the only American there at the Kanuma Licensing Center. However, there were a few other people who could speak English. A large percentage of women from the Phillipines, speaking Tagalog and Japanese. I made several friends and gave some advice that helped one lady make it through the S curve.

[Glenski]

I hate to tell you this, but you didn't have to return to the USA for 3 months. All they need is proof that you were in the States for 3 months after the initial issue of your driver's license. Pay $5 or so, and you can get that from your local (US) DMV office, instead of forking out the money to travel and stay home for 3 months. Too late now.

[gerbilcat]

Glenski... I'm afraid there's something you don't seem to know. The rules changed so that your IDP is not longer good in Japan unless you return to country of issuance for three months.

And I never did return to the states for that three month period. I was driving illegally for almost a year and a half. Despite having a Washington Driver's License and an International Driver's Permit.Glenski wrote: