by If you can drive in Japan, your trip should be going much smoother! Especially, if you visit rural area, car may become must item.
However, driving in Japan by yourself may not be easy. The driving license rule is more strict compared to other countries.
Today, I will introduce what you need to do to be able to drive in Japan with your Australian driving license.
1. 3 options for international travellers
If you want to drive a car in Japan, there are 3 ways to be able to drive.
1. Obtain international driving license ⇒〇
2. Your current license with Japanese translation ⇒ ×
3. Take driving license test ⇒△
Regarding No 2 and 3, both are not realistic. In Australia, overseas license holders are allowed to drive if they hold English translation (by designated organization or the certified translator). However, in Japan, that is only for Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan.
Regarding taking the test, if you stay in Japan much longer, you may be able to challenge. A lot of driving learners join driving school camp and they can get the license minimum 2 weeks.
That’s why, the most realistic way for Australian is only No 1 option, to get the international driving license.
If you are thinking about using rental car in Japan, you may be required to show your valid license for driving in Japan at the stage of booking.
2. Australian drivers must get international driving license
As I mentioned above, Australian driving license holders need to get international driving license, which is referred in Geneva Convention.
For some countries, road traffic act of Vienna Convention format are available in Japan, however, as Australia doesn’t have available format by the Vienna Convention, you need to use the format of road traffic act of Geneva Convention.
Most of traffic rules are the same as Australia and driving on left as well. You won’t feel so different compared driving in Australia.
3. How to get international license
You need to get the international driving license with Australian Automobile Association.
Japanese Government authorise the international license from Australia issued by only this organization.
It is also called “International Driving Permit (IDP)”.
IDP issued from Australian Automobile Association
・Valid worldwide for 12 months from date of issue
・Apply by online and it takes only approximately 10 minutes. Easy and quick!
・The permit will be dispatched around 3 business days in city areas after your application is received.
・$42 (as of 2022) for the application
What you need to prepare
・Passport sized photo
・Front and back of your valid Australian driver license.
・Credit Card for payment
