Japan Tightens Foreign Drivers' License Conversion, but Concerns Remain

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On October 1, Japan introduced stricter rules for converting foreign driver's licenses (gaimen kirikae). The change comes after a string of serious accidents involving foreign drivers. Critics had argued that the system was too lenient, even allowing short-term visitors to obtain licenses.

While the tougher requirements aim to close these loopholes, new concerns, such as forged documents and exam cheating, are also on the rise.

Fake Documents

"I just wanted to rent a car in Japan." That was the explanation given to police by two Chinese nationals arrested in September. They allegedly used a fake Taiwanese driver's license to obtain the Japanese translation document required to drive.

Under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, citizens of member countries can drive in Japan with an international driving permit. Nationals of non-member countries like China, however, must go through a license conversion.

*A Chinese man with a foreign-converted license injured four children in a hit-and-run in Misato City, Saitama, on May 14. He is believed to have been drinking. (Provided by a local resident)*

An exception exists for holders of licenses from six approved non-member countries and regions, including Taiwan. These drivers can legally drive in Japan if they carry an official Japanese translation of their license issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). The two Chinese nationals are believed to have exploited this loophole.

Conversion Exams

Cheating on license conversion exams has also surfaced. In August, Osaka police charged a Chinese man with obstruction of business after he used a miniature camera to film himself answering test questions. He then posted the footage online. Some of the reposted videos drew nearly 30,000 views.

Suggestions for Improvement

As these new problems emerge, authorities are searching for practical ways to curb the growing number of traffic accidents involving foreign drivers.

Yasumi Ito, professor of transportation science at the University of Yamanashi Graduate School, noted: "At the core is the challenge of reducing risks from people who have driven in a different environment abroad and are now driving in Japan. Addressing this requires ongoing measures."

He emphasized that foreign drivers must not only learn basic traffic rules under the stricter system, but also understand Japan's driving culture and traffic conditions.

Currently, skill tests for license conversion are conducted only on closed driving-school courses. Professor Ito suggested adding instruction on public roads. He also believes police data on accidents and violations should be analyzed and shared, broken down by country or region, so experts can use the insights to shape policy.

Author: Ai Hashimoto, The Sankei Shimbun

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