Car
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
Japan has ZERO (none, zip, nada) tolerance for drinking and driving (not a drop). The laws in Japan are very strict and can penalize people who weren't even driving. For example, passengers in the same vehicle will also face some penalties because they allowed the impaired driver to drive. If you are caught, you are sure to lose your job and spend time in a Japanese jail, at the very least. Don't do it, it is not worth it.
Driving in Japan - What you need (to know):
You can only drive on an IDP (International Driving Permit) during your FIRST YEAR IN JAPAN, or WITHIN ITS WRITTEN EXPIRATION DATE, whichever comes first. If you go home and get a second IDP, it will NOT be valid and your insurance will be voided if you get in an accident. If you decide that you want to start driving from your second year on JET, you must get a Japanese driver's license. Basically, if you are a re-appointed JET, you MUST get a Japanese driver's licence in order to drive.
The Driving Test (for 2+ year JETS):
Certain countries/U.S. states are exempt from taking the driving test. For a full list please view page two of the following document:
https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/fukei/foreign/documents/proceduresfor_1.pdf
For detailed information on getting a Japanese Driver's License in Kyoto (the required documents, written test, and driving test procedure etc.) please check this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wm27L0FbhR8evkq4uc4q2LSKyExtBVl7?usp=sharing
It is highly recommended that you start the process/make the appointment in March/April and take the test in July/August during your school's summer vacation. You may or may not have to take nenkyuu. Please inform/ask your supervisor in advance.
Other useful links in regards to getting a driver's license.
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/traffic_safety/traffic_rules/index.html
https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/driving-in-japan/
For more information on driving in Japan, please click here.
*As of July 9, 2012,you will need to provide an original residence record (住民票 juminhyo) with your nationality, status of residence, and period of residence written when applying for a transfer to a Japanese license. Your residence card or alien registration card will NOT be sufficient. Your local municipal office can issue this certificate, but be sure to ask them to issue one with your nationality, status of residence and period of stay written on it. A copy will not be sufficient.
Japan has ZERO (none, zip, nada) tolerance for drinking and driving (not a drop). The laws in Japan are very strict and can penalize people who weren't even driving. For example, passengers in the same vehicle will also face some penalties because they allowed the impaired driver to drive. If you are caught, you are sure to lose your job and spend time in a Japanese jail, at the very least. Don't do it, it is not worth it.
Driving in Japan - What you need (to know):
You can only drive on an IDP (International Driving Permit) during your FIRST YEAR IN JAPAN, or WITHIN ITS WRITTEN EXPIRATION DATE, whichever comes first. If you go home and get a second IDP, it will NOT be valid and your insurance will be voided if you get in an accident. If you decide that you want to start driving from your second year on JET, you must get a Japanese driver's license. Basically, if you are a re-appointed JET, you MUST get a Japanese driver's licence in order to drive.
The Driving Test (for 2+ year JETS):
Certain countries/U.S. states are exempt from taking the driving test. For a full list please view page two of the following document:
https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/fukei/foreign/documents/proceduresfor_1.pdf
For detailed information on getting a Japanese Driver's License in Kyoto (the required documents, written test, and driving test procedure etc.) please check this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wm27L0FbhR8evkq4uc4q2LSKyExtBVl7?usp=sharing
It is highly recommended that you start the process/make the appointment in March/April and take the test in July/August during your school's summer vacation. You may or may not have to take nenkyuu. Please inform/ask your supervisor in advance.
Other useful links in regards to getting a driver's license.
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/traffic_safety/traffic_rules/index.html
https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/driving-in-japan/
For more information on driving in Japan, please click here.
*As of July 9, 2012,you will need to provide an original residence record (住民票 juminhyo) with your nationality, status of residence, and period of residence written when applying for a transfer to a Japanese license. Your residence card or alien registration card will NOT be sufficient. Your local municipal office can issue this certificate, but be sure to ask them to issue one with your nationality, status of residence and period of stay written on it. A copy will not be sufficient.
