How to obtain an International driver’s permit in Japan

How to obtain an International driver’s permit in Japan, IDP apply online Japan, International Driving Permit Japan, International Driving licence Japan, International Driving license Japan

Are you a daring adventurer getting ready to hit the roads of Japan while working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) with Interac in Japanese public schools? To drive legally in Japan, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Let me guide you through the process of obtaining an IDP to ensure you meet Japan’s requirements. Getting Your International Driving Permit (IDP) for Japan How to obtain an International driver’s permit in Japan

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that enables you to drive in foreign countries. It acts as a translation of your driver’s license and must be presented alongside your valid license from your home country. In Japan, IDPs are accepted for driving if they adhere to the 1949 Geneva Convention’s provisions. How to obtain an International driver’s permit in Japan

It’s important to note that the Paris convention and the Vienna convention are not valid for driving in Japan. Therefore, your IDP must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention for you to drive legally in Japan.

Check Your Eligibility: Before applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP), it’s important to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You must hold a valid driver’s license issued by your home country, and it’s crucial to confirm that your home country is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention. Getting Your International Driving Permit (IDP) for Japan

Visit an Authorized Agency: Once you’ve confirmed your country’s participation in the 1949 Geneva Convention, visit an authorized agency responsible for issuing IDPs in your home country. These agencies may include automobile clubs or official government transportation offices.

Application Requirements: To complete your IDP application, you will need to prepare the necessary documents. Typically, these include your valid driver’s license, passport-sized photographs, and a completed application form. Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the application date.

Processing Time and Fee: Keep in mind that the processing time and fees for obtaining an IDP may vary based on your home country. It’s crucial to inquire about the costs and the expected processing time for the IDP. It’s also important to note that you are responsible for any fees associated with IDPs.

Validity Period: IDPs are generally valid for one year from the date of issue or until the expiration of your driver’s license, whichever comes first. Pay attention to the issue date, as if it’s before your expected entry to [destination country], it will expire within a year of your arrival there. You can request the authorized agency to set the issue date to match your expected entry date to [destination country].

Hey there, just a heads up that in order to drive in Japan using your International Driving Permit (IDP), it needs to adhere to the 1949 Geneva Convention. Here are the countries whose IDPs adhere to the convention and those that don’t:

Countries that adhere to the 1949 Geneva Convention:
– Australia
– Barbados
– Canada
– Denmark
– Finland
– France
– India
– Jamaica
– Netherlands
– New Zealand
– Nigeria
– Norway
– South Africa
– Spain
– Sweden
– Taiwan
– The Philippines
– Trinidad and Tobago
– United Kingdom
– United States of America

Countries that do not adhere to the 1949 Geneva Convention:
– Kenya
– Taiwan
– Vietnam
– Zimbabwe

If you’re from a country that’s not a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention, you may not be eligible to drive in Japan and your suitability for certain positions might be limited.

When you start driving in Japan, you’ll eventually want to convert your home country license to a Japanese driving license through a procedure called “gaimen-kirikae”. Depending on your home country, you might need to take a written and/or practical driving test. We recommend making sure you have enough time before your IDP expires to switch to a Japanese driving license. Once you are in Japan, your local Interac branch can guide you through the process.

One more thing, remember that driving in Japan is on the left side of the road. For those of you used to driving on the right side, it might take a bit of getting used to, but most people adjust pretty quickly. If you’re teaching with Interac, there are different lease car systems available, depending on the area in Japan. The majority of teachers find having a car in local and rural areas gives them more flexibility and improves their lifestyle in Japan. How to obtain an International driver’s permit in Japan

Advantages of Having an International Driving License, The International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit is valid for 1,3,5 and 10 years from the date of issue and it is crucial that you apply for one if you are planning to drive on your next overseas trip.

Applicants can their existing International Driving Permits online through our website www.e-idp.co.uk, in case their license expires when they are still abroad. After submitting the documents required and the prescribed user fee, applicant will be able to get their international driving permits renewed easily, without hassles. applicants will receive a new soft and hard copy as per request.

Documents Needed for Applying for an International Driving Permit in India

Valid local Driver’s License
A recent passport size photograph
Online Application for the issue of IDP
Prescribed fees.

How to obtain an international driving permit

The process of obtaining an international driving license directly from an office can be quite challenging and time-consuming. The payment methods involved can also be complex. Therefore, it is recommended to consider applying for an international driving license from IMTA. The application process only takes around 10 to 15 minutes, making it a more efficient option for getting your international driving permit for.

The necessary details required for the application of an International driving permit include:

– Full Name
– Email & Phone Number
– Current Address
– Place of Birth
– National Driver’s License Number
– National Driver’s License Issued Date & Expiry Date
– Picture of Driver’s License & Your Head Shot Photo for Your IDP