Do you need an International Driving Permit in Japan?

Japan and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Japan

Japan applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Japan

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Japan

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Japan.

Traffic drives on

The left

Emergency services

police 110, ambulance 119, fire 119

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Japan, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Japan

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Japan?

Up to 1 year. Japan joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 7 August 1964 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Japan on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You’ll need the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) plus your UK driving licence and insurance documents with you in the car." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Japan's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Japan drive on?

The left. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts for the first few days, and consider an automatic hire car so you are not also changing gear with the other hand.

What do I dial in an emergency in Japan?

Reach police on 110, ambulance on 119, fire on 119. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Japan. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Japan?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.