Driving
We cannot issue you with an Australian or Japanese licence at the Embassy or our Consulates and we do not do translations of Australian licences.
Driving in Japan
To drive in Japan you must hold either:
- a valid Japanese licence; or
- a valid international driver's permit in conjunction with a current Australian state driver's licence.
An International Driver's Permit is not a licence, you must also hold a valid Australian licence.
Japanese transport authorities advised in December 2010 that they would prefer that only tourists on the 90 day temporary visitor entry visa use an International Driver's Permit (in conjunction with their Australian driver's licence) to drive in Japan.
Supposedly, Australians can drive in Japan on an International Driver's Permit (in conjunction with your Australian driver's licence) up to 365 days following their initial entry into Japan. However, local authorities have advised that due to abuses of this system, they now prefer that anyone who is residing in Japan drive on a Japanese licence, not an International Driver's Permit.
If you would like more information about these driver's licence regulations in Japan, please contact your local Japanese licence office.
We suggest that Australians residing in Japan on a visa other than the 90 day temporary visitor entry visa obtain a Japanese driver's licence after their arrival if they wish to drive in Japan.
More information about Driving in Japan
Driving in Australia
Laws and driving regulations differ from state to state.
Some states require you to carry an International Licence with your current foreign licence. Other states request you carry your current foreign driver's licence together with a formal translation of your licence into English.