Changes to the driver license exchange system for foreigners

 At the start of the year I wrote about the current driver license system that was allowing foreigners switch their driver's license from their home country to a Japanese one. Once they get a Japanese Driver's license, they then use that to get an International Driver's Permit. A Japanese International Driver's Permit can be used in more than 100 countries.

I wrote at the time how surprised and concerned I was that Japan allowed foreigners to get a license so easily. So much so that there were companies overseas arranging tours for their citizens to come to Japan with the end goal of getting a Japanese International Driver's Permit. But that is all about to change as  news broke this week that they are revising the system from October 1st.

The revised rules will require applicants to submit a copy of their resident registration card. This will prevent people from overseas coming to Japan on holiday simply to get an International Driver's permit. It seems crazy to me that people could do that without a resident registration to date. In addition they will increase the number of questions in the knowledge verification (written test), to make it harder for people who don't live in Japan to ace the test.