Renewing UK driver's licence and getting a Japanese one

[ExpatScot]

Hi all,

Just realised that my UK driver's licence (or the card at least) has expired and I was wondering if anyone has tried to renew it online?

I know it specifies that you should be resident in the UK, but I presume that they don't really look into it and as long as I give them a UK address it should be fine. Any thoughts on this?

Also, if I do manage to renew my licence, is it true that as a Brit I don't have to take any kind of test to get a Japanese one? I heard that we just have to sit through a seminar with no written or practical test. That might be old information though.

Any info much appreciated.

[Beaglehound]

There is an eye test I believe, but nothing else. The documentary requirements look substantial as you might imagine (I checked while considering changing my licence before deciding to ‘retire’ from driving instead).

I don’t know how rigorous DVLA would be in checking your residence status. It may be that the fact your licence has already expired would pique their interest. Also, one requirement of the Japanese authorities is that you have spent at least three months in the country where you obtained your licence after it is issued. Logically, this would seem to relate to when your licence was initially issued but they will want to see your passport, which may lead to awkward questions as to how you managed to get your current U.K. photo licence while resident in Japan. Whatever, I don’t imagine you would be thrown in jail for giving it a go but I would be wary.

[RetireJapan]

Hi all,

Just realised that my UK driver's licence (or the card at least) has expired and I was wondering if anyone has tried to renew it online?

I know it specifies that you should be resident in the UK, but I presume that they don't really look into it and as long as I give them a UK address it should be fine. Any thoughts on this?

Also, if I do manage to renew my licence, is it true that as a Brit I don't have to take any kind of test to get a Japanese one? I heard that we just have to sit through a seminar with no written or practical test. That might be old information though.

Any info much appreciated.

One important point is that you are only allowed to drive in Japan for one year on an international license. After that you need to get a Japanese license. The process to get a Japanese license based on having a UK one was pretty simple, at least when I did it.

I allowed my UK license to lapse when it expired. I considered trying to renew it, but was put off by the checkbox that said 'providing false information on this form is a criminal offense'. It didn't seem worth it.

When I go to the UK now I get an international license for my Japanese one

[SZQ]

It's true, no tests required for converting a valid UK driving license to a Japanese one. A friend of mine has done it. You need an eye sight test though, and a translation of your license.

I'm also in the same position as you with an expired license (photocard expired, paper license is still valid). Last year I was also thinking about doing the renewal but I read that, to convert the license in Japan, you have to prove that you resided in the UK for at least 3 months from when you got the license, so I gave up. I'm a little unsure if 3 months from your original license would be ok but I think they will check the issue date on the license you submit.

[SZQ]

I considered trying to renew it, but was put off by the checkbox that said 'providing false information on this form is a criminal offense'. It didn't seem worth it.

That also scared me a little so I didn't try.

My wife converted her license so not a huge problem for me but, once my PR and hopefully house purchase are a reality, I may take lessons again and get a Japanese license from scratch. Seems to be quite expensive though.

[RetireJapan]

I may take lessons again and get a Japanese license from scratch. Seems to be quite expensive though.

I would definitely see if you can just convert it first though!

[SZQ]

I may take lessons again and get a Japanese license from scratch. Seems to be quite expensive though.

I would definitely see if you can just convert it first though!

Yeah, worth a try I guess!

I wasn't a very good driver in the UK. I took a 2-week intensive driving course as I needed it for my job and neither of my parents drove, so I didn't really learn to drive as well as most people do. Never had an accident though

Also, I haven't driven for over 10 years now so maybe worth getting lessons anyway, even if I successfully convert first.

[adamu]

It's true, no tests required for converting a valid UK driving license to a Japanese one. A friend of mine has done it. You need an eye sight test though, and a translation of your license.

I'm also in the same position as you with an expired license (photocard expired, paper license is still valid). Last year I was also thinking about doing the renewal but I read that, to convert the license in Japan, you have to prove that you resided in the UK for at least 3 months from when you got the license, so I gave up. I'm a little unsure if 3 months from your original license would be ok but I think they will check the issue date on the license you submit.

Yes, normally you can convert it, but if it's expired I think you are out of luck. You also can't legally renew the GB photocard as a non resident. So your only legitimate option seems to be to take the test here.

Some info on the wiki but it doesn't cover expired licences.

https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/United_Kingd ... ng_Licence
https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Driving_licence

[SZQ]

Yes, normally you can convert it, but if it's expired I think you are out of luck. You also can't legally renew the GB photocard as a non resident. So your only legitimate option seems to be to take the test here.

Some info on the wiki but it doesn't cover expired licences.

https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/United_Kingd ... ng_Licence
https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Driving_licence

Yeah, I came to the same conclusion last time I looked into it. Thanks for the links

For me, I think it's best to wait and see if my application for PR status is approved and then decide where to buy a house. The location will decide whether I really need a driving license or not.

[Wales4rugbyWC23]

Hi all,

Just realised that my UK driver's licence (or the card at least) has expired and I was wondering if anyone has tried to renew it online?

I know it specifies that you should be resident in the UK, but I presume that they don't really look into it and as long as I give them a UK address it should be fine. Any thoughts on this?

Also, if I do manage to renew my licence, is it true that as a Brit I don't have to take any kind of test to get a Japanese one? I heard that we just have to sit through a seminar with no written or practical test. That might be old information though.

Any info much appreciated.

You can renew your British license, but you need a British resident address. You also need to tell them your National insurance number and passport number. It is quite easy to do online. I did it about six months ago, whether you are allowed to do it I am not sure. I am sure somebody will post and paste the section from the DVLA that says I am allowed to do it.