Public transport in Japan is better than in most countries, but owning a car still brings many benefits. There many perceived obstacles and requirements to hitting the road, and it is common for people to give up entirely and spend the duration of their stay dependent on bicycles, buses and trains. This article does not cover all eventualities, but it clarifies some basic processes and will help you avoid a few potential potholes and cul-de-sacs.

 

International Driving Permits (IDP) issued under the 1949 UN Convention are valid for use in Japan. However, as Steve Burson, COO of relocation experts H&R Consultants, points out, �gYou can drive legally for a maximum of twelve months after your entry into Japan. If you leave Japan for three consecutive months, the clock starts again.�h

A Japanese license must be acquired to continue driving beyond this initial period. It is also an immediate necessity for anyone who does not have an appropriate IDP. Driving without a valid license voids your insurance and is illegal, with large fines and possibly a license suspension awaiting anyone who gets caught.

The procedure for getting a Japanese license is called gaimen kirikae (ŠO–Æ�Ø‘Ö). It can be completed in two ways - with or without a driving test.

Citizens of 22 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, can simply convert their existing licenses. Just a few documents are required. One is an official translation of your license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). This can be acquired in a few days either in person or via mail. You also need passport evidence that you lived in the country that issued your license for at least three months after receiving it, your alien registration card, and a photo which must adhere to specific criteria and is best taken at the license center. The total cost is less than 10,000 yen, plus the half-day you will spend navigating the maze of bureaucracy at the Aichi Driver�fs License Examination Center in Hirabari, southeast Nagoya.

Others, including those from the United States, must take simplified, inexpensive written and practical tests. JapanDriversLicense.com has a practice written test and a useful section for learning regulatory, warning and indication road signs. An English version of the Rules of the Road is available from JAF for 1,000 yen. It is possible to take a practice lesson at the Hirabari course for about 10,000 yen.

Gloria Nakane of JapanDriversLicense.com says: �gUp to 60% [of license conversion applicants] get rejected because their documentation is not in order or they have not undergone required steps to meet eligibility requirements. The tests for people with a foreign license are easier than those taken by Japanese candidates or those with no experience, but it is still common for people to fail multiple times. Attitude can be a major problem. If people feel �eWhy should I bother with this test?�f then their examiner is likely to feel �eWhy should I bother with this person?�f It�fs important to understand what the examiners want you to know.�h

People new to driving who want to learn from scratch and acquire a Japanese license will incur the most cost. There are many accredited driving schools, although none in Nagoya offer lessons in English. A full course of lessons and the exams can cost in excess of 300,000 yen.

Test centers are only open on weekdays, and you must take the test at the center in the same prefecture named on your alien registration card even if it is not the closest to you geographically.

Licenses must be renewed within two months of their expiry date. This can be done for a nominal fee either at Hirabari or a major police station. You must also report any change of name or address.

 

Atsushi Kato, President of JapanInsurance.net, says: �gCars in Japan may be cheaper to buy, but the hidden costs in parking, fuel, tax and insurance quickly mount up. Be sure you calculate all the costs before signing on the dotted line.�h Fees for the biannual vehicle inspection (shaken / ŽÔŒŸ) and use of toll roads can be added to Kato�fs list.

As in most countries, new cars in Japan lose most of their value the moment they hit the road. If you are thinking about investing a decent amount of money in a car it makes sense to look for a used car that is around a year old, has low mileage and is in good condition. Several websites, such as Goo Net, Car View and Used Car Navi, enable you to browse used cars in your area. This is a convenient way to see what�fs available and compare prices.

James Hanna, COO of Motorworld, says his company �gcan assist with purchasing a vehicle at the local auctions for use in Japan, or for export to another country. We can offer a warranty for vehicles bought at auctions as all our vehicles undergo an inspection before release.�h

If you go through dealer they will handle most of the paperwork, but you will need to produce your alien registration card, a personal seal (inkan / ˆóŠÓ), a personal seal certificate (inkan shoumei / ˆóŠÓ�Ø–¾) from your city office, and a parking space certificate (shako shoumei / ŽÔŒÉ�Ø–¾). Registration paperwork and taxes can add 100,000-200,000 yen to dealers�f display prices.

If you buy a used car from an individual you can save money and time by going to the registration center to complete the transfer of ownership. However, Japanese ability or a Japanese friend will be necessary, and of course you won�ft get a warranty. Dealers can assist with paperwork for private purchases for a fee.

To find real bargains, check JET e-mail lists when ALTs leave in spring and fall. Cars around ten years old can often be picked up for less than 100,000 yen. Pay particular attention to the next shaken inspection date and the condition of parts that may be expensive to replace, such as the tires and exhaust. Bear in mind that diesel vehicles can no longer be registered in the Nagoya area, and that yellow plate �ekei�f cars (kei jidousha / ŒyŽ©“®ŽÔ), with engines up to 660cc, are considerably cheaper to run than their white plate big brothers (futsusha / •�’ÊŽÔ).

 

Securing a registered parking space is a prerequisite to buying almost any car. Registration will require three visits to the police station - one to pick up the necessary paperwork, a second to submit the paperwork, and a third some days later to collect the permit once the police have checked the validity of your application. The permit must be displayed in the rear window of your car. A car dealer can complete and submit the paperwork for you, but it is much cheaper to go the DIY route. The total cost should be less than 3,000 yen.

 

Cars for regular use are subject to three taxes - acquisition, automobile and weight.

Acquisition tax is payable when you purchase a car. The dealer will organize the payment when the car is registered in your name. The cost will be included in the purchase cost, and should amount to 3%-5% of the value of the car.

Automobile tax (jidousha zei / Ž©“®ŽÔ�Å) is due annually in May. It is charged according to engine size and costs from 30,000 yen. Light vehicle tax for kei cars (kei jidousha zei / ŒyŽ©“®ŽÔ�Å) costs less than 10,000 yen and is due in April.

A further tax, assessed according to the weight of the car, is charged as part of the biannual car inspection fee, or shaken ( ŽÔŒŸ).

 

There are two kinds of automobile insurance - compulsory liability insurance (jibaiseki / Ž©”…�Ó) and voluntary insurance (jidousha hoken / Ž©“®ŽÔ•ÛŒ¯). The compulsory insurance is a legal requirement and is paid as part of the biannual car inspection fee. This is third party insurance, so it will not cover you, your car, your passengers or things you damage in an accident.

It makes sense, therefore, to add voluntary coverage that covers third party injuries exceeding the provisions of the compulsory insurance, injuries to you and your passengers, and damage to your car and other property.

As Atsushi Kato says, �g Avoiding problems is so much easier than trying to clean up after one happens. For car insurance policies, be sure you know exactly what you're covered for. In many cases people do not insure their own cars for damage caused in an accident, so make sure you specify that coverage if you want it.�h

Kato continues: �gIn terms of getting car insurance, signing on the dotted line of a policy is very simple, but going through the actual process of making a claim after an accident can be a real nightmare. To put it simply, it's generally difficult for foreigners to see the true quality of service offered by their insurance policy until something untoward happens.�h

Kato�fs JapanInsurance.net offers all documentation in English, policies underwritten by AIU, and assistance for customers if they have an accident or require breakdown service.

 

Japan�fs compulsory car inspection is due after three years for a new car and every second year thereafter.

The shaken (ŽÔŒŸ) typically costs around 70,000 yen for kei cars and 100,000-120,000 yen for white plate cars, including the weight tax and mandatory third party insurance. If repair work is necessary, which it invariably is, this cost will increase.

It is possible to do the shaken paperwork yourself and take the car for an inspection at an official center. This may be cheaper, but it requires determination, patience, and Japanese proficiency.

To keep your car in good condition and minimize problems at the shaken, it is a good idea to get regular oil and tire checks at a shop such as Autobacs or Yellow Hat.

If you require further information about anything covered in this article the Nagoya International Center should be able to help.

Safe driving!