Foreigners Flock to Driver’s License Exam Centers Across Japan Sparking Long Lines and the Rise of Overnight Groups

“I’ve been waiting since 10 PM last night. My friend advised me to come early, and thanks to that, I’ll be the first to get in.”

In the early morning hours of late October, a long line of foreigners was gathered in front of the Fuchu Driver’s License Examination Center in Tokyo. Leading the group was a Sri Lankan man, who had agreed to an interview, and behind him were about 30 people, including Chinese and Indonesian nationals. Some even brought camping chairs and were taking naps. On another day, at the Samezu Driver’s License Test Center in Shinagawa, 60 to 70 people were already waiting before opening.

Why are so many foreigners coming to Japan’s license exam centers, even waiting overnight?

“Their goal is to switch from their home country’s driver’s license to a Japanese one. They are using the ‘foreign license conversion’ system to make the switch, which is why foreigners are flocking to driver’s license test centers across Japan. For example, the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Driving License Center and the Kadoma Driving License Test Center in Osaka have a waiting list of four months,” says automotive journalist Kumiko Kato.

 

Too easy academic test and other issues are piling up.

The foreign license conversion process consists of two parts: a written test and a practical test. Since last year, the requirements for obtaining a Japanese license have been gradually relaxed. In June this year, depending on the examination center, the number of available languages for the test has increased from five to a maximum of 24 languages. This change was implemented to attract foreign workers and promote tourism, but it has also led to emerging issues.

“First, the written test is too easy. It consists of 10 multiple-choice questions, and you only need to answer 7 correctly to pass. But can this really cover all the necessary information? There are various topics, including laws and driving etiquette, that need to be learned. Due to the simplicity of the test, last summer, a challenge video on how quickly young people in China could obtain a Japanese driver’s license became popular,” says Kumi Kato, an automotive journalist.

Additionally, even Kurdish individuals who have been issued deportation orders but are under temporary release can switch their licenses. Even those without a Japanese residential registration can apply by obtaining a temporary stay certificate from a hotel, using that address for their application. To address the overwhelming number of applicants, the Fuchu test center introduced a reservation system on November 1, but Kato believes there are still other improvements to be made.

In fact, the number of traffic accidents involving foreigners has been on the rise. Notably, accidents involving Chinese nationals have been significant. Last year saw the highest number of accidents involving Chinese drivers since the pandemic, with 1,571 incidents. In September this year, a tragic accident occurred in Saitama, where an 18-year-old Chinese man, after drinking, drove at over 100 km/h in the wrong direction, causing the death of a Japanese man in his 50s.

Moreover, an increasing number of foreigners are reportedly using Japanese licenses as a stepping stone.

“For example, China is not a member of international traffic conventions, so there are few countries where Chinese licenses are valid. However, if they switch to a Japanese license, which is part of an international traffic treaty, they can obtain an international driving permit and drive in about 100 countries,” Kato explains.

While the easing of regulations aims to increase the foreign workforce, it seems to be putting the safety of citizens at risk.