Many foreigners who live in Japan for long periods of time go through the trouble of converting their native driver's license to a Japanese one. It has many convenient uses as an alternative, and less embarassing, form of ID and lets you rent cars and drive more easily. Outside of Tokyo this is really mandatory and getting your license is a long and painful experience for another time.

The typical Japanese license has your picture like in the US and the expiry date is printed very large and in the center using the Emporer based year system. Generally expiry dates are 3 to 5 years depending on how long you have been driving in the Japanese system. Let me be clear, if you have driving 20 years in a foreign country and come to Japan you will be classified as a new driver and be required to go through the same process of building trust within the system before you can have a graduated license.

The nice thing is that there aren't any 'junior' and 'graduated' licenses as there are in the USA for example. You can drive anytime, anywhere as soon as you have your license.

The renewal process for those who have already had their license for three years is quite painful and will take approximately 6 hours of your time. Be prepared and bring a book to read while you stand in line or your ipod. Before getting into this though it's good to know that you will be given a 2 month window in which to renew your license. This window will be 1 month before and 1 month after your birthday. A few years ago it used to be only 1 month; so be greatful you have 2 months.

When you arrive at the Japanese equivelant of a DMV you will have to sit in many long lines waiting with thousands of other people (especially if you live in Tokyo). The first line will scan your license. The second will scan your eyes. The third will schedule your class and have you select a PIN number for your new IC Card (all new Japanese Driver's Licenses have electronic data stored incide them for easier identification of your records). Finally you will be assigned a classroom and a time for traffic school.

That's right, in order to renew your license in Japan you must attend traffic school each and every time. The first year you will sit in a 2 hour class, the second a 1.5 hour class and so forth. However, if your over 70 years old you'll be required to sit in for a 3 hour class.

After this class is completed you will be given your new drivers license and be sent on your way. Again this process takes nearly 6 hours total so bring your patience hat and I wish you good luck!