UK licence Japan

Driving in Japan with a UK license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in Japan on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Japan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisJapan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskA 1949 Geneva IDP issued in your home country is required; French, German, Swiss, Belgian, Taiwanese, Monégasque, Slovenian and Estonian licences need a JAF translation.

CarryCarry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for Japan Full Japan guide

UK drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence; some countries recognise the 1949 version and others the 1968 version. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Japan

Drive on the left.
Zero-tolerance alcohol law — severe penalties.
Stop fully at all railway crossings.
Expressway tolls via ETC or cash.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Japan with a UK license?

Yes — to drive in Japan on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Japan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does Japan accept?

Japan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my UK license?

Carry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.