Driving in Japan with a UK Licence — Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: April 2026 · 7 min read
✅ Great news for UK drivers
Japan drives on the left side — same as the UK! You already know the rules. Just get your IDP and you're set.
What You Need
From the Post Office · £5.50 · Must be the 1949 Convention IDP
Full licence only — provisional licences are not accepted
Required for car rental and ID checks
⚠️ Important: Get the correct IDP
The UK Post Office issues two types of IDP. Japan only accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention version. The 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is not valid in Japan.
How to Get Your IDP
Visit the Post Office
Go to a Post Office branch that handles IDP applications.
Bring Documents
UK driving licence + passport-size photo + £5.50.
Specify 1949 IDP
Ask for the 1949 Convention version. Valid for 1 year.
Your UK Advantage in Japan
As a British driver, you have a huge advantage over most foreign visitors: Japan drives on the left, just like the UK. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car, the turn signals and wipers are in familiar positions, and roundabouts go clockwise.
The only things to watch for are different road signs (in Japanese, though major highways have English), and the strict speed limits (typically 40-60 km/h in cities, 80-100 km/h on expressways).
Japan Driving Tips for Brits
Japan's limit is 0.03% BAC — far stricter than the UK's 0.08%. One pint could put you over.
In Japan, you must prove you have a parking space to own a car. As a tourist, use coin parking or hotel car parks.
Using a phone while driving is strictly enforced — even at traffic lights. Use a dashboard mount for navigation.
レギュラー (regular) = petrol, 軽油 (keiyu) = diesel, ハイオク (high-octane) = premium. Most rental cars use regular.
FAQ
Do I need a JAF translation as a UK citizen?
No. JAF translations are only for Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan. UK drivers use an IDP.
Can I rent a car in Japan as a British tourist?
Yes! Major rental companies (Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, etc.) accept your UK licence + 1949 IDP. Book in advance for the best rates.
Is it worth driving in Japan vs taking trains?
Trains are best for cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto). But for rural areas like Kyushu, Hokkaido, or the Japanese Alps, driving gives you much more freedom and access to hidden gems. A campervan trip is especially popular.
Fancy a Campervan Road Trip?
VanTripJapan offers campervan rentals in Fukuoka — all-inclusive from ¥16,500/day. Explore Kyushu at your own pace.
🚐 Explore Campervan Rentals →