TOKYO, Jul 11 (News On Japan) –
The Nationwide Police Company has introduced a plan to tighten rules on changing overseas driver’s licenses to Japanese licenses—a course of often known as “gaimen kirikae”—by now not permitting short-term guests comparable to vacationers to use.
Because the variety of overseas vacationers continues to develop annually, driving has develop into a typical mode of transportation for these visiting sightseeing spots. Nonetheless, beginning in October, the process for foreigners to legally drive in Japan is predicted to alter considerably.
At the moment, holders of overseas licenses can change to a Japanese one by the “gaimen kirikae” system. Underneath the proposed revisions, the Nationwide Police Company plans to implement stricter residency verification, requiring candidates to submit proof of residence registered within the Fundamental Resident Register, successfully excluding short-term guests.
Beforehand, vacationers might receive a Japanese license by presenting their passport and a short lived residence certificates issued by their lodge. This may now not be accepted after the rule change.
As well as, the written data check, which is required for license conversion, will develop into extra rigorous. The present format of 10 questions with a passing rating of seven appropriate solutions shall be expanded to 50 questions, and the passing charge shall be raised to 90 p.c.
Almost 70,000 foreigners used the gaimen kirikae system final 12 months, with rising numbers amongst vacationers. Nonetheless, there was concern that the method is simply too lenient, and site visitors accidents involving overseas drivers have develop into extra frequent.
A overseas driver who transformed a license by this method commented, “I didn’t know all the foundations in Japan. It felt too simple.” One other mentioned, “If the method had been tougher again then, I might have studied tougher and handed. It’s most likely a good suggestion.”
The Nationwide Police Company plans to solicit public suggestions beginning tomorrow and goals to implement the revised guidelines on October 1st.
Supply: TBS
