The Japanese government introduced stricter rules governing the conversion of foreign driving licences on Wednesday, with non-residents no longer permitted to use the system following a recent spate of accidents involving foreign drivers.
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Applicants are now required to submit a copy of their Japanese residence certificate, in contrast to the previous system that allowed short-term visitors to list hotels or other accommodations as their address.
The number of questions on the knowledge test, available in 20 languages, has been increased fivefold to 50, with examinees required to correctly answer at least 90 per cent.
The driving skills test has also been expanded to include assessments on how drivers negotiate pedestrian and railway crossings on test courses.
Japanese nationals living abroad can convert foreign licenses by submitting their family register certificates.
Foreign nationals who have newly obtained Japanese licenses are not permitted to renew them if they no longer have a residence certificate.
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