Can I drive in Japan with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Japan, you must hold either: a valid Japanese driver's licence, or; a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and a current Australian driver's licence” (Smartraveller advice for Japan, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Japan: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
To drive in Japan, you must hold either:
- a valid Japanese driver's licence, or
- a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and a current Australian driver's licence
After 365 days, you need to get a Japanese licence.
Get your IDP before leaving Australia.
Source: Smartraveller: Japan, page updated 25 August 2026, “still current at” 17 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Japan
IDP needed in Japan: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Japan? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Japan
| Licence | In Japan | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Japan
- British passport: Japan entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Japan
- Australian passport: Japan
- Italian citizens: Giappone
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Japan with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Japan, you must hold either: a valid Japanese driver's licence, or; a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and a current Australian driver's licence” (Smartraveller advice for Japan, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Japan with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “To drive in Japan, you must hold either: a valid Japanese driver's licence, or; a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and a current Australian driver's licence”
Which international driving permit do I need for Japan?
The Smartraveller advice for Japan does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.