Got my 車検 done yesterday. Used a garage but that was still a massive workout for my level of Japanese. Even more massive when the mechanic attempted to scam me (had to call in the girlfriend for backup on that one).

Today I'm going down to the driving license center (bad memories there) to see about getting an international driver's license for my Japanese license, which I am sure will make at least three government workers' brains explode ("foreigner? Japanese driving license? International license?! -can not compute-").

Let's see how I go. It's pretty amazing what you can get done with not very much Japanese as long as you're not afraid to look like an idiot or ask for help. Both of which I am terrified of. I will literally walk around the grocery store for half an hour trying to find where the Japanese hide god-damned honey (two days ago) before asking anybody. And I make sure I strut so nobody assumes I'm lost. So yeah, wish me luck!

afterglowefx Wrote:Today I'm going down to the driving license center (bad memories there) to see about getting an international driver's license for my Japanese license, which I am sure will make at least three government workers' brains explode ("foreigner? Japanese driving license? International license?! -can not compute-").

. So yeah, wish me luck!

No need for luck, it's a standard process. At least here in Tokyo no problems, as long as you can understand to which counter you need to go next It was as easy as getting the license converted (no exam required)

LOL.You may take more care, don't be scamed.

afterglowefx Wrote:Today I'm going down to the driving license center (bad memories there) to see about getting an international driver's license for my Japanese license, which I am sure will make at least three government workers' brains explode ("foreigner? Japanese driving license? International license?! -can not compute-").

I believe you need to go to JAF to get an international license.

Did the license center work out?

(Edit - never mind, license center is the place to go)

Turned out fine, I only had to ask half the employees in the place for help. The lady at the counter was nice enough to help me fill out the entire form and I was done in less than an hour. Last year this time I couldn't even properly order a beer, now I'm doing my own 車検 and getting all sorts of stuff done. Feels good man.

As to getting scammed, that wasn't exactly in my control, and the mechanic was recommended by my boss. The dude destroyed the emblem on the front of my car and claimed it was a common problem, that it had just fallen apart when he washed it (I washed the car last week..) and he just so happened to have a brand new replacement handy. Only 5000 yen to fix it, no problem. Such bullshit.