Did you convert a Hawaii State license? My license just expired, but wondering about how, and how much for a Japanese one ...

Chris-
Actually, I converted a California license, but I'm sure the procedure is the same. However, if you're Hawaii license has expired, you might be in some deep doo (or at least, unable to get a Japanese one the easier way -- eg. getting it converted with a written and driving test). I believe that if you're US state license has expired, then you are starting at square one here, which means getting a license like Japanese do, eg. either going to a driving school (and forking over A LOT of money) or taking your chances and trying to pass the test (which is more difficult than the one I did) yourself. You could get your HI license renewed, but there's a catch: you have to prove that you've lived in the issuing state for at least 3 months after receiving the license. In other words, renewing your license during a quick trip home won't cut it.

I'm intending on posting a longer thing on Hmmn about the whole ordeal, more details about the process I went through will be posted.

PS. Sorry for not noticing you moved your blog. Links on Hmmn have been updated.

Congratulations, green menkyo boy!

A mate here just got a letter from the motor association in Canada to say that, although his license was new while he had been living here - he had in fact had a license in Alberta province for ten years. Getting that translated was apparently acceptable, as long as it was stamped officially by the licensing bureau there. They like a stamp.

The concensus here (at least in Kanazawa) for those who have to take a short test to exchange, seems to be that if you take one or two of their lessons - you're a shoe in for the first time pass. EVERYONE I know who has taken the alternate route has failed first time. It appears to be a matter of pride. to say nothing of money.

Congratulations on getting the license!! I know what a hassle the whole process is, as I did it back in January here in Hokkaido (taking the test in the snow is no fun). Don't you feel like now that you got a Japanese drivers license you can almost do anything?!?! Well, I kind of felt that way for the first hour or so after I passed the test. You deserve to treat yourself out to a night of celebration in honor of your new license! :)

Don't forget to use the green and yellow signs that say you are a rookie driver (albeit with 23 years experience)for the first year. There's a fine for not displaying them!

Actually Gary, I don't have to display it, I guess we're exempted. You know, I got here just prior to the World Cup in '02, and I remember saying to Naoko, boy there sure are a lot of Brazil fans in Japan :)

Congratulations on earning your driver's license. I was lucky~ at the time when I got my license, all I had to do was have JAF translate my California license, watch a video and voila~ a Japanese driver's license! Enjoy the freedom and convenience that driving brings, but of course, drive safely.

Well done, I have my GB test in 2 hours from now and its my second one !!!!