Recently, Japan has witnessed a series of hit-and-run incidents involving foreign drivers, prompting authorities to tighten regulations regarding the exchange of foreign driver's licenses. In the future, foreigners without resident registration will not be able to obtain a Japanese driver's license.

Reports indicate that on May 14, a Chinese national in Saitama Prefecture hit four elementary school students before fleeing the scene. Shortly after, on May 18, a Peruvian national drove in the wrong direction on a highway in Mie Prefecture and collided with two vehicles before escaping. These incidents have drawn significant concern from the Japanese government, leading to considerations for revising the existing driver's license exchange system.

The National Police Agency Chief, Yoshinobu Kusunoki, addressed the media on May 22, highlighting the increasing occurrences of accidents involving foreigners who obtain Japanese driver's licenses and subsequently commit hit-and-run offenses. As a result, the agency plans to consolidate and propose an amendment to the regulations. Under current rules, foreigners can exchange their licenses by providing a passport and proof of short-term stay, along with passing a simple multiple-choice test. However, Kusunoki acknowledged that there are voices within the Japanese Diet expressing concerns over the leniency of the current process. In response, the agency will require foreign drivers to provide copies of their residence registration to strengthen address verification.

Additionally, the written test, which is currently a visual multiple-choice format, will be modified to increase its rigor. This policy change aims to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens following two serious hit-and-run incidents involving foreign drivers in May. Notably, in 2024, there were 75,905 individuals who exchanged their foreign licenses for Japanese ones, representing an increase of more than double the number from nine years ago. However, last year saw 7,286 car accidents caused by foreigners, marking a continuous rise over five consecutive years.