Slovakia

Validity Period of your International Driving Permit (IDP)

You can drive for one year starting from the earlier of the following dates:
- One year from the date of issue of the IDP.
- One year from the date of your arrival in Japan.

The "3-Month Rule" (For Mid-to-Long-Term Residents)

If you are a resident of Japan (recorded in the Basic Resident Register, etc.) and you leave Japan to obtain a new IDP, the following restrictions apply upon your re-entry:

Re-entry after less than 3 months abroad:

The date of your re-entry will NOT be recognized as a new "Arrival Date." In principle, you cannot use the new IDP to drive.
(However, driving is permitted only if both your previous arrival date and the IDP's issue date are still within the 1-year validity period.)

Re-entry after 3 months or more abroad:

The date of your re-entry WILL be recognized as a new "Arrival Date," and you can drive for one year from that day.

* Note: The "3-Month Rule" also applies to individuals who departed Japan with a Refugee Travel Document.
* Recommendation: For mid-to-long-term residents holding a foreign driver's license, we recommend converting your license to a Japanese one at a Driver's License Center.