Giny@geenrotzooi_xs4all.nl wrote in message <423d449f$0$153$e4fe514c@news.xs4all.nl>:
> Guus,
> 
> I am Dutch too and changed my Dutch drivers licence into a Japanese one.
> I had to do an eye test and some other real easy sort of (medical) test and 
> then received the Japanese dirvers license.
> This is 15 years ago but I cannot imagine this has changed as at that time 
> they told me that Dutch drivers licences can be changed into a Japanese 
> license with very little trouble.

Yes, I don't know exactly when the Japanese police changed the system, 
actually the past, any drivers license issued by the country who is a 
member of Geneve treaty; CONVENTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC (Geneva,1949) 
could be unconditionally transfered to the Japanese lisence, however
in 90's many bad Japanese who could not pass the japanese drivers test
went south east asia, and got easy lisence, sometimes no test only some
money, and transfered those into Japanese license, then the system was
changed, and now only the license issued by France, Gemany, and Switzerland
could be transfered easily as you did.
Anyway still the Geneva treaty is efective in Japan, so any international
drivers permit holder can drive in Japan for one year, however if drive more,
you have to get a Japanese drivers license.

> If you get confusing info why don't you call  the Ducth Embassy.
> They get these questions almost daily and they will know certainly what you 
> should do!!

Also, I hope The Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands gives any information
        Tobias Asserlaan 2
        2517 KC DEN HAAG
        070-3469544
        Office hours 9:00-12:00 hrs. 14:00-16:00 hrs.

Hope this helps.