Converting Driver's License
There is nothing like a taste of Japanese bureaucracy.
-Very Rough First Draft (to be edited and expanded later)-
I was in Futamatagawa (Kanagawa Prefecture) 40 days ago in order to convert my driver's license into a Japanese one. It was a nightmare.
I first needed to go to Building 1 in order to submit the paperwork. The reception window is open only twice a day (8:30 to 9:00 and 13:00 to 13:30) and they only accept 10 applications per shift (you have to write you credentials down on a piece of paper next to the window). If you're number 11 or above, you will be asked to either wait until the next shift or come another day. You submit your papers and take a number and then wait. They will then close the reception and, after a while, open another window to announce the status of the application (either accepted or more documents needed). If you're accepted, you are asked to fill some forms and then go to Building 2 in order to buy stamps and then come back and put the completed application in the designated box and.... wait, of course.
The written test follows with 10 easy questions. You're then asked to wait in the lobby until the test results are announced. It takes a while for that to happen. If you pass, they will take you to Building 2 and give you a date for the practical test (only applicable if your driver license is not from one of the blessed 26 countries offering on-the-spot conversion). If you want to change your date, you're asked to call a hotline and ask for a new date (usually a week or so later).
You come on the day of the test and buy more stamps before heading for the reception in Building 2. They give you a number and then you wait. You eventually get to take the test and if you manage to pass it (only a 3rd of foreigners manage to pass the first time), then you will be singled out when they call the names. They will announce the names of those who passed first (or just say no one passed if no one had). You are given a memo and asked to, what else, buy yet more stamps, go to the one of the machines and pick up a PIN number and then.... wait! I took the morning period test. Told to come at 8:30, finished the test by 10:00 and waited until 11:30 for the results to be announced. I was then asked to wait until 14:00 before going to the reception window on the 2nd floor to get my papers and proceed in having my picture taken.
After finishing taking the picture, you are told to follow the yellow line which leads you to another window in Building 1 where they hand out the finished licenses. You then wait an hour or so before you get the license. It was almost 16:00 before I got my license. Other than kiosks for entering the PIN number and the machines for photography, the whole process was paper-based and hugely time-consuming. The application process and written test consume half a day. The practical test and issuance consume 2/3's of a day.
How about an online appointment system? Modern ways to pay the fees (online, ATM or whatnot) instead of stupid stamps paid in cash? A more streamlined process where waiting times are kept at a minimum? At least renewal could be done from any police station. Long live the Japanese bureaucracy!
-Very Rough First Draft (to be edited and expanded later)-
I was in Futamatagawa (Kanagawa Prefecture) 40 days ago in order to convert my driver's license into a Japanese one. It was a nightmare.
I first needed to go to Building 1 in order to submit the paperwork. The reception window is open only twice a day (8:30 to 9:00 and 13:00 to 13:30) and they only accept 10 applications per shift (you have to write you credentials down on a piece of paper next to the window). If you're number 11 or above, you will be asked to either wait until the next shift or come another day. You submit your papers and take a number and then wait. They will then close the reception and, after a while, open another window to announce the status of the application (either accepted or more documents needed). If you're accepted, you are asked to fill some forms and then go to Building 2 in order to buy stamps and then come back and put the completed application in the designated box and.... wait, of course.
The written test follows with 10 easy questions. You're then asked to wait in the lobby until the test results are announced. It takes a while for that to happen. If you pass, they will take you to Building 2 and give you a date for the practical test (only applicable if your driver license is not from one of the blessed 26 countries offering on-the-spot conversion). If you want to change your date, you're asked to call a hotline and ask for a new date (usually a week or so later).
You come on the day of the test and buy more stamps before heading for the reception in Building 2. They give you a number and then you wait. You eventually get to take the test and if you manage to pass it (only a 3rd of foreigners manage to pass the first time), then you will be singled out when they call the names. They will announce the names of those who passed first (or just say no one passed if no one had). You are given a memo and asked to, what else, buy yet more stamps, go to the one of the machines and pick up a PIN number and then.... wait! I took the morning period test. Told to come at 8:30, finished the test by 10:00 and waited until 11:30 for the results to be announced. I was then asked to wait until 14:00 before going to the reception window on the 2nd floor to get my papers and proceed in having my picture taken.
After finishing taking the picture, you are told to follow the yellow line which leads you to another window in Building 1 where they hand out the finished licenses. You then wait an hour or so before you get the license. It was almost 16:00 before I got my license. Other than kiosks for entering the PIN number and the machines for photography, the whole process was paper-based and hugely time-consuming. The application process and written test consume half a day. The practical test and issuance consume 2/3's of a day.
How about an online appointment system? Modern ways to pay the fees (online, ATM or whatnot) instead of stupid stamps paid in cash? A more streamlined process where waiting times are kept at a minimum? At least renewal could be done from any police station. Long live the Japanese bureaucracy!