I’m moving to Japan this August, and while I’ll initially be using an IDP to drive, I plan to eventually convert my UK license to a Japanese one.
Here’s where it gets complicated: My first official driving license was issued in 2015 in Greece and was a Greek driving license. I did live in Greece until 2012, then moved to the UK to study, but got the driving license while on holiday in Greece during my stay there one summer holiday. I later converted it to a UK driving license in 2018.
Now, when Japan asks for proof of residency for 3 months after receiving my first license, will they consider my Greek license and require residency in Greece thereafter, or will they focus on the converted UK license issued in 2018 and UK residency thereafter. I also recently got a new UK license to correct an outdated address.
My worry is that they would ask me to prove living in Greece for 3 months after obtaining my initial Greek license, which I wouldn't be able to do as I haven't been a resident there since 2012. If they're more concerned about my UK license, that wouldn't be a problem as I have multiple documents where I could prove residency. Would driving in Japan for one year with an IDP affect the decision either way?
More info: I have got short stays in Greece since adding up to 88 days based on my passport stamps. I also actually did live with my parents in Greece for 6 months during covid, but I believe I was technically still a resident in the UK during this time. Also, the passport stamps for that time period aren't on my passport for some reason. I assume border control and immigration would have the records somewhere if needed?
Any help or advice would be much appreciated!
by SanteriaX13