Driving in Okinawa
Okinawa offers a distinct driving experience. Unlike the United States, people drive on the left side of the road. The slow lane is on the left, and the fast lane is on the right, although there usually isn't a significant difference between either. All speed limits are marked in kilometers per hour, except for the Okinawa Expressway, there is no authorized speed zone beyond 60 kilometers per hour, or about 37 mph. In addition, all traffic signs here conform to international standards. Many roads are much narrower than standard American roads, traffic congestion is more the rule than the exception, and coral dust-laden roads are slick when it rains. Defensive driving is an absolute necessity. Drinking and driving and illegal drugs are dealt with very severely both by Japanese and Military authorities.
E-3 and Below (1DAYPOV) Course
Click here for the procedure. (Updated April 14, 2025)
POV Office Information:
Camp Foster POV and GOV office will close on Wednesdays in support of the Newcomers Orientation Welcome Aboard Brief.
CAMP FOSTER BLDG.5831 RM 118 DSN: 645-7219
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 0730-1600
POV Exam 0800 & 1000 (Check in 30 min. prior)
Renewal, Duplicates, Reinstatement & Misc. Customer Service 1230-1600
CAMP FOSTER BLDG.4319 RM 124 DSN: 622-6202
Monday-Friday 0730-1600
POV Exam 0800 & 1000 (Check in 30 min. prior)
Renewal, Duplicates, Reinstatement & Misc. Customer Service 1230-1600
Services Available:
-POV Testing
-Renewals/Duplicate Licenses and Retest
*Transfers (All Personnel Transferring a valid SOFA license issues by another U.S. Military Installation in Japan); Please contact 645-7219
Licenses
In order for a U.S. Marine, civilian or dependent to drive on Okinawa or mainland Japan, you must obtain a valid USFJ Form 4EJ, US Forces Japan Operator's Permit.
1. You must have a valid Stateside or U.S. territory driver's license or approved country's driver license as per USFJI 31-205. At the time of applying for a license, a background check will be performed.
2. You must be on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to qualify to apply for a USFJ Operator's Permit.
3. If you are Active Duty under the age of 26, you must complete or show proof of attending a Driver's Improvement Course.
Note: If you are under the age of 18 and hold a valid driver's license, you will receive On-Base Only permission to drive until you reach the age of 18. If you have never been licensed before, you must get permission from your sponsor and attend a formal accredited drivers education course. To receive a motorcycle license on Okinawa you must complete an approved motorcycle training course. Courses are available on Okinawa.
ENHANCED Online TESTING PROCESS TO RECEIVE A SOFA LicensE (usfj form 4ej) IN OKINAWA
The new online testing process is designed for distinguished personnel (O4 and above, CWO4 and CWO5, E8 and E9, GS-13–GS-15, and NAF-4 and NAF-5) and their dependents, allowing them to complete the test up to 60 days prior to arriving in Okinawa. Individuals will receive their USFJ Form 4EJ (SOFA License) from the Installation Safety Office.
This process is not available to:
- Stateside learners permit holders
- Personnel attending Driver’s education schools in Okinawa
- UDP / TAD personnel
- Contractors
This process is only available to personnel that are inbound. If you have already arrived on island, you must conduct the in-person test at your earliest convenience.
Application instructions:
1. Every applicant MUST watch the USFJ mandated Driving in Okinawa video (located at the bottom)
2. Review the Driver's Study Guide 2025
3. Complete the SOFA License Application Form
Note: If you have dependents, each dependent wishing to test must submit a separate application form. Please ensure to carefully enter each applicant's information accurately.
4. Send Basic Web Orders or Letter of Employment (LOE)
Please send your Basic Web Orders to the Installation Safety Office POV licensing section SMB (Base.Safety.MCBB.POV@usmc.mil)
Note: If dependents are not listed on your accompanied orders, please send your Area Clearance approval with your dependents listed. Civilians: Send your Letter of Employment (LOE)
After submitting your application and sending Web Orders or LOE:
After submitting your application and sending Web Orders or LOE, a unique link for your exam will be sent to your listed personal email, within 3 business days.
After completing the test, your results will be sent automatically to the POV Licensing Office.
If you pass the test, you will receive an email within 3 business days with instructions on how to pick up your SOFA license. The email will also include a short survey- we kindly request your feedback on how we can better improve the Online Testing process.
If you did not pass the exam, you will receive another attempt link within 3 business days.
***IMPORTANT***
All newly arrived personnel to Okinawa are required to attend the Newcomers Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) brief as a prerequisite for obtaining a SOFA Driver’s License.
Individuals whose rank or grade qualifies under the online testing requirements must complete the virtual NOWA briefing. Regardless of qualification, submission of a request form remains mandatory for all participants.
To submit a Virtual NOWA Brief Request form, use the QR code or link below:
