1.
driver's license
an official document certifying that the holder is licensed to operate a motor vehicle
運転免許証を取った。
I got my driver's license.
運転免許証を見せてください。
Please show me your driver's license.
運転免許証の更新に行かなければならない。
I have to go renew my driver's license.
日本では運転免許証が身分証明書としてよく使われる。
In Japan, a driver's license is often used as identification.
The full formal term for a driver's license. In daily conversation, this is almost always shortened to 免許証 or just 免許.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 運転免許証を取る: to get a driver's license
- 運転免許証を更新する: to renew a driver's license
- 運転免許証を返納する: to surrender a driver's license (voluntarily, e.g., by elderly drivers)
- 運転免許証の有効期限: the expiration date of a driver's license
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
In Japan, driver's licenses are widely used as a primary form of photo ID since there is no national ID card system for everyday use. People who don't drive sometimes get a 運転経歴証明書 (driving history certificate) or マイナンバーカード (My Number Card) instead.
RELATED TERMS:
- 免許: license (general term, also the casual abbreviation)
- 免許証: license certificate (common abbreviation)
- 教習所: driving school