We will guide you through the procedures for converting a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese driver’s license.
Passing the document review (background check)
→ Passing the written test
→ Passing the driving test
→ Issuance of the Japanese license.
Written Test
The test consists of 10 questions regarding basic Japanese traffic laws. You need to answer at least 7 out of 10 questions correctly to pass.
The questions are in a true or false format.
The test is available in 24 languages.
For example:
- Vehicles must travel on the right side of the road. → ✕
- Inner wheel difference refers to the difference in trajectory caused by the rear wheels of a vehicle following a path inside that of the front wheels when turning. → ○
Driving Test
This test assesses your actual driving skills.
Japan has very strict driving rules compared to other countries, and many foreigners have to take this test multiple times before passing.
Therefore, ASAHI MOTORS has prepared a handbook to help you pass the driving test.
The following countries are exempt from the written and driving tests.
Countries exempt from the written and driving tests (29 countries)
Iceland, Ireland, United States (only in Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, and Washington), United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Canada, South Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Monaco, Luxembourg, Taiwan
Countries exempt from the driving test
United States (only in Indiana).
Test Location
At the driver’s license examination center with jurisdiction over your area.
Reception Hours
From 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (excluding 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM).
Some locations may be very crowded, and you might have to wait for several hours. Therefore, it is recommended to line up before 8:30 AM when the center opens.
Fees
- Standard: 2,550 yen
- Issuance fee: 2,050 yen
- Additional note fee: 200 yen
Required Documents
- A valid foreign driver’s license.
・ If the date of issue is not stated, a document proving the date of issue (such as a driver’s record) is required. - A Japanese translation of the above driver’s license (must be prepared by one of the following):
・The embassy of the relevant country in Japan
・Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) - Japanese driver’s license (if you have obtained one in the past or currently hold one).
- A copy of your residence certificate (with nationality) in Japan (copies not accepted).
・Submit a residence certificate without a My Number (individual number).
・For those who have deregistered their residence certificate due to overseas assignments, a full copy of the family register, a partial copy of the family register, or a copy of the deregistered residence certificate with nationality is required.
・Additionally, submit a temporary return (stay) certificate at your residence in Tokyo and a copy of the ID of the certifier that confirms their address. - Passport, etc.
・Presentation only (one of the following):
・Passport
・ID issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
・ID issued by an authorized institution - Proof of residence at the address used for the license application.
- Proof that you stayed in the country where you obtained your driver’s license for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license (such as a passport).
・Please bring all old passports.
・If you used an automated gate when entering or leaving the country, obtain an entry/exit record certificate from the country where you obtained your driver’s license.
・Even if you did not use an automated gate, an entry/exit record certificate may still be required. - Application photo (to be attached to the application form):
・3 cm tall × 2.4 cm wide (1 photo) - A list of your stay periods in the country where you obtained your driver’s license.
In Conclusion
Rules vary by prefecture, so please contact the driver’s license examination center with jurisdiction over your area for detailed information.
引用元・参考資料：警視庁ホームページ「外国で取得した運転免許証を日本の運転免許証に切替えるには」
Source and Reference: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department website “How to Convert a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese Driver’s License”
This page is translated and posted to make it easier for foreigners to understand.
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