Thinking of driving in Hokkaido? Whether you live in Sapporo or plan to explore the scenic roads of Furano and Hakodate, converting your foreign driver’s license (外免切替 / gaimen kirikae) is essential if you plan to stay long-term.
This guide will walk you through how to complete the license conversion process in Hokkaido, including where to go, what to bring, and what to expect during the tests.
Why Convert Your License in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is Japan’s largest prefecture, famous for its wide open roads, stunning mountains, and heavy winter snow. Unlike urban areas like Tokyo, public transportation in Hokkaido can be limited, especially outside city centers. Having a Japanese driver’s license makes daily life and travel far more convenient — and in many cases, necessary.
For long-term residents, converting your license is also a legal requirement. International driving permits are only valid for up to one year, and renewal while staying in Japan is not allowed.
Step 1: Check If You Need to Take the Tests
Japan has license conversion agreements with several countries and regions.
If your license was issued in one of these places — such as Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, South Korea or certain U.S. States such as Maryland or Ohio etc., you may be exempt from both the written and driving tests.
Otherwise, you’ll need to take:
- A fairly comprehensive written test (50 questions, 90% passing score)
- A practical driving test on a closed course
Even if you’re exempt, everyone must visit the licensing center in person to apply for document screening and to receive your Japanese driver’s license and complete the procedure.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Before heading to the licensing center, prepare the following items:
- Your valid foreign driver’s license
- A Japanese translation of your license (issued by JAF or an authorized translation agency such as Ziplus)
- Your residence card (在留カード)
- Passport (with entry and exit stamps showing at least 3 months of residence in the country where your license was issued)
- My Number card or Certificate of Residence (住民票)
- One photo (3×2.4 cm, taken within the last 6 months)
- Application fee (around ¥2,550)
Tip: The translation must be in issued by an officially authorized organization such as us at Ziplus or JAF. Here at Ziplus we offer faster, lower-cost alternatives to JAF, including same-day service. However, we only support a limited amount of countries at the moment and if we do not support translations for your country, you should use JAF instead.
Step 3: Visit the Hokkaido Driver’s License Center
In Hokkaido, the conversion process is handled by the Hokkaido Driver’s License Center (北海道運転免許試験場) in Sapporo.
Depending on where you live, you may also complete the process at a local branch testing center.
Main Center (Sapporo)
- Location: 26-1 Atsubetsu-chuo 2-jo 5-chome, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo
- Hours: 8:45–11:00 / 13:00–15:00 (closed weekends and holidays)
- Access: 15-minute walk from Shin-Sapporo Station
- Website: https://www.police.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/guide/menkyo/menkyo1.html
Branch Offices (for residents outside Sapporo)
- Asahikawa, Hakodate, Kushiro, and Obihiro each have branch testing centers.
It’s best to call ahead to confirm whether license conversion procedures are available.
Step 4: Take the Aptitude and Knowledge Test
Vision and Color Test
All applicants must take a simple eyesight and color recognition test.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you.
Written Test
The written exam is a 50-question multiple-choice test, available in English and several other languages. You must answer at least 45 correctly to pass.
Driving Test
If required, you’ll take a practical driving test on the center’s course.
The test focuses on safe driving habits and how well you know the specifics of the Japanese driving-style. Examiners will pay close attention to:
- Mirror checks before every move
- Proper lane changes and turns
- Smooth acceleration and braking
- Observation at intersections
Pro Tip: Many foreigners fail the driving test on their first try. Consider taking a few practice lessons at a local school or using our specialized Fast-Track Package that includes mock exams and route training.
Step 5: Receive Your Japanese License
If you pass, you’ll receive your Japanese driver’s license (運転免許証) the same day!
Congratulations, you can now legally drive across Japan.
If you fail the driving test, don’t worry, you can retake it, often as soon as the next available testing day. Just keep in mind that the certificate for passing the written test is only eligible for 6 months. If you cannot pass the driving test within that time period, you will have to restart the whole conversion process.
Driving in Hokkaido: What to Expect
Hokkaido offers some of Japan’s most enjoyable driving experiences, but also unique challenges:
- Winter driving: Snow, ice, and reduced visibility are common. Always use winter tires (スタッドレスタイヤ) from November to April.
- Long distances: Gas stations and rest areas can be far apart in rural regions. Plan your routes in advance.
- Wildlife: Watch out for deer and foxes, especially in the early morning or evening.
Simplify the Process with Professional Support
Converting your foreign license in Japan can be confusing, especially if Japanese isn’t your strong point.
Ziplus offers fast, multilingual license translation services and the Fast-Track Package, which helps you prepare for both the written and driving tests with targeted lessons and practice materials.
✅ Get your license translation in 1 day (or within 2 hours with the express option).
✅ Receive expert guidance to improve your passing chances.
✅ Get access to comprehensive study materials and driving lessons
