How to Convert Your Driver’s License in Fukuoka and Kitakyushu(外免切替 Guide)

If you’re living in Fukuoka and have a valid foreign driver’s license, you can legally drive in Japan after converting it, a process known as “gaimen kirikae” (外免切替).
In this guide, I will explain how to convert your driver’s license in Fukuoka, including the step-by-step process, documents you’ll need, and useful tips to make it easier, as well as how our services can make the process much more painless.

What Is Gaimen Kirikae?

Gaimen kirikae means converting your existing foreign license into a Japanese driver’s license.
You don’t have to attend a full driving school again, but depending on the country you took the license,  you must complete certain exams and paperwork at the local Driver’s License Center.

If your license is from one of the exempt countries (like the U.K., Germany, France, or South Korea etc.), you can skip both tests.
If it’s from the U.S., Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, etc., you’ll need to pass both  a written test and driving skills test.

Where to Apply in Fukuoka

In Fukuoka, all gaimen kirikae applications are handled at:

Fukuoka Driver’s License Examination Center (福岡運転免許試験場)
〒816-0922 福岡県大野城市大字乙金618-1
092-565-5010

Document screening hours: Monday–Friday, 13-13:30 (no weekends or holidays)

You can reach the center by taking the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line to Shirakibaru Station, then a short taxi ride (about 10 minutes).

Note: document screening appointments can only be made by physically going to the license center.

Required Documents

Make sure to prepare the following before visiting the center:

1. Your valid foreign driver’s license
   
2. Proof of residence (Juminhyo)
   
3. Japanese translation of the license (officially required)
   → [Order your official translation here](link to translation service)
   
4. Passport(s) showing your travel history
   
5. Resident card (在留カード)
   
6. Proof of stay abroad (to show you lived there for at least 3 months after obtaining your license)
   
7. Photo (3cm × 2.4cm, taken within 6 months)
   
8. Application fee: around ¥2,550 for conversion + ¥2,050 for license issuance
   

The Written & Driving Tests

If your country is not exempt, you’ll need to pass:

1. The Knowledge Test

A fairly comprehensive test of 50 questions, with a passing score of 45/50. The test saw an increase in difficulty from October 1st 2025, but it is still only half the amount of the final written test you must take if you get the driver’s license from scratch through a driving school.

flTip: You can study in advance using our Fast-Track Package, which includes textbooks, videos, and an app with over 200 practice questions.
Learn more about the Fast-Track Package here!

2. The Driving Test

You’ll drive on a closed course within the center. The test checks your safety habits, your knowledge of Japanese driving mannerisms, traffic rules, and awareness of road markings.

Many first-time applicants fail due to making too many small mistakes such as forgetting to check blind spots, turning too wide, signaling too late and proper procedures for safety checks.

How Long Does It Take?

If all documents are correct, the whole process usually takes 2–3 weeks, depending on test availability.
JAF translations can take over a week, but with our official translation service, you can get yours in 1–3 business days, or even within 2 hours for the express option.

You can order your translation here! 

 Countries with Test Exemptions

Applicants from these countries/regions only need to submit documents — no tests required:

If your country isn’t listed, you’ll need both the written and driving test.

 Recommended Preparation Steps

1. Confirm your eligibility with the Fukuoka Driver’s License Center.
   
2. Prepare your documents and translation early.
   
3. Book your document screening.
   
4. Study with practice materials (we recommend the Fast-Track Package).
   

Why Use Our Services?

We help thousands of foreigners each year pass their license conversion on the first try.
Our packages include:

• Official license translation (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.)
  
• Fast-Track Package: textbooks, videos, and an application with 200+ mock questions
  
• Driving lessons at nearby schools in Fukuoka, Kitakyushu etc.
  
• Multilingual support from start to finish
  

Start your license conversion journey with confidence.
Contact us today for free consultation!

Alternatively, you can read more about license conversion here.

Summary