The gaimen kirikae (外免切替）process, or converting your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one — has always been surrounded by an amount of confusion. With the October 2025 updates introducing a new written-test （知識確認）format with increased difficulty, many of you out there are likely feeling demotivated and hesitant to convert your driver’s license. So then, how hard has it really gotten, and should you give up in favor of other methods?
The short answer: not really.
While the test has gotten harder, the core skills and knowledge it checks are almost the same as before — and in fact, it’s very similar to the provisional license (karimen) or final written exams (honmen) that every Japanese learner driver takes, as well as any foreigner who gets their license through driving camps or regular driving lessons. In fact, it is now the same as half of the ordinary final written test, as that exam has 100 questions instead of 50, and you can take it in many languages, including English. This means that it is still easier than the tests you would normally take, and completely realistic to pass with some studying. Below, I will go into more detail about the specific changes and how to prepare for it. Hopefully by the end of this article, I have successfully removed some of your worries and apprehensions.
What Changed in the 2025 Gaimen Written Test
From October 1st 2025, Japan’s driving centers introduced a new written test format for foreign license conversion applicants.
Here’s what’s changing:
| Category | Old Test (before 2025) | New Test (from Oct 2025) |
| Number of Questions | 10 true/false questions | 50 true/false questions |
| Passing Score | 7/10 (70%) | 90% ( 45/50) |
| Question Format | Includes illustrations and scenarios | No illustrations except for traffic signs |
| Time Limit | ~10 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| Languages | English, Japanese, and others | Several license centers support at least 20 languages |
At first glance, this looks like a big jump, five times more questions and a higher passing rate!
But the difficulty per question has not increased. In fact, most questions are short and direct, covering basic road signs, right-of-way, and safety awareness, the same topics as before.
What the New Test Is Actually Testing
The updated system was designed to standardize Japan’s licensing exams and align the gaimen test more closely with domestic learners’ tests.
That means the exam checks:
- Basic traffic rules and road markings
- Hazard awareness (e.g., spotting pedestrians or obstacles)
- Proper use of signals and horns
- Safe following distance and speed judgment
- Overtaking, changing lanes etc.
- Emergency response (e.g., stopping at red lights, yielding to ambulances)
Since you presumably already have driving experience or have studied traffic rules in your own country none of this will be completely new to you.
The government isn’t trying to make the test harder, just more standardized and thorough.
It’s Somewhere Between the “Karimen” and “Honmen” Tests
The written test for license conversion in Japan follows the same content and structure as the regular written final exam you need to take if you are getting a Japanese driver’s license from scratch. The key difference is that the regular final exam has 100 questions while the license conversion test now has 50, similar to the written test for a provisional license.
So in reality, the new gaimen test is simply adopting the same structure used for local learners, and it is still easier than taking the standard test, as it is half the amount of questions. In other words, you just need to familiarize yourself with the specifics of Japanese traffic rules.
With that said: If foreigners generally can pass the final written test with proper study, you can pass the new gaimen test too.
Why It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds
It’s easy to feel intimidated when you see “50 questions” and “95% pass rate,” especially in contrast to the 10 questions and 70% pass rate. However, it is still the easiest of the alternatives available in Japan. Just try and remember the following:
- The questions are short and repetitive, often phrased in different ways to check consistency.
- You can study and take the test in your own language (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.).
- Visual aids like road sign illustrations are still present
- You can retake the written test any number of times, as long as you get an appointment
In other words, while it is more of a hurdle than it used to be, it is still very doable with some studying.
How to Prepare for the 2025 Test
If you’re converting your license after October 2025, we strongly recommend:
- Reviewing Japan’s basic traffic rules – any learning materials you can find regarding the honmen final exam (本免学科試験) online or in bookstores will likely do the trick, or you can check out the specialized materials we offer as part of our preparation packages(see links below!).
- Practicing with sample questions from the official guide or our Ziplus Study App, which includes over 200 practice questions based on the new 2025 format.
- Considering our Fast-Track Package, which combines study materials and driving lessons tailored for both the written and driving exams.
With these, you’ll feel fully prepared long before test day.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 gaimen test update may look like a big change, but it’s not more advanced or complicated, just longer.
It’s designed to ensure everyone on Japanese roads understands the same safety rules, whether you’re a local learner or a newcomer from abroad.
With the right preparation, you’ll find it’s no more challenging than the test you presumably took in your own country — and you’ll walk out of the testing center with your brand-new Japanese license.
Ready to Start Preparing?
Check out our Fast-Track Package to get your textbooks, study videos, and driving lessons or contact us regarding our new Ziplus Study App to practice for the updated 2025 test questions anytime.
Decided you want to get your driver’s license through driving camps instead? Read more about driving camps here!
