Procedures for converting a foreign driver's license
From a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license.
Find information that is relevant to the current stage.
This guide covers everything from application requirements, necessary documents and translations, reservations, knowledge checks, skills checks, and post-license acquisition procedures. It compiles all the necessary articles following the foreign driver's license conversion process.
Search from the procedural stage
Articles that match your current location
The preparations required for converting to a foreign driver's license vary depending on the stage. Please read the article starting from the stage you are currently at.
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STEP 1
Check the application requirements.
Check if you can convert your license to a foreign one, and confirm the requirements regarding the license's expiration date and length of stay.
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STEP 2
Required documents and translations
Prepare the required documents for each country, as well as a Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license.
- [2026 Latest] How to Convert a Chinese Driver's License to a Japanese Driver's License | Required Documents, Basic Information, and Exams
- [2026 Update] How much does it cost to convert a foreign driver's license? Estimated total cost including fees, translation, and retake of the exam.
3,850 yen (tax incl.)
Request a Japanese translation. -
STEP 3-5
Reservation, document screening, and aptitude test
You will need to make an appointment at the driver's license center in your area of residence and undergo a document review and aptitude test.
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STEP 6
Written Test
You must complete 50 questions in essay format within 30 minutes, and answer at least 45 questions correctly.
- [2026 Latest] Knowledge Check for Foreign License Conversion | 50 Questions, 45 Correct Answers, 30-Minute Exam Content and 16 Practice Questions
- [2026 Update] Pass Rate for Foreign License Conversion | Reasons and Countermeasures for the Drop in Pass Rates (42.8% for Knowledge Check, 13.1% for Skills Check)
- Foreign Driver's Class 2 License | The Process from License Conversion to Commenced Driving and Preparation for the Written Exam (For Taxi and Bus Companies)
From 1,980 yen (tax incl.)
Knowledge Check and Preparation App Drivey -
STEP 7
Driving Exam
You will be tested on your knowledge of Japanese traffic rules and safety procedures using a real vehicle. A score of 70 or higher is required to pass.
- [2026 Latest] Skills Test for Foreign License Conversion (Practical Exam) | Passing Criteria (70 points), Deductions, Disqualification Items, and Practice Methods
- Can I practice my driving skills for converting my foreign driver's license at a driving school? Three ways and steps for foreigners to practice driving.
- What to do if you fail the skills test for converting to a foreign driver's license | 4 things to do before retaking the test and common reasons for failure
- [April 2026 onwards] Foreign license conversion for semi-medium-sized vehicle licenses | How skills testing has changed with the introduction of the automatic transmission-only license
- Find driving schools by prefecture
Estimated price for the full plan: from 102,630 yen (tax incl.)
Foreign License Conversion Peace of Mind Package -
STEP 8
After obtaining a license
Once you receive your Japanese driver's license, review the key points for safe driving on Japanese roads.
Most Read Articles
The basic articles you should start with
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[2026 Latest] Knowledge Check for Foreign License Conversion | 50 Questions, 45 Correct Answers, 30-Minute Exam Content and 16 Practice Questions
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[2026 Latest] Skills Test for Foreign License Conversion (Practical Exam) | Passing Criteria (70 points), Deductions, Disqualification Items, and Practice Methods
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[2026 Latest] How to Convert a Chinese Driver's License to a Japanese Driver's License | Required Documents, Basic Information, and Exams
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[2026 Update] Pass Rate for Foreign License Conversion | Reasons and Countermeasures for the Drop in Pass Rates (42.8% for Knowledge Check, 13.1% for Skills Check)
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[2026 Update] How much does it cost to convert a foreign driver's license? Estimated total cost including fees, translation, and retake of the exam.
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Expiry Date of Foreign License Conversion | Expiry Dates for Foreign License, 3-Month Stay, Translation, and Converted License (4 Expiry Dates) [2026]
Search by prefecture
Driving schools where you can practice to check your skills
This page lists designated driving schools in each prefecture that offer training to help you prepare for the skills assessment required for converting your foreign driver's license.
Hokkaido and Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kinki
Chugoku/Shikoku
Kyushu-Okinawa
If you are applying in Tokyo, please also see the differences between the Fuchu, Samezu, and Koto testing centers, as well as the reservation and required documents.
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