An Overview of Foreign Driver's License Conversion: What is Foreign Driver's License Conversion? Overall Process, Conditions, Required Documents, and Costs
First, the conclusion
In Ehime Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversions are handled at the Matsuyama City Driver's License Center. Reservations must be made by phone or at window number 7 by the day before.
In Ehime Prefecture, the process for converting your foreign driver's license is handled at the Ehime Prefectural Driver's License Center in Matsuyama City. Appointments are required and must be made by phone or at window number 7 of the Driver's License Center by the day before (excluding weekends, holidays, and the year-end/New Year period). Document screening takes place either at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM on weekdays. Those who are not fluent in Japanese must be accompanied by an interpreter.
Source: Ehime Prefectural Police, "Procedures for Converting Foreign Driver's Licenses" (Accessed October 9, 2026)
Before starting the process in Ehime Prefecture, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the entire foreign driver's license conversion process: What is foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, costs, and timeframe)
This guide is for residents of Ehime Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. It covers the procedures at the Ehime Prefectural Driver's License Center (Matsuyama City), including how to make an appointment, the application process, required documents and fees, and even driving schools where you can practice for your driving skills test.
Where to apply and make a reservation
Reservations must be made by phone or at counter number 7 by the day before.
| place | Ehime Prefectural Driver's License Center (1163-7 Katsuoka-cho, Matsuyama City). Telephone: 089-934-0110 (main number) |
|---|---|
| Telephone reservation | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Document screening | Weekdays only. Registration is at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM. |
| Subject | Those who hold a valid license issued by a foreign administrative authority and have resided in that country for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license (those with short-term stay status such as tourism are not eligible). |
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Ehime Prefecture
- Reservations can be made by phone or at window number 7by the day before your appointment.
- You will register at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM on the day you have scheduled your document screening. After that, you will schedule your exam date.
- Aptitude Test/Knowledge Assessment:The knowledge assessment consists of 50 true/false questions, and a score of 45 or higher is required to pass.
- Skills examinationA vehicle usage fee of 1,750 yen is required for the skills test.
- If you pass all the requirements for obtaining a driver's license, you will be issued a Japanese driver's license.
The knowledge test consists of 50 written questions to be completed in 30 minutes; a passing score requires 45 or more correct answers. The knowledge test can be taken in 20 foreign languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Burmese, Sinhala, and Hindi. License holders from countries/regions exempt from the knowledge and skills tests will receive their license after a document review and aptitude test (e.g., South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, Australia). See the list of exempted countries/regions.
Required documents and fees
Documents to bring when converting your foreign driver's license in Ehime Prefecture
- One application photograph (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months. If applying for multiple license types, submit a separate photograph for each type).
- One copy of your resident registration certificate (containing information such as your registered domicile or nationality, period of stay, and residence status. My Number information is omitted).
- Residence card (for foreign nationals)
- Passport (showing proof of stay in the country for a total of 3 months or more after obtaining the license; all old passports are included)
- Entry and exit records (absolutely necessary for those whose entry and exit cannot be confirmed by passport stamps; airline tickets etc.)
- Japanese driver's license (if you have one, including expired ones)
- Foreign driver's license (digital licenses are not accepted. If the license does not have an issue date, proof of driving record or other documentation is also required.)
- A translation of a foreign driver's license (prepared by the administrative authority or consular body of the country that issued the license, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (Taiwan), JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., or the Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers (Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and China only). Self-translations are not accepted.)
- International driver's license (if you have one)
We cannot process your application without confirming your stay.
If you have obtained a driver's license but do not have entry and exit stamps from that country, and do not have any documents proving your stay, the procedure cannot be completed because your period of stay cannot be verified. Bring any documents attached to your foreign license, such as an official receipt from the Philippines or a certificate issued by the LTO.
The application fees are 2,500 yen for a regular Class 1 license, 3,900 yen for a large Class 1, medium Class 1, and semi-medium Class 1 license, 1,600 yen for a moped license, and 2,800 yen for others. The vehicle usage fee for the skills test is 1,750 yen. The issuance fees are 2,350 yen for a driver's license only, 1,550 yen for a My Number driver's license only, and 2,450 yen for both.
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
Driving schools in Ehime Prefecture that ZIPLUS can introduce
Some driving schools do not offer practice sessions for converting to a foreign license. ZIPLUS introduces designated driving schools in the prefecture where you can practice for the skills test required for converting to a foreign license. At designated driving schools, you can practice with cars and courses that meet the same specifications as the actual test.
Uwa Driving School
420 Kamimatsuba, Uwa-cho, Seiyo City. Approximately 9 minutes on foot from Kami-Uwa Station on the JR Yosan Line. School bus service is available.
For driving school practice sessions, please contact ZIPLUS
The above-mentioned driving schools offer practice sessions for converting your foreign license, and these are introduced to you through ZIPLUS. Please contact ZIPLUS if you are interested, as practice availability, fees, and pick-up/drop-off areas vary depending on the time of year. We will recommend a driving school that is convenient for you based on your residential area and the date of your skills assessment.
Contact us via the inquiry form or by phone at 050-1731-8335 (weekdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, excluding weekends and public holidays).
Prevent failing the exam
Three reasons why even experienced drivers can fail the driving skills test.
Japanese-style safety check
This test will assess whether drivers are following Japanese procedures, such as visually checking before intersections and lane changes, and slowing down before pedestrian crossings.
driving on the left
Those who have driven in countries with right-hand traffic may sometimes enter the opposite lane after making a right turn when they are nervous.
Instructions in Japanese
The examiner's instructions are in Japanese. If you can't understand instructions such as "Turn left at the next traffic light," you will take the wrong course.
FAQ
Q&A about converting foreign driver's licenses in Ehime Prefecture
Where in Ehime Prefecture can I convert my foreign driver's license?
This is the Ehime Prefectural Driver's License Center in Matsuyama City.
By when do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations must be made by phone (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or at counter number 7 by the day before (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the year-end/New Year period).
Can I switch visas even if I have a tourist visa?
Those with short-term stay visas, such as for tourism, are not eligible to apply.
How much does it cost to get a regular driver's license?
The application fee is 2,500 yen, the vehicle usage fee for the skills test is 1,750 yen, and the issuance fee (license only) is 2,350 yen.
