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
Those in Fukuoka Prefecture who need to have their driving skills verified should go to the Chikuhō-Chikugo testing center. First, you will schedule a date for document screening at the counter.
There are four driver's license testing centers in Fukuoka Prefecture. Those who need a skills test (called a "practical skills test" by the Fukuoka Prefectural Police) should apply at the Chikuhō (Iizuka City) or Chikugo (Chikugo City) testing center. The Fukuoka and Kitakyushu testing centers are only for those who are exempt from the skills test. At all testing centers, the document review is conducted on a designated day system, and the applicant must go to the counter in advance to schedule the document review. It cannot be scheduled by phone.
Source: Fukuoka Prefectural Police "Procedures for Converting from a Foreign Driver's License", Fukuoka Prefectural Police "Reservations for Skill Tests and Converting from a Foreign Driver's License (Practical Skill Verification)" (Accessed October 8, 2026)
For those living in Fukuoka Prefecture who want to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one: This guide covers everything from which testing center to go to, how to schedule your document review, the necessary documents and fees, to driving schools in the prefecture where you can practice your driving skills.
Application testing center
Whether or not a skills assessment is required will determine which testing center you need to go to.
| Chikuhō Driver's License Examination Center | Eligibility: Those who require skills verification can also apply. 1518-1 Tsurusao, Iizuka City. The nearest stations are JR Iizuka Station and Nishitetsu Bus "Bypass Chikuhō Driver's License Examination Center". |
|---|---|
| Chikugo Driver's License Examination Center | Eligibility: Those who require skills verification can also apply. 1135-2 Hisatomi, Chikugo City. The nearest stations are JR Hainuzuka Station and Nishitetsu Bus "Chikugo Driver's License Examination Center". |
| Fukuoka Driver's License Examination Center | Target: Only those who do not require skills verification. |
| Kitakyushu Driver's License Examination Center | Target: Only those who do not require skills verification. |
Those who do not need to undergo a skills test include those from countries and regions where knowledge and skills tests are waived (such as South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, and Australia), those with licenses from Indiana in the US, those applying for a moped license, and those who previously held a Japanese license. List of exempted countries and regions
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police have announced that they have suspended the acceptance of applications for practical skills tests and other related examinations for the semi-medium-sized vehicle license at the Chikugo Test Center. Those wishing to switch to a semi-medium-sized vehicle license should check the latest information from the Fukuoka Prefectural Police before applying.
Specified day system
The date for the document review is decided by the applicant at the counter.
The document screening process is not conducted by appointment, but on a designated date basis. First, the applicant must go to the examination center's reception desk to have their documents checked (preliminary screening) and then have a date set for the document screening. Dates cannot be set by a representative or by phone, and any changes to the date must also be made in person at the reception desk.
| Chikuhō | Window No. 5. Weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Chikugo | Window No. 8. Weekdays 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
| Fukuoka/Kitakyushu | In Fukuoka, it's counter number 20 on the 2nd floor; in Kitakyushu, it's counter number 1 on the 1st floor. Weekdays 13:00-13:30 |
- Passport (original)
- Residence card (original; excluding those on short-term stays)
- All necessary documents for applying to convert a foreign driver's license (these will be checked during the preliminary screening. Applications will not be accepted if you forget your passport, etc.)
People working in the automotive transportation industry
Applicants with the "Designated Activities (Motor Transport Industry)" residence status can generally undergo document screening on the day of their visit at the Fukuoka and Kitakyushu testing centers. Please bring the necessary documents with you.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Fukuoka Prefecture
- You will schedule a date for document review at the counter.The applicant goes to the testing center, undergoes a preliminary screening, and then the test date is decided.
- Document screeningPlease submit your documents to the counter between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM on the designated day. If you submit them after this time, they will not be accepted that day.
- The next stage will be the aptitude test and knowledge assessmentdocument review. The knowledge assessment consists of 50 written questions to be completed in 30 minutes; a score of 45 or higher is required to pass. It can be taken in Japanese and 20 foreign languages.
- The skills assessment (practical skills assessment)will be conducted on the Chikuhō Chikugo training course. Reservations are accepted at the testing center after document review; telephone reservations are not accepted.
- If you pass all the requirements for issuing a Japanese driver's license, you will be issued a Japanese driver's license.
Reservations are required to take the knowledge and skills assessments. Please ask about how to make a reservation at the testing center during the document screening process.
Required documents and fees
Documents to bring when converting your foreign driver's license in Fukuoka Prefecture
- Application form and questionnaire (available at the examination center)
- Two photographs (3cm high x 2.4cm wide)
- One copy of your resident registration certificate (showing your registered domicile and nationality, but without your My Number; photocopies are not accepted).
- A valid foreign driver's license (if the issuance date is not indicated, an old license or a certificate of license history is required; a translation is necessary).
- Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (created by embassies/consulates, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., the Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan, etc.)
- Proof that you have resided in that country for a total of three months or more after obtaining your license (passport, entry/exit records, etc.)
- Required documents vary by country (check the Fukuoka Prefectural Police's "List of Required Documents by Country").
- Someone who can interpret (for those who don't speak Japanese), and someone who needs glasses.
- If you have one, please bring an expired Japanese or foreign driver's license, an international driver's license, or an expired passport.
You do not need a seal/stamp. If you wish to receive a My Number Driver's License, please also bring a valid My Number Card.
The fee is the sum of the examination fee (2,500 yen for a regular license) and the issuance fee. Checklist of required documents for calculating a total stay of 3 months.
Skills check practice
Six driving schools in Fukuoka 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. All of them offer pick-up and drop-off services that can be booked via their dedicated app.
Higashi Fukuoka Driving School
1-14-1 Maitsubara, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City. The nearest stations are Chihaya Station and Maitsubara Station on the JR and Nishitetsu lines. Pick-up and drop-off services are available from areas such as Hakata, Tenjin, the airport, Hakozaki, Chiyo, Yoshizuka, and Kashii.
Kitagata Driving School
2-7-1 Hayama-cho, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City. The nearest station is JR Ishida Station. Pick-up and drop-off service is available from areas such as Moritsune, Shii, and Kuzuhara.
Motor School Itozu no Mori
4-6-1 Izumidai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City. The nearest station is JR Minami-Kokura Station. Pick-up and drop-off service is available from areas such as Yahata, Kokura, and Tobata.
Kurosaki Driving School
14-1 Narumizu-cho, Yahata-Nishi-ku, Kitakyushu City. The nearest bus stop is "Yanagi-uchiike" on the Nishitetsu Bus line. Shuttle service is available from areas such as Kurosaki, Kumanishi/Jinbara, and Kamitsuyaku.
Karita Driving School
2637, Oaza Shu, Kanda-machi, Kyoto-gun. Transportation is available from Kanda-machi, Yukuhashi City, and Kitakyushu City.
Setaka Driving School
3539-4 Nagata, Setaka-machi, Miyama City. The nearest station is JR Setaka Station. Transportation is available from Yanagawa, Yamato, Chikugo, and other areas. It is also easily accessible for those applying at the Chikugo testing center.
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.
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police have posted a course map for the practical skills test at the Chikuhō Test Center on their website. Checking it before practice will help you stay calm during the actual test. The website also lists the passing criteria, penalty points, and test cancellation criteria for the skills test.
FAQ
Q&A about converting foreign driver's licenses in Fukuoka Prefecture
Where in Fukuoka Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
Those who need to have their driving skills checked should go to the driver's license testing center in Chikuhō (Iizuka City) or Chikugo (Chikugo City). The testing centers in Fukuoka and Kitakyushu are only for those who are exempt from the driving skills check.
Is an appointment required to convert a foreign driver's license in Fukuoka Prefecture?
The document screening process is conducted on a designated date basis. Applicants must go to the examination center's reception desk in person, undergo a preliminary screening, and schedule their document screening date. This cannot be done by phone or through a representative.
What are the application hours for document review?
The designated time slot is weekdays from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. If you arrive after this time, you will not be able to be served that day.
Can I make a reservation for a skills assessment by phone?
No, you cannot. Reservations will be accepted at the Chikuhō-Chikugo testing center after the document screening is complete.
Can I take the knowledge assessment in English or Nepali?
Yes. The Fukuoka Prefectural Police have prepared questions in 20 foreign languages (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, etc.).
How many photos do you need?
You will need two photos measuring 3cm x 2.4cm.
