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 Gifu Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversions are handled at the Gifu City Driver's License Examination Center. First, you need to make a reservation for a preliminary screening by phone.
In Gifu Prefecture, the process for converting a foreign driver's license is handled at the Gifu Prefectural Police Driver's License Examination Center in Mitahorahigashi, Gifu City. First, you must make a reservation by phone and undergo a preliminary screening to determine if you are eligible for the conversion, which involves reviewing documents and having an interview. Reservations are accepted only from those who have all the necessary documents ready. According to the Gifu Prefectural Police, the document screening takes about two months, and the subsequent knowledge and skills assessment takes about five months.
Source: Gifu Prefectural Police, "Conversion from Foreign Driver's License to Japanese Driver's License" (Confirmed October 9, 2026)
This guide is for residents of Gifu Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. It covers the procedures at the Gifu Prefectural Police Driver's License Examination Center (Gifu City), including how to make an appointment, the application process, required documents and fees, and how to proceed with the skills test practice.
Where to apply and make a reservation
To schedule a pre-screening appointment, please call us after you have all the necessary documents ready.
| place | Gifu Prefectural Police Headquarters Driver's License Examination Center (1-22-8 Mitadōhigashi, Gifu City) |
|---|---|
| Telephone reservation | 外国免許係 058-237-5719。月〜金曜の午前9時〜午後5時（土日・祝日、年末年始を除く） |
| Application date | Weekdays. Gather at the "Foreign Driver's License Reception" on the 2nd floor of the testing center at 8:30 AM on the day of your appointment. |
| Waiting time guide | The document review will take place in about two months, and the knowledge and skills assessment will take about five months. |
| Subject | Those who reside in Gifu Prefecture, have a registered address, possess a valid foreign driver's license, and have stayed in that country for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license. |
- I will make the phone call with someone who speaks Japanese. If you do not understand Japanese, you will also go with an interpreter on the day of application.
- If you forget anything or are late on the application day, your application will not be accepted. You must also bring all the documents you submitted during the preliminary screening.
- For first-time test-takers, the test consists of a knowledge review in the morning and a skills review in the afternoon, taking a full day.
If your information on your resident registration changes, you will need to obtain a new one.
Starting in October 2025, resident registration certificates that omit information such as nationality or residence card details will no longer be accepted. If the information on your resident registration certificate changes, such as when you renew your residence card before the exam date, you will need a new resident registration certificate.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Gifu Prefecture
- I will make a reservation for the pre-screening by phoneonce I have all the necessary documents ready.
- Pre-screeningWe will assess your ability to adapt through your application documents and interview. A photo is not required at this stage.
- Application for switchingPlease gather on the second floor of the examination hall at 8:30 a.m. on the weekday you have made a reservation.
- After aptitude tests, knowledge assessments, and skillsassessments (including vision tests), you will undergo knowledge and skills assessments.
- If you pass all the requirements for issuing your driver's license, you will receive it on the same day.
Starting in October 2025, all vehicle types will be assigned to a new course, with one of several courses being chosen on the day of the event. The course map is available on the Gifu Prefectural Police website.
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 is available in Japanese and 20 foreign languages. The available test dates may vary depending on the language. 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 Gifu Prefecture
- A valid foreign driver's license (including older licenses)
- Identity document (ID card; issued in the country where the license was obtained)
- Residence card. A copy of both the front and back of the driver's license, ID card, and residence card should be placed in the center of an A4 sheet of paper.
- Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (created by the issuing government agency, embassy, or consulate, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., or the Association for Supporting Foreign Drivers in Japan [ALADDIN])
- Passports (all ones you have received so far). If you cannot confirm the entry and exit stamps of the country where your license was issued, please also bring documents proving your stay, such as entry and exit records.
- Driver's license history certificate, etc. (For those with licenses that do not have the initial acquisition date or issuance date written on them, those with two or more types of licenses, or those with licenses that have been renewed multiple times)
- One photograph (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months. Passport-sized photographs are not acceptable. Not required for pre-screening.)
- Resident registration certificate (which must include all information, such as registered domicile or nationality, and the contents of the residence card, and must not have any omissions)
- Documents specific to each country (e.g., Brazil: Prontario and ID card; Philippines: Official receipt and apostille-stamped history certificate; China: Resident identity card, basic information, medical examination certificate, and entry/exit records [for the past 10 years])
- Japanese driver's license (for those who have held one in the past, including expired ones)
Proof of entry/exit and travel history must be in original form.
Original documents are required for entry and exit records, driver's license history certificates, and country-specific documents. Copies and photographs are not accepted.
A separate examination fee is required for the aptitude test and verification (example from Gifu Prefectural Police: 3,300 yen for a regular driver's license, including vehicle use). The license issuance fee is 2,350 yen (200 yen for each additional license).
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
How to practice skills in Gifu Prefecture
The skills test takes place on a course located within the Gifu Prefectural Police Driver's License Examination Center (Gifu City). Those with little experience driving on Japanese roads should practice Japanese-style driving before taking the test. However, some driving schools do not offer training for foreign license conversion.
practice at a driving school
At a designated driving school, you can use a vehicle of the same specifications as the test and have an instructor check your safety procedures in the Japanese style. You will need to check with each driving school to see if they accept students for foreign license conversion practice.
Learn the flow by watching the video.
The SAMURAI DRIVER skills test preparation video allows you to learn the entire test process in advance, from pre-ride checks to how to turn at intersections.
Learn the route using a course map.
The Gifu Prefectural Police have released course maps (three types for regular and semi-medium-sized vehicles) used for skills assessments. Make sure you know all the routes so you can drive whichever course you are assigned.
For training in Gifu Prefecture, please contact ZIPLUS
If you live in Gifu Prefecture and would like to practice converting your foreign driver's license, please contact ZIPLUS. We will ask about your residential area and your planned date for skills assessment, and then guide you through the practice process.
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 Gifu Prefecture
Where in Gifu Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
This is the Gifu Prefectural Police Driver's License Examination Center in Mitadōhigashi, Gifu City.
How do I make a reservation?
外国免許係（058-237-5719）に電話して、事前審査を予約します。受付は平日の午前9時から午後5時までで、必要書類がすべてそろった人から予約を受け付けています。
how long do you wait?
According to the Gifu Prefectural Police, the document screening will take place in about two months, and the knowledge and skills assessments after passing the document screening will take place in about five months.
Even if I passed the knowledge check before, do I have to retake it?
Yes. Due to the system change in October 2025, even those who had previously passed the knowledge assessment will have to retake the knowledge assessment.
Can I use ZIPLUS 's translation?
Yes. The Gifu Prefectural Police guide lists ZIPLUS Co., Ltd. as a company that can create translation documents.
