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 Hyogo Prefecture, the only place to convert foreign driver's licenses is the Akashi Driver's License Examination Center. Reservations are made online monthly and fill up very quickly.
In Hyogo Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversion procedures are handled at the Akashi Driver's License Examination Center (Foreign License Examination Room No. 7). Reservations are required and can be made monthly through the Hyogo Prefectural Police website. Licenses from countries/regions where knowledge and skills tests are waived are categorized as "B," while other licenses are categorized as "A." Reservations often fill up quickly, so check the start date of reservations and apply early.
Source: Hyogo Prefectural Police, "Please tell me about the procedure for converting a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license," and Hyogo Prefectural Police, "Regarding reservations for written exams, practical exams, and foreign driver's license conversion procedures" (Accessed October 8, 2026)
For those living in Hyogo Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one, we have compiled information on the procedures at the Akashi Driver's License Examination Center. This includes how to make an appointment, important points to note regarding proof of residence in Hyogo Prefecture, necessary documents and fees, and even driving schools in the prefecture where you can practice for your driving skills test.
reservation
Reservations can be made monthly through the Hyogo Prefectural Police website.
- User registration with e-Hyogo: Starting in April 2026, the reservation system has changed. You must register your email address with Hyogo Prefecture's electronic application system (e-Hyogo) before making a reservation. Registration is only required the first time you use it.
- Choose between categories A and B: On the Hyogo Prefectural Police's page "Reservations for Written Exams, Practical Exams, and Foreign License Conversion Procedures," select a monthly slot under "Reservations for Foreign License Conversion Exams." Select "B" for licenses from countries/regions where knowledge and practical exams are waived, and "A" for all others (Categories B include South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, Australia, and 7 US states).
- Reservation Confirmation/Modification: You can check or cancel your reservation yourself through your e-Hyogo My Page.
People who make reservations by phone
If you have previously taken the assessment, such as for a knowledge check retake, please make a reservation by phone. If you do not have internet access or wish to change your reservation, please also make a reservation by phone. The phone number is 078-912-1778 (weekdays 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
The Hyogo Prefectural Police website sometimes displays a message stating that all appointments for converting foreign driver's licenses are "fully booked." Check the website for the start date of reservations for the following month, gather your documents, and make your reservation as soon as possible.
basic information
Basic information about Akashi Driver's License Examination Center
| place | Akashi Driver's License Examination Center, Foreign License Examination Room No. 7 (1649-2 Niyama-cho, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture 673-0842). The nearest stations are JR Akashi Station and Sanyo Electric Railway's Sanyo Akashi Station. |
|---|---|
| Application date | Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and December 29th to January 3rd). Appointments are required. |
| form | Foreign Driver's License Conversion Examination Department: 078-912-1778 or 0570-078-912 (Weekdays 10:00-12:00, 15:00-16:00) |
| Subject | Only a Class 1 license is available (it cannot be converted to a Class 2 license). |
The knowledge test can be taken in 21 languages, including Japanese (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, etc.). It consists of 50 written questions, and you need to answer at least 45 correctly. Foreign license conversion procedures cannot be handled at the Tajima Driver's License Center.
Proof of stay
Proof of a three-month stay is, in principle, "the entry and exit records of that country."
When converting to a foreign driver's license, you must prove that you have resided in that country for a total of three months or more after obtaining your license. The Hyogo Prefectural Police advise that, as proof, you should, in principle, bring your entry and exit records issued by the competent authority in that country.
Countries without passport stamps
Countries such as Japan, the United States, Canada, China, South Korea, and Australia may not stamp your passport upon entry or exit. If there is no stamp (or only one stamp), be sure to carry your entry and exit records with you.
Chinese and Korean license holders
In China, you can download your entry and exit records from the National Immigration Administration website. In South Korea, you can apply at the Consulate-General in Kobe.
In unavoidable circumstances
If you cannot provide entry and exit records, please consult with the immigration officer. Bring alternative documents such as a certificate of residence or proof of assignment from your employer.
Required documents and fees
Documents to bring when converting your foreign driver's license in Hyogo Prefecture
- One application photograph (3cm high x 2.4cm wide, taken within the last 6 months, no hat, front view, upper torso, plain background)
- Residence card, passport
- Resident registration certificate (which includes your registered domicile or nationality, does not contain your My Number, and includes your residence category, residence status, and period of stay)
- A valid foreign driver's license (new and old, all types)
- Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (created by embassies/consulates, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan, ADAC, etc.)
- Japanese driver's license (for those who have one or have had one in the past)
- Proof of stay (generally, entry and exit records of that country)
Examples of additional documents required by each country
In the Philippines, an official receipt and apostille are required; in Nepal, an embassy certificate or License Holder Details; in China, a resident identity card; and in Myanmar, an embassy certificate. For licenses where the expiration date or initial issuance date is unknown, a driving record certificate is required (Canada, Australia, the United States, etc.). If the spelling of your name differs between your driver's license and passport, a certificate from an embassy or similar institution is required.
| Examination fee | Regular: 2,500 yen / Moped/Small Special Vehicle: 1,600 yen / Large/Medium/Semi-Medium Vehicle: 3,900 yen / Others: 2,800 yen |
|---|---|
| Issuance fee | Driver's license only: 2,350 yen / Driver's license and My Number Driver's license: 2,450 yen / My Number Driver's license only: 1,550 yen |
| Total for regular driver's license | 4,850 yen (for driver's license only. Translation and photo fees are separate.) |
Skills check practice
Three driving schools in Hyogo 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.
Kitasuma Driving School
750 Kurumanashigawa, Suma-ku, Kobe City. The nearest station is Myodani Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway. Pick-up and drop-off service is available by web reservation from areas such as Suma, Sannomiya/Kasugano-michi, Gakuen-toshi/Seishin-minami, and Hyogo/Nagata.
Kasai Driving Academy
620 Tonohara-cho, Kasai City. The nearest station is Hojo-machi Station on the Hojo Railway. Shuttle service is available from areas such as Kasai, Nishiwaki, Himeji, and Fukusaki; reservations can be made via a dedicated app.
Kato Driving School
761-5 Matsuzawa, Kato City. The nearest station is JR Takino Station. Shuttle service is available from areas such as Yashiro, Takino, Ono, Nishiwaki, and Sanda; reservations can be made via a dedicated app.
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 Hyogo Prefecture
Where in Hyogo Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
This procedure can only be done at the Foreign Driver's License Examination Room (Room 7) at the Akashi Driver's License Examination Center. It cannot be done at the Tajima Driver's License Center.
How do I make a reservation to convert my foreign driver's license in Hyogo Prefecture?
Register as a user on e-Hyogo via the Hyogo Prefectural Police website and make a reservation for the monthly "Foreign Driver's License Conversion Examination Reservation." Licenses from countries/regions where the examination is waived are in category "B," and all others are in category "A."
We are fully booked and cannot accept reservations.
Check the Hyogo Prefectural Police website for the start date of reservations for the following month, and make your reservation as soon as it opens to ensure you get one. If you don't have internet access, you can call 078-912-1778 (weekdays 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) for advice.
Can I prove a 3-month stay with just my passport?
The Hyogo Prefectural Police generally require entry and exit records from the country you are visiting. If your passport has no stamps, or only one stamp, be sure to bring your entry and exit records.
Can I take the knowledge test in English or Chinese?
Yes. It is available in 21 languages, including Japanese.
How much is the fee for converting a foreign driver's license in Hyogo Prefecture?
For a regular driver's license, the examination fee is 2,500 yen and the issuance fee is 2,350 yen, totaling 4,850 yen (for the license only).
