Introduction

If you have a foreign driver's license and live in Kagoshima, are you struggling to convert it to a Japanese driver's license? In fact, there are many people who have attempted the conversion test several times but have not been able to pass, and are still unable to convert.

In fact, the biggest hurdle when switching from a driver's license to a foreign one is the driving skill confirmation (driving test). The number of people switching from foreign licenses to a foreign one in Kagoshima is increasing every year. In particular, the number has increased dramatically in recent years (since COVID-19), and if you fail the driving skill confirmation (driving test) once, it may be 3 to 4 months before you can make another appointment.

 Against this backdrop, the automobile transportation industry has been newly added to the list of Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou) fields starting in 2024. Over the next five years, it is expected that around 25,000 foreign workers will enter Japan’s automobile transportation sector. At the same time, the demand for driver’s licenses among foreign residents will continue to rise. For example, ground handling staff at airports are now required to obtain a Japanese driver’s license, and from 2025, new home care services supporting foreign workers in the nursing care industry are also scheduled to begin. With these changes, reservations at driver’s license centers are expected to become even more crowded in the coming years.

 In this article, we’ll show you how to pass the driving test (技能試験) on your first try.Preparation: Understand the test requirements in advance, study the key tasks, and practice in a setting that closely simulates the real exam.​Review & Final Tips: Learn how to effectively review your practice and apply last-minute strategies right before the test.Multilingual Study Materials: study videos (textbooks) that are available in multiple languages,perfect for foreign residents who may not be confident in Japanese.

Three reasons why the skill verification (skill test) for converting a foreign driver's license is difficult

Even drivers with many years of experience overseas often struggle with Japan’s skills test (ginou shiken), failing multiple times despite being confident behind the wheel. The average pass rate is said to be only around 30%—and that includes Japanese applicants as well. With the number of foreign workers in Japan expected to continue rising, it’s worth asking: why is the pass rate for the driving skills test so low?

There are three reasons for this:

1. Japanese-style driving behavior such as safety checks​Lack of understanding of
   In fact, the test for converting a foreign driver's license tests whether or not you understand Japanese traffic rules and driving manners. In other words, no matter how used to driving you are, if you don't know the Japanese traffic rules, you will fail. In particular, those who wish to convert a foreign driver's license are used to foreign traffic rules and driving manners, so it is difficult for them to pass the Japanese driving test.
2. driving on the left side of the road.​I'm not used to
    In countries such as the United States, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, people drive on the right-hand side of the road. This difference can create challenges during Japan’s driving skills test. On public roads, drivers simply follow the flow of traffic, making it nearly impossible to drive on the wrong side. However, on the wide and mostly empty testing course, where usually only one vehicle is driving, mistakes are much more common. For example, some examinees lose points for driving on the wrong side when making a right turn at an intersection, often due to extreme nervousness.
3. driving instructions in Japanese​Unable to understand
   The examiners for the driving test are police officers, and all driving instructions are, of course, given in Japanese. If you don’t fully understand the instructions and fail to follow them correctly, you will be marked down. In many cases, extreme nervousness can even lead to panic, preventing you from driving the way you normally would, and resulting in an unfortunate outcome on the test.

Skill verification measures for converting foreign licenses in Kagoshima - A guide to using designated driving schools

License centers in Kagoshima that handle foreign license conversions

The only place to take the driving skill test for foreign driver's licenses in Kagoshima Prefecture is the Kagoshima Prefectural Driver's License Examination Center. (As of August 2025)

Kagoshima Prefectural Driver's License Examination Center

If you want to practice for your driving skills test (practical test) in Kagoshima, we recommend a designated driving school!

In Kagoshima Prefecture, you can practice for the driving skills test (practical test) at either a designated driving school or a registered driving school (unofficial).
First of all, I will explain the differences between them.
A designated driving school A designated driving school is a driving school that meets three official standards: the personnel standard, which requires qualified and licensed driving instructors; the physical standard, which covers facilities such as a proper driving course, classrooms for studying theory, and vehicles that match official test specifications in width, length, and wheelbase; and the operational standard, which ensures that the lesson content and training programs follow official guidelines. Because these schools satisfy all three requirements, they provide the closest preparation to the real driving test environment.

In other words, designated driving schools offer the advantage of allowing you to practice with the same types of vehicles and on courses equivalent to those at the license center, with both the school building and the driving course located together in one place. In addition, all instructors are nationally certified, and the quality and content of instruction are standardized and consistent, ensuring reliable preparation for the practical driving test.

On the other hand, a notified driving school is a school that has submitted notification to the Public Safety Commission but is not required to meet the official personnel, physical, or operational standards. These schools are often referred to as unofficial driving schools. While their size and facilities vary, they still provide instruction in driving skills and knowledge, much like designated schools. In cases where a notified school does not have its own practice course, it may rent external facilities to offer practical training.

Designated driving school in Kagoshima that can prepare you for the driving skill confirmation (practice test) for foreign license conversion

Ibusuki Driving School

The definitive guide to passing the exam: What is the Foreign License Conversion "Ziplus Fast-Track Package"?

 In response to these challenges, ZIPLUS has developed the Foreign Driver’s License Conversion “Fast-Track Package”. This program is designed to help foreign residents pass the skills test on their first attempt and to ensure they can drive safely and confidently on Japanese public roads after converting their foreign driver’s licenses.
This program is an all-in-one package that covers every step necessary to pass the foreign driver’s license conversion test in Japan, as outlined below.
We provide comprehensive skills training in cooperation with designated driving schools in Tokyo, supporting you through every stage of the license conversion process, from issuing official license translations to checking your knowledge and skills with advance preparation, driving practice, mock test training, review, and last-minute tips before the actual exam. In addition, once you pass the test, you will also learn to understand Japanese traffic signs and road markings in your own language, ensuring safe and confident driving on public roads.

​" Drivey" is a knowledge verification app (multilingual) that is fully compatible with the new format from October 2025. Click here ▶

 We offer the preparation videos “SAMURAI DRIVER”, which allows you to understand the test requirements in advance and study effectively before taking the exam!

You can watch preparation videos for the driving test  required for foreign driver’s license conversion, all from the comfort of your own home!
A total of 10 videos will explain 10 key points for passing the driving test.

Here are the 3 most appealing reasons to buy our videos:

①You are not tied to study time or place

You can watch the videos "anytime," "anywhere," and "as many times as you want," so you can study at your own pace. With just one smartphone, you can use your free time, such as during your commute to work or school.

② Efficient videos that explain only the main points

Each video is short, about 3 to 7 minutes long. It's easy to concentrate on a short video, so it's recommended for people who wants to study fast and effectively.

3. Viewing in multiple languages

 In addition to Japanese, the videos also feature audio commentary in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, making it easy for those who are not confident in Japanese to study and prepare effectively.

We have prepared a study guide called "Road Ready in Japan" for you to review and what you need to know just before the exam!

In January 2025, this long-awaited resource was finally published as a book—the only specialized textbook focused entirely on the gaimen kirikae driving test. Designed as a comprehensive study guide for foreign drivers, it is available in full color and serves as the ultimate text for preparing for the license conversion skills test.

Here are the 3 most appealing reasons to buy our videos:

①Excellent knowledge and readability

The book is about 50 pages long and contains a lot of information, making it very satisfying to read. It also uses many illustrations and photographs to make it easy to read.

②Detailed explanation of the features of skill verification

Explains the grading criteria, the number of points required to pass, the deduction of points for each task, common interruptions during the skill check, and tips and tricks for passing.

③Vocabulary you should know

We have put together the vocabulary that the examiner will ask you to use during the skills test. Make sure you memorize it well in advance.

summary

How was it?
To smoothly switch licenses within Kagoshima Prefecture, thorough advance preparation is necessary. Please take advantage of ZIPLUS' Foreign License Switching Safe Package, whether you practice at a driving school, or use videos and textbooks to prepare and review.
Apply for the Foreign License Conversion Safe Package here▶

ZIPLUS issues the translations required for foreign driver's license conversion.
Click here to apply for a Japanese translation ▶

I hope that everyone reading this article will be able to successfully conzaassdsceavert their foreign driver's license and feel confident about driving in Japan. I also sincerely hope that this article will help you understand the importance of safe driving and help you put it into practice. I also hope that your life in Japan will be safe and fulfilling, and that you will find new possibilities and happiness through driving.