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 Niigata Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversions are handled at the Niigata Prefectural Driver's License Center. Document review, knowledge check, and skills test are all by appointment only.
In Niigata Prefecture, the process for converting your foreign driver's license is handled at the Niigata Prefectural Driver's License Center. Document review, knowledge check, and skills check are all by appointment only. Reservations can be made by calling the Driver's License Center's Driving Lessons directly at 025-256-4040. If you fail to pass the skills check within six months of passing the knowledge check, you will have to start over from the knowledge check.
Source: Niigata Prefectural Police, "Procedures for Converting a Foreign Driver's License to a Japanese Driver's License" (Accessed October 9, 2026)
Before proceeding with the procedures in Niigata Prefecture, it's reassuring to understand the entire process of converting to a foreign driver's license: What is foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, costs, and timeframe)
This guide is for residents of Niigata Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. It covers the procedures at the Niigata Prefectural Driver's License Center, 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 can be made by calling Driving Lessons 's direct line.
| place | Document screening will be conducted on the 2nd floor (counter 2) of the Niigata Prefectural Driver's License Center. |
|---|---|
| reservation | Driving Lessons Direct Line: 025-256-4040 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:15 PM. Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) |
| Subject | Applicants must hold a foreign driver's license of the same or higher type as the Japanese license they are applying for, have resided in that country for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license, and have an address in Niigata Prefecture (foreign nationals must be able to obtain a resident registration certificate within their period of stay). |
- The applicant must go in person. Those who do not understand Japanese must go with an interpreter.
- We do not conduct document screening by phone or mail.
- The person in charge may be out of the office and unable to answer the phone. Please try calling again later (we do not use voicemail).
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Niigata Prefecture
- Prepare your documents andhave them reviewed on the second floor of the driver's license center on the day of your appointment. There is no fee for the document review.
- Reservation, aptitude test, and knowledge checkOnce you pass the document screening, you will schedule and take a knowledge assessment test.
- Skills assessment (by appointment only):You must pass this assessment within 6 months of passing the knowledge assessment.
- 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. Please confirm the language of the knowledge test when making your reservation. 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 Niigata Prefecture
- Foreign driver's license (and any accompanying documents, if any. If the issuance date is not indicated, other documents may be required.)
- Residence card (for foreign nationals)
- Passports (all of them you have, even expired ones)
- One copy of your resident registration certificate (for foreign nationals, this must include all items except your My Number, such as nationality, residence status, and residence period).
- A Japanese translation of a foreign driver's license (prepared by an embassy, consulate, or a public safety commission-designated organization such as JAF or ZIPLUS).
- If your application is approved: You will need A4 size copies (original size) of your foreign driver's license, residence card, and passport (all pages including personal information, visa, and stamps), and one application photograph (3cm high x 2.4cm wide).
Those whose residency cannot be confirmed with a passport
If your driver's license was issued before your passport, your stay will be verified from the passport's issuance date. If you do not have entry/exit stamps and your stay cannot be verified, you will need to provide additional documents besides your passport. Copying and photography services are available at the driver's license center for a fee.
There is no fee for the document screening process, but you will need to pay an examination fee and other charges when you take the exam.
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
Driving schools in Niigata 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.
Matsuki Driving School Niigata Nishishibata School
1002 Nishimiyauchi, Shibata City. The nearest station is Nishi-Shibata Station on the JR Hakushin Line. A free shuttle bus service is available by reservation only, picking you up close to your home.
Nakajo Driving School
249-6 Ibarajima, Takano, Tainai City. A free shuttle bus service is available by reservation only, picking you up and dropping you off near your home.
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 Niigata Prefecture
Where in Niigata Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
This is the Niigata Prefectural Driver's License Center. Document screening will be conducted at counter 2 on the second floor.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made by calling Driving Lessons 's direct line at 025-256-4040 (weekdays 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM).
If I pass the knowledge assessment, by when do I need to take the skills assessment?
A passing grade on the knowledge assessment is valid for six months. If you fail to pass the skills assessment within six months, you will have to start over from the knowledge assessment.
Can I submit my application by mail?
No, we do not accept applications via telephone or mail. Applicants must come in person.
