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 Shiga Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversion is done at the Moriyama City Driver's License Center. Prepare your translation document beforehand and make a reservation by phone.
In Shiga Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversions are processed at the Moriyama City Driver's License Center. They are not accepted at the Maibara City Driver's License Center or police stations. Reservations must be made by phone or other means, with a Japanese translation of your license ready. You cannot complete the procedure on the day of your reservation. Due to a significant increase in applicants, processing times may be long.
Source: Shiga Prefectural Police, "Procedures for Converting a Foreign Driver's License to a Japanese Driver's License" (Accessed October 9, 2026)
Before starting the process in Shiga Prefecture, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the entire foreign driver's license conversion process: What is a foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, costs, and timeframe)
This guide is for residents of Shiga Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. It covers the procedures at the Driver's License Center (Moriyama City), 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
Have the translated text ready before making a reservation by phone.
| place | Driver's License Center (Moriyama City). Reception is in the First Annex. |
|---|---|
| reservation | 077-585-1255. Weekdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the year-end/New Year period). |
| Date of procedure | Specify the date and time when making a reservation. Procedures are only available on weekdays. |
| Subject | Those who hold a valid foreign driver's license and have resided in that country for more than three months after obtaining it (the test must be passed within the validity period of the foreign license). |
Reservations cannot be made without a translation.
The Shiga Prefectural Police are advising that you prepare a Japanese translation before making a reservation. Reservations will not be accepted without a translation.
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Shiga Prefecture
- Make a reservation by phoneAfter preparing the translation, I will call the Driver's License Center (Moriyama City).
- On the day you have made your appointment for registration (First Annex), document review, and document preparation, bring the documents with you.
- Knowledge confirmationwill be taken in writing at a later date.
- Aptitude test and skills assessment (to be held at a later date):You will undergo tests such as vision examination and practical skills assessment using an actual vehicle.
- Depending on the time of day your photo is taken and your driver's license is issued, the process may not be completed on the same day. If you pass the exam in the afternoon, you will not be able to apply for your My Number driver's license on the same day.
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 questions are available in Japanese and 20 other foreign languages (including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Burmese, and Sinhala). License holders from countries/regions exempt from the knowledge and skills tests will receive their licenses 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 Shiga Prefecture
- Foreign driver's license (if the issuance date is not indicated, please also provide documents proving the issuance date, etc.)
- Japanese translation (created by the heads of embassies and consulates in Japan, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., and the Association for Supporting Drivers Visiting Japan)
- Passports (including old passports, if any)
- A copy of your resident registration certificate (for foreign nationals, this must include your nationality, residence status, and period of stay. It must not include your My Number, and photocopies are not accepted. Applications will not be accepted if your period of stay has expired on the application date.)
- Residence card or special permanent resident certificate
- International driver's license, Japanese driver's license, or your country's identification card (if you have one)
- Certificates of driving history issued by foreign license issuing authorities, etc.
- Glasses and hearing aids (if needed), appropriate clothing and shoes for driving.
If you do not have a stamp, please bring your entry/exit certificate, etc.
If you used an automated gate or do not have stamps from entering or leaving EU member states, you should bring documents that prove your stay, such as entry and exit certificates from the country where you obtained your driver's license, in addition to your passport.
The fees vary depending on the type of license you are applying for and how you currently hold it. Please confirm this when making your reservation.
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
Driving schools in Shiga 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.
Mano Driving School
20-52 Mano 5-chome, Otsu City. Approximately 10 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Katata Station. A free shuttle bus is available by reservation, and you can practice on the course, which has an outer perimeter of approximately 400m.
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 Shiga Prefecture
Where in Shiga Prefecture can I get my foreign driver's license converted?
This is the driver's license center in Moriyama City. You cannot do this at the driver's license center or police station in Maibara City.
Can I complete the procedure on the same day I make the reservation by phone?
No, you cannot. The date and time for the procedure will be specified when you make your reservation.
Can I make a reservation even without a translation?
No, you cannot. Please have a Japanese translation ready before making a reservation.
How long does it take until the review date?
The number of applicants has increased significantly, so the process may take a long time. Start preparing early.
