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 Toyama Prefecture, foreign driver's license conversion is done at the Toyama Prefectural Driver Education Center. Appointments for the examination can be made by phone between 2 PM and 5 PM on weekdays.
In Toyama Prefecture, the process for converting your foreign driver's license is handled at the Toyama Prefectural Driver Education Center. To make an appointment for the pre-screening, call 076-441-2211 between 2 PM and 5 PM on weekdays. Screening is available only for those with an appointment, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 9 AM and from 1 PM to 1:30 PM. If you do not speak Japanese, you must be accompanied by an interpreter; without an interpreter, your application may be refused.
Source: Toyama Prefectural Police, "How to apply to convert a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license" (Accessed October 9, 2026)
Before proceeding with the procedures in Toyama Prefecture, it's reassuring to understand the entire process of converting a foreign driver's license: What is foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, costs, and timeframe)
This guide is for residents of Toyama Prefecture who wish to convert their foreign driver's license to a Japanese one. It covers the procedures at the Toyama Prefectural Driver Education Center, including how to make a reservation, 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 are by phone. Screening is Monday to Thursday.
| place | Toyama Prefectural Driver Education Center (Window No. 11) |
|---|---|
| reservation | 076-441-2211 (Monday to Friday, 2 PM to 5 PM. Excluding public holidays, weekends, and the New Year period) |
| Application acceptance | Reservations only. Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. |
- If you don't speak Japanese, you will need to go with someone who can interpret.
- Foreign nationals who cannot obtain a resident registration certificate (those with short-term stay or residence status of 3 months or less) are generally not eligible for a change of status.
- I will bring the actual residence card with me (a receipt is not acceptable).
Procedure Flow
The process for converting a foreign driver's license in Toyama Prefecture
- Document review (by appointment):On your scheduled day, bring your documents and an interpreter to window number 11. You will also be asked about the circumstances surrounding your license acquisition.
- For the knowledge check (by appointment),bring the appointment slip you receive during the document screening, your identification document, and one passport-sized photograph.
- Skills assessment (by appointment)I will bring my exam admission ticket, fee confirmation form, and identification documents.
- 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. The knowledge test can be taken in 21 languages, including Japanese (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Burmese, Sinhala, etc.). 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 Toyama Prefecture
- Passport (including old passports. If there are no entry/exit stamps, please provide documents proving your length of stay.)
- One copy of your resident registration certificate showing your registered domicile (nationality) (for foreign nationals, this should include your nationality, residence status, and period of stay. It must not include your My Number, copies are not accepted, and it must show an address within Toyama Prefecture.)
- Residence card (physical)
- Foreign driver's license (International driving permits are not accepted. If the license does not have an issuance date, proof of issuance date is also required.)
- Japanese translation (created by the administrative or consular authority of the country that issued the license, JAF, ZIPLUS Co., Ltd., or the Association for Supporting Visiting Drivers in Japan)
- One photograph (taken within the last 6 months, 3cm high x 2.4cm wide. Write your name and the date the photo was taken on the back.)
- If you already have a Japanese driver's license, please bring that license. If your Japanese driver's license has expired (only if applicable), please bring it.
- Appropriate clothing and shoes for driving, glasses, etc. (if needed)
Some countries require additional documents.
Examples include the Prontario for Brazil, the Resident Identity Card and Basic Information for China, embassy certificates for Pakistan and Vietnam, an apostille and official receipt for the Philippines, and a driving record for Indonesia. Please inquire in advance for more details.
Fees vary depending on the type of license you are applying for, so please contact the driver education center directly for details.
Checklist of documents required to calculate a total stay of 3 months
Skills check practice
Driving schools in Toyama 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.
Kitanihon Driving School
4186 Gofuku, Toyama City. Approximately 5 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Toyama Station.
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 Toyama Prefecture
Where in Toyama Prefecture can I convert my foreign driver's license?
This is the Toyama Prefectural Driver Education Center.
How do I make a reservation?
Please call 076-441-2211 between 2 PM and 5 PM on weekdays.
What day of the week is the review conducted?
We accept appointments only, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Do you need an interpreter?
If you do not speak Japanese, you must be accompanied by an interpreter. Without an interpreter, your application may be refused.
