An Overview of Foreign Driver's License Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide to Foreign Driver's License Conversion, Conditions, Required Documents, Costs, and Timeframe
First, the conclusion
The skills test required for converting to a semi-medium-sized foreign vehicle license varied depending on the desired license.
If you wish to obtain a semi-medium-sized automatic transmission (AT) license when converting your foreign driver's license, you can take the skills test using only semi-medium-sized AT vehicles. If you wish to obtain a semi-medium-sized manual transmission (MT) license, the procedure has changed so that you first perform a required driving test in a semi-medium-sized AT vehicle, and then operate the clutch and gears in a regular MT vehicle and perform the required driving test again. Skills tests for converting foreign driver's licenses are also conducted using this new method.
Source of the information: National Police Agency, "Regarding the Introduction of Automatic Transmission (AT) Large Vehicle Licenses and the Review of the Methods for Skill Tests for Manual Transmission (MT) Licenses," and its explanatory materials (PDF) (Accessed October 7, 2026).
This article summarizes the skills assessment process starting in April 2026 for individuals who have driven trucks abroad and are switching to a semi-medium-sized vehicle license in Japan. It also covers how companies that employ foreign drivers can assist with the conversion of their foreign licenses to semi-medium-sized vehicle licenses. We explain everything step by step, from choosing between automatic transmission (AT) and manual transmission (MT) licenses, to what happens if you only fail STEP 2, and key points for practice.
Skills check for foreign license conversion
The skills test for a semi-medium-sized vehicle license is one test for automatic transmission (AT) licenses and two tests (2 steps) for manual transmission (MT) licenses.
When converting to a foreign driver's license, after passing a knowledge check, you will be tested on your driving skills to see if you can drive in accordance with Japanese traffic rules. If you wish to obtain a semi-medium-sized vehicle license, the type of vehicle used and the number of times you will need to take the test are as follows. This information is based on the operations at the driver's license centers in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures as of August 2026.
| Desired license | Car to use | Driving Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-medium AT limited | Semi-medium AT car | 1 step |
| Semi-medium MT | Semi-medium AT car → Regular MT car | 2 times (2 steps) |
- 1STEP 1: Driving a semi-medium-sized automatic transmission vehicle to complete the required tasks.
Whether you're applying for an automatic transmission (AT) or manual transmission (MT) license, you'll first take a test driving a medium-sized AT vehicle. This tests your ability to drive safely while understanding the vehicle's size. The focus is on safety checks before starting and changing lanes, checking for blind spots when turning left, vehicle positioning when turning right or left, judging the vehicle's size in S-curves and sharp turns, spacing from obstacles, and handling traffic lights, stop signs, pedestrian crossings, and railway crossings. Points are deducted from a starting score of 100, with a minimum score of 70 being the minimum requirement. This concludes the skills assessment for those applying for an AT-only license.
- 2STEP 2: Driving a standard manual transmission (MT) car (for those who prefer MT)
If you meet the criteria for STEP 1, you will then proceed to drive a regular manual transmission (MT) car, performing tasks while operating the clutch and gears. Your clutch operation, gear selection, starting and stopping, hill starts, preventing stalling, and appropriate gear changes for different situations will be assessed. If you do not meet the criteria for STEP 1, you will not be able to proceed to STEP 2. If you have a regular Japanese MT driver's license, STEP 2 may not be required.
Let's take a closer look at the scoring criteria and deduction items for the skills assessment.
Differences from before the amendment
Before the revision, there was one semi-medium-sized manual transmission vehicle; now, the vehicle used depends on the desired license.
On April 1, 2026, an automatic transmission (AT) restriction became available for the semi-medium-sized vehicle license (the same applies to medium-sized and medium-sized Class 2 licenses). Along with this, the practical skills test for manual transmission (MT) licenses was also revised. Now, the driving portion of the semi-medium-sized license test is conducted using an AT vehicle, while only the clutch and gear operation specific to MT vehicles is confirmed using a regular MT vehicle. This approach is also applied to the skills assessment for converting to a foreign license.
- Before amendmentThe task involved driving a single semi-medium-sized manual transmission vehicle. The semi-medium-sized vehicle license only allowed for manual transmissions.
- I'm currentlytaking a test drive in a semi-medium-sized automatic transmission vehicle with an automatic transmission restriction. If I meet the criteria, I'll get a semi-medium-sized automatic transmission license.
- After completing the required driving test in a current MT (manual transmission) semi-medium-sized automatic vehicle, you will then complete the required driving test in a regular MT (manual transmission) vehicle, operating the clutch and gears. If you meet the criteria for both, you will receive a semi-medium-sized MT license.
Depending on the institution, the traditional method may still be used.
According to documents from the National Police Agency, the traditional method of skills testing will continue to be available for the time being even after the new regulations are implemented. Please check with the driver's license center where you apply to find out which method you will be taking.
In case of emergency
If you pass STEP 1 but fail STEP 2...
If you requested a manual transmission (MT) license and passed STEP 1 (semi-medium-sized automatic transmission vehicle) but failed to meet the standards for STEP 2 (regular MT vehicle), you will have to choose one of the following options (in the Tokyo metropolitan area).
If an automatic transmission-only license is acceptable
Since you have passed STEP 1, you are eligible to receive a semi-medium-sized vehicle automatic transmission limited license. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, same-day issuance is sometimes available, but this varies depending on the reception hours and the situation at the driver's license center.
If you want to get a manual transmission (MT) license
I will retake the exam on a different day. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, the procedure is to waive STEP 1 and only take STEP 2 (regular manual transmission car). The procedures for retaking the exam and making reservations may vary by prefecture.
Decide before applying
Should I apply for an automatic transmission (AT) or manual transmission (MT) license?
While manual transmission (MT) licenses allow you to drive a wider variety of vehicles, the skills test requires you to be able to drive both medium-sized automatic transmission (AT) vehicles and standard MT vehicles, which increases the burden of preparation. It's best to decide by working backward from the type of vehicle you plan to drive.
| situation | Suitable licenses | reason |
|---|---|---|
| All of the company's vehicles are automatic transmission. | AT limited | Skills assessment only needs to be done once, and practice can be focused on the medium-sized automatic transmission vehicle. |
| Even if there is only one manual transmission truck | MT | Having an automatic-only driver's license means you cannot drive manual-drive vehicles, which limits your vehicle assignments. |
| Currently, only automatic transmission (AT) is available; the future is uncertain. | First, an automatic transmission-only license is also an option. | You can remove the automatic transmission (AT) restriction later by taking an examination to have it removed. Check with your driving school or driver's license center for details on the procedure and costs. |
You decide the type of license you want to take the test for, and whether it's an automatic transmission-only license, when you apply. Since you may not be able to change it on the day of the skills test, be sure to discuss it with your employer beforehand.
Preparations to get closer to passing the exam
Practice points for skill assessment
Even those who have driven trucks overseas will be assessed in Japan's skills test to see if they can drive in accordance with Japanese traffic rules. It is more efficient to divide the practice objectives for each step.
STEP1 Semi-medium AT car
Making left turns while being mindful of the inner wheel difference, visually checking blind spots not visible in the mirrors, driving position considering the width of the vehicle, judging the vehicle's size in S-curves and sharp turns, and maintaining a safe distance from obstacles.
STEP 2: Standard manual transmission car
Starting with the clutch partially engaged, starting on inclines, preventing stalling, and selecting the appropriate gear for the speed—the key to passing is not getting so caught up in the operation that you neglect to check for safety.
Common to both
Driving on the left side of the road, using mirrors, signaling, and checking visually in that order, checking for pedestrians at crosswalks, and coming to a complete stop at stop signs. Be sure to familiarize yourself with driving instructions in Japanese.
reference
Cars that can be driven with a semi-medium-sized vehicle or semi-medium-sized vehicle with automatic transmission license.
| Type of license | Vehicle total weight | Maximum loading capacity | Riding capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| usually | Less than 3.5t | Less than 2t | 10 people or less |
| Semi-medium size | 3.5t or more and less than 7.5t | 2 tons or more but less than 4.5 tons | 10 people or less |
| medium size | 7.5t or more, less than 11t | 4.5t or more and less than 6.5t | 11 to 29 people |
If even one of the three conditions applies, a higher license is required. Many small trucks with a 2-ton or 3-ton load capacity fall within the range of semi-medium-sized vehicles in terms of gross vehicle weight. A semi-medium-sized AT-only license allows you to drive only AT vehicles (including vehicles that do not require clutch operation); driving a MT vehicle will violate the license conditions. To determine whether you can drive a vehicle, check the gross vehicle weight, maximum load capacity, passenger capacity, and whether it is AT or MT on the vehicle registration certificate.
For corporate representatives
Things that companies hiring foreign drivers should check.
- The gross vehicle weight, maximum payload, and passenger capacity of the truck to be used at your assigned location, and whether it is an automatic or manual transmission (confirmed on the vehicle registration certificate).
- Does the type of license the person applies for, and whether or not it's an automatic transmission-only license, match the vehicle dispatch plan?
- The policy is not to assign employees with automatic-only driver's licenses to handle manual transmission vehicles (as this would violate their qualifications).
- Have you secured the time and expense to practice with a vehicle the same size as the actual test before the skills assessment?
- Have you decided on the retake schedule and how your work situation will be handled if you need to retake the exam in STEP 2?
FAQ
Q&A on converting to a semi-medium-sized foreign vehicle license
If I apply for a limited automatic transmission (AT) license for medium-sized vehicles when converting my foreign driver's license, how many skills tests will I need?
This is a single test using a medium-sized automatic transmission vehicle. Points are deducted from a starting score of 100, with a minimum score of 70 being the minimum requirement.
If I apply for a semi-medium-sized vehicle manual transmission license when converting to a foreign driver's license, how many skills tests will I need?
As of August 2026, the Tokyo metropolitan area's testing consists of two steps: one involving driving a semi-medium-sized automatic transmission vehicle and another involving operating the clutch and gears in a standard manual transmission vehicle. If you hold a standard Japanese manual transmission driver's license, you may not need to take the manual transmission test.
What happens if I only fail STEP 2?
In the Tokyo metropolitan area, you can choose to either receive a limited automatic transmission (AT) license for medium-sized vehicles or retake only STEP 2 on a different day. Procedures may vary by prefecture, so please check with your testing center.
When can I get a semi-medium-sized vehicle automatic transmission-only driver's license?
It will start from April 1, 2026. The AT-only licenses for medium-sized and medium-sized Class 2 vehicles also started on the same day. Large vehicles are scheduled to start from April 1, 2027, and Class 2 large vehicles from October 1, 2027.
What happens if I drive a manual transmission truck with only a semi-medium-sized automatic transmission license?
This violates the conditions of your license. An automatic-only license allows you to drive only automatic transmission vehicles (including those that do not require clutch operation).
If you've driven a truck overseas, is practice unnecessary?
In the Japanese driving skills test, you will be scored on things like driving on the left side of the road, the Japanese order of safety checks, and checking for pedestrians at crosswalks. Even if you have a lot of driving experience, it is recommended that you practice with Japanese cars and procedures.
