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
Even if you fail the skills test, you can take it again. Make sure to correct the mistakes that caused you to fail before retaking the test.
The skills test is one in which only about 13 out of 100 people pass. It's not uncommon to fail on your first try. The important thing is not to repeat the same mistakes. Write down what you were told during the test, practice those movements, and then take the test again.
Source: Summary of the National Public Safety Commission Chairman's Press Conference (March 5, 2026), National Police Agency "Guidelines for Handling Matters Related to Foreign Driver's Licenses" (Accessed October 23, 2026)
The skills assessment is one of the procedures for converting to a foreign driver's license. The entire procedure is summarized here: What is a foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, costs, and duration)
Failing the skills assessment is disappointing, isn't it? However, since the exam became stricter in October 2025, the number of people failing has increased significantly. This article will explain, step by step, what to do after failing.
data
From October 2025, the percentage of people who pass the skills assessment will decrease from approximately 30% to approximately 10%.
| 2024 | 30.4％ | Before the exams got tougher |
|---|---|---|
| October-December 2025 | 13.1％ | The three months immediately following the increase in exam difficulty |
Starting October 1, 2025, a task involving driving across a pedestrian crossing has been added to the skills assessment. Signaling and positioning when turning right or left are also being scrutinized more strictly. Even people who have driven for a long time in their home country are increasingly failing the test.
The changes in the pass rate are explained in detail in the article on the pass rate for converting to a foreign driver's license.
Source: Summary of the National Public Safety Commission Chairman's Press Conference (March 5, 2026)
What to do after you fall
If you fail, do these four things in order.
- 1Write down what you were told on the same day.
After the exam, the examiner may point out what you did wrong. Make sure to write down "where" and "what" you did wrong before you forget.
- 2Book your next exam
Your next skills test will need to be rescheduled at the driver's license center/testing center where you applied. The reservation method and fees vary by prefecture. It's best to ask at the counter when you get there.
- 3Practice the movements that caused you to fall.
It's more important to correct the mistakes that resulted in penalty points than to memorize the course. Practice with a Japanese car, under the guidance of someone who can provide instruction.
- 4Try running the whole course before the exam.
Even with a route I've never heard before, I'll test whether my checking movements remain consistent. I'll only practice the movements I made mistakes on again.
In Osaka Prefecture, the skills assessment is conducted on a separate day from the document review and knowledge assessment. It can take a long time until the designated date. In Tokyo, the skills assessment is by appointment only and cannot be taken on the same day as registration. Use the waiting time to practice.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Osaka Prefectural Police 's guide on converting foreign driver's licenses.
Reasons for failure and how to fix it
Here are six common reasons for failing:
| Insufficient visual confirmation | After looking in the mirror, turn your head to check your blind spots as well. If your head movement is small, it may appear that you haven't checked. |
|---|---|
| The signal was late or not given. | Give a signal about 3 seconds before changing lanes, approximately 30 meters before the intersection where you will be turning. |
| The positions for turning left and right are different. | When turning left, move to the left edge of the road; when turning right, move to the center of the road before turning. |
| Don't stop at pedestrian crossings | I check early to see if there are any pedestrians. If I see someone trying to cross, I stop before they reach the other side. |
| Going over an S-curve/crank | Slow down and consider the paths of the front and rear tires when turning. |
| I don't understand the examiner's Japanese. | Learn phrases like "Turn left at the next traffic light" beforehand. |
A detailed explanation of the scoring criteria is provided in the article on passing standards, deductions, and disqualification items for skills assessment. A list of commonly used Japanese phrases by examiners is also included.
Practice until the next exam
It's difficult to fix it myself, so I'll practice while someone watches me.
Even if you think you're doing a good job of checking your work, it might not be visible to others. There are mainly three places where you can practice this:
Designated driving school
You can practice using a car and course of the same specifications as the actual test, under the supervision of an instructor. However, some driving schools do not accept students for foreign license conversion practice.
Opening of the testing course
You can use the course on designated days in Fuchu and Samezu in Tokyo, and Kadoma in Osaka. You will need to provide your own practice car and a licensed passenger.
Prepare by watching the video.
The SAMURAI DRIVER skills test preparation video allows you to learn the order of checks and how to turn beforehand. It's perfect for preparing before getting in the car.
The method for practicing at a driving school is explained in the section on how foreigners can practice driving at a driving school. You can find driving schools in your prefecture using the prefecture-by-prefecture guide.
FAQ
Q&A about what to do if you fail the skills test
If I fail the skills test, can I take it again?
Yes, you can take the test. You will need to reschedule your next test at the driver's license center/testing center where you applied. Reservation procedures and fees vary by prefecture, so please check with your application center.
How many times can I take the test?
The rules regarding the number of attempts and whether you may need to reapply vary depending on where you apply. Please check with the driver's license center or testing center where you applied.
Could you tell me why I failed?
After the exam, the examiner may point out areas where you did poorly. Taking notes of what they say that same day will be helpful for your next practice session.
If I memorize the course, will I be able to pass?
Knowing the course can help you stay calm, but what's being observed is safe driving behavior. If you miss using signals or visual checks, you'll be penalized even if you follow the course exactly.
How much practice should I do before the next exam?
It varies from person to person. Rather than focusing on the time it takes, consider whether you can replicate the same movements that caused the fall, multiple times.
Can I practice at a driving school even if I'm not good at Japanese?
The driving school instruction is in Japanese. You will need to be able to speak Japanese at a conversational level. If you have any concerns, please contact ZIPLUS in advance.
