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
Motorcycle licenses can also be converted to Japanese licenses through a foreign license conversion program. There is no skills test required for moped licenses.
Your motorcycle license from your home country can be converted to a Japanese license if you meet the requirements. The type of Japanese license you receive depends on the type of license you have in your home country and the size of the motorcycle you are permitted to ride. For mopeds, only a knowledge test is required, while for motorcycles, both a knowledge test and a skills test are necessary.
Source: Shizuoka Prefectural Police, "Procedure for Converting a Foreign Driver's License to a Japanese Driver's License"; Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to Convert a Driver's License Obtained Abroad to a Japanese Driver's License" (Accessed October 10, 2026)
While most people convert their foreign licenses to car licenses, many also convert their motorcycle licenses. This article explains the types of Japanese licenses, exams, fees, and things to be aware of when converting a foreign motorcycle license.
data
About 20% of people switch over by motorcycle.
Based on the National Police Agency's "Driver's License Statistics, 2025 Edition," we have compiled a list of Japanese licenses obtained through foreign license conversion, categorized by type.
| Type of license | Number of licenses obtained through foreign license conversion |
|---|---|
| usually | 44,639 |
| scooters | 8,708 |
| Regular Motorcycle | 3,790 (of which 3,227 are limited to small vehicles) |
| Semi-medium size | 1,835 |
| Heavy Motorcycle | 870 |
| Large, medium, and others | 602 |
| total | 60,444 |
- Combining mopeds and motorcycles, the total is approximately 13,400, which accounts for about 20% of the total.
- Approximately 85% of Regular Motorcycle are for motorcycles up to 125cc ("small-engine limited" licenses). This suggests that many of these riders were previously riding scooters in their home countries.
The number is per license type. If one person holds more than one type of license, each is counted separately.
Source: National Police Agency, "Driver's License Statistics, 2025 Edition" (Breakdown of those who passed the driver's license examination: "Those who converted to foreign licenses")
Type of license
There are four types of motorcycle licenses in Japan.
In Japan, the type of license required varies depending on the size (total displacement) of the motorcycle.
| driver licence | Motorcycles that can be driven |
|---|---|
| Moped license | 50cc or less. From April 2025, motorcycles with an engine displacement of 125cc or less and a maximum output of 4.0kW or less (new standard mopeds) will also be included. |
| Regular Motorcycle license (limited to small motorcycles) | 125cc or less |
| Regular Motorcycle license | 400cc or less |
| Heavy Motorcycle license | No upper limit on size |
Only "new standard mopeds" with a maximum output of 4.0kW or less can be driven with a moped license if they are 125cc or less. A regular 125cc scooter requires Regular Motorcycle license (small-engine limited or higher). When buying a motorcycle, be sure to check the maximum output with the dealer.
Convertible licenses
Which Japanese driver's license will I get based on my license from my home country?
The type of Japanese license you can switch to is determined by a document review. The following factors are primarily considered:
- The type (category) of driver's license in your home country and the size of motorcycle you are allowed to ride.
- The day I got that license (the first day I got it)
- Having obtained a license, having spent a total of three months or more in that country.
For example, motorcycle license categories differ from country to country, such as A1 and A2 in Vietnam, and SIM C in Indonesia. Even with the same "motorcycle license," whether it falls under Japan's moped, limited small motorcycle, or Regular Motorcycle will vary from person to person.
Please tell us your license category in your home country and the size of the motorcycle you were riding to determine which Japanese license you are likely to qualify for. If your license category is not written on it, please prepare documents that show your category (such as proof of driving history).
How to convert your driver's license in Vietnam / How to convert your driver's license in Indonesia
test
The tests are different for mopeds and motorcycles.
scooters
After document review and an aptitude test, you will undergo a knowledge assessment. There is no skills assessment. The knowledge assessment consists of 50 questions to be answered in 30 minutes, and a score of 90% or higher is required.
Regular Motorcycle / Heavy Motorcycle
After a document review and aptitude test, you will undergo a knowledge check and a skills check. The skills check involves riding a motorcycle on a course at the testing center, and a score of 70% or higher is required to pass.
For those with licenses from countries or regions where both knowledge and skills assessments are waived (such as South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Germany, and Australia), the license will be issued after a document review and aptitude test.
The motorcycles used for the skills test, as well as the required equipment such as helmets and gloves, vary depending on the testing center. Please check when making your reservation.
Fees and age
Fees and age (example from Tokyo)
| Type of license | Application fee | Issuance fee |
|---|---|---|
| scooters | 1,600円 | 2,350円 |
| Regular Motorcycle, Heavy Motorcycle, etc. | 2,800円 | 2,350円 |
When obtaining more than one type of license, there is an additional charge of 200 yen for each additional license. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department states that you can apply for Regular Motorcycle from the age of 16. Fees may vary depending on the prefecture.
After taking
Important things to keep in mind after getting your driver's license
- Two-person riding: You cannot ride with a passenger unless you have held a motorcycle license for at least one year. For two-person riding on expressways, you must be 20 years of age or older and have held a license for at least three years.
- Expressways: Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 125cc or less are not permitted on expressways.
- History in your home country: If the period of your recognized license in your home country is less than three years, that number of days will be written on the back of your license.
- Regulations for mopeds: Mopeds have regulations unique to Japan, such as a maximum speed of 30 km/h and the requirement to make a two-stage right turn at intersections.
Source for information regarding two-person riding, highways, and driving history in the home country: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to convert a foreign-obtained driver's license to a Japanese driver's license"
FAQ
Motorcycle license conversion Q&A
Can I convert my motorcycle license to a foreign license?
Yes, you can. You need to meet the same conditions as for a car license, such as having a valid license in your home country and having lived in that country for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license.
When switching to a moped license, is there a skills test required?
No, there isn't. For mopeds, after a document review and aptitude test, you only need to undergo a knowledge check.
I want to ride a 125cc scooter. What kind of license do I need?
A regular 125cc scooter requires Regular Motorcycle license (small-engine or larger). However, new standard mopeds with a maximum output of 4.0kW or less can be driven with a regular moped license.
Please tell me which Japanese motorcycle license my home country's license corresponds to.
Your eligibility is determined through a document review based on your home country's license category and the size of motorcycle you are permitted to ride. Please check with your local driver's license center or testing center before applying.
Can I switch both my car and motorcycle licenses at the same time?
If you hold both licenses in your home country, you can apply for both. When applying for more than one type of license, there is a fee of 200 yen for each additional license (this is based on the example in Tokyo).
Can I practice my motorcycle riding skills using ZIPLUS?
We are not currently providing information on driving schools where you can practice riding a motorcycle. We can assist you with Japanese translations and knowledge-checking exercises (Drivey).
