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
Hong Kong driver's licenses can be converted to Japanese licenses through a foreign license conversion program.
A driver's license obtained in Hong Kong can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion process, provided you have an address in Japan and have resided in Hong Kong for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license. Since Hong Kong is not a country where the driving test is waived, you will undergo a document review and aptitude test, followed by a knowledge test (50 questions) and a skills test. International driving permits cannot be used for this conversion.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "How to convert a foreign-obtained driver's license to a Japanese driver's license", Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, "List of required documents by country" (as of August 2026) (verified November 3, 2026)
The complete procedure (common to all countries) is summarized here: What is foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, fees, and timeframe)
Those living in Japan with a Hong Kong driver's license can convert it to a Japanese license through the foreign license conversion process. Since Hong Kong is not a region where the driving test is waived, you will need to undergo knowledge and skills assessments. In Tokyo, a Hong Kong driving record is also required. This article will explain the requirements, necessary documents, Japanese translations, and test preparation in order.
conditions
Conditions for converting a Hong Kong driver's license
Valid Hong Kong driver's license
You will need a valid driver's license issued in Hong Kong. If your license is about to expire, check in advance to see if there is availability for appointments and exam dates.
More than 3 months in total in Hong Kong
You must have stayed in Hong Kong for a total of more than three months after obtaining your license. This will be verified by your passport's entry and exit stamps. This does not mean you have to wait three months in Japan. Calculate your length of stay.
I have an address in Japan
A copy of your resident registration certificate, which includes your nationality and residence status, is required. As of October 2025, it is no longer possible to change your residence status if you have a short-term stay (such as tourism) status.
Required documents
Required documents when converting a Hong Kong driver's license to a foreign driver's license.
In addition to the documents common to all countries, Hong Kong licenses may require documents from your home country or embassy.
- A valid Hong Kong driver's license (original)
- Japanese translation (created by designated organizations such as ZIPLUS and JAF)
- Passport (confirming a 3-month stay with Hong Kong entry and exit stamps. Old passports are also required.)
- A copy of the resident registration certificate containing specific information (issued within the last 6 months)
- Identity verification documents such as residence card
- Application photo (3cm high x 2.4cm wide), fee
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's "List of Required Documents by Country" lists "Driving Record (of your home country). If your passport does not have entry and exit stamps, then a Statement of Travel Records (of your home country)" as an additional document for Hong Kong. A driving record is a document that proves your Hong Kong driver's license record. Some documents take time to obtain, so please check with the driver's license center where you will be applying as soon as possible. Similar documents may be required in prefectures other than Tokyo.
If there is no stamp in your passport
If your entry and exit stamps are missing or illegible, you will need documents proving your length of stay. Since obtaining these documents can take time, please prepare them in advance.
Official Translation
Prepare a Japanese translation of your Hong Kong driver's license.
When converting your foreign driver's license, you must submit a Japanese translation of your Hong Kong driver's license along with it. Translations done by yourself or by general translation companies are not accepted. ZIPLUS can issue translations of Hong Kong driver's licenses.
- Prepare images of the front and back of your driver's license.
- Please check if your driver's license has more than one month until its expiration date.
- For the date of issue on the translated license, write the last six digits of the Reference No. If this differs from the date you first obtained your driver's license, please prepare documents such as your Driver Record yourself.
- ZIPLUS does not provide translations for Driver Record.
- Take the necessary images: Check that the text is not blurred and that there is no glare.
- Apply and pay online: The fee is 3,850 yen (tax incl.). We will also check if your driver's license has more than one month until its expiration date.
- Expected delivery time: 2-3 days. You can print it at a convenience store or have it mailed to you (additional 600 yen).
Exam preparation
Preparation for knowledge and skills assessment
Knowledge check is in Chinese.
You must complete 50 reading comprehension questions in 30 minutes, and you need to answer at least 45 correctly. The test is available nationwide in Japanese and 20 other languages, including Chinese. Please inform the reception desk of your preferred language.
Even though it's the same left-hand traffic system, you must not let your guard down.
Hong Kong, like Japan, has left-hand traffic. Nevertheless, the driving skills test meticulously assesses whether you can drive according to Japanese procedures, such as visually checking for safety at intersections, slowing down before pedestrian crossings, and timing your signals.
Practice at the driving school.
The skills test is conducted using the same type of car and course as the Japanese test. Hong Kong also has left-hand traffic and right-hand drive vehicles, just like Japan. However, the Japanese safety check procedures and timing of signals are closely observed, so it's a good idea to practice them at a driving school in preparation for the test.
- Drivey a knowledge check and preparation app: Now available in Chinese. Learn through videos, text, and practice tests.
- Skills Test Preparation Video SAMURAI DRIVER: You can check the key points of the skills test in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
- Skills assessment pass criteria, deductions, and test cancellation items
- Converting your motorcycle (two-wheeled/moped) license to a foreign license: If you have a motorcycle license, please check which Japanese license you will get and the differences in the exams.
For businesses
The person in charge at the company supporting the Hong Kong employees must confirm this.
- Checking the expiration date of your driver's license and your record of stay in Hong Kong before joining the company will help prevent delays in the process.
- Appointment availability at your local driver's license center: Depending on the region, appointments for knowledge checks may be available several months in advance.
- Required documents from the home country/embassy: We will confirm the documents required by the application destination with the applicant as soon as possible.
- Preparation for the exam and work adjustments: You will need to adjust your work schedule on the days of the knowledge and skills assessments.
Corporate Package (Comprehensive support for translation, learning, and skills practice)
FAQ
Q&A about converting a Hong Kong driver's license to a foreign license
Can I drive in Japan with a Hong Kong driver's license?
You cannot drive in Japan with a Hong Kong driver's license as is. If you live in Japan and want to drive, you will need to obtain a Japanese driver's license through a foreign license conversion process.
Are knowledge and skills assessments waived in Hong Kong?
There are no exemptions. After document review and an aptitude test, you will undergo knowledge and skills assessments.
Can I take the knowledge test in Chinese?
Yes. We offer services nationwide in Japanese and 20 other languages, including Chinese.
Is there no exam required to obtain a driver's license in Hong Kong?
No. Hong Kong is not among the countries or regions exempt from knowledge and skills assessments. After document review and an aptitude test, you will undergo knowledge and skills assessments (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department guide, updated September 7, 2026).
Where do I get my driving record?
These documents are obtained in Hong Kong (the country of origin). Since obtaining them can take time, please prepare them early. The required documents may vary depending on the application location, so please also check with your local driver's license center.
Where can I create a translation?
You can get one made through ZIPLUS (3,850 yen, takes approximately 2-3 days), JAF, etc. You cannot use a self-translated document.
How do you prove that you were in Hong Kong for three months?
We will verify your Hong Kong entry and exit stamps in your passport. If you do not have stamps, you will need to provide documentation proving your length of stay.
