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
A Nepalese driver's license can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion program.
A driver's license obtained in Nepal can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion process, provided you have an address in Japan and have resided in Nepal for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license. Since Nepal 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 October 7, 2026)
The complete procedure (common to all countries) is summarized here: What is foreign driver's license conversion? (Conditions, required documents, fees, and timeframe)
With the increasing number of Nepalese people working in Japan, opportunities to drive for work, such as deliveries and transportation for elderly care, are also on the rise. This article will explain, step by step, the requirements for converting a Nepalese driver's license to a Japanese one, the necessary documents specific to a Nepalese license, and how to prepare for knowledge and skills checks.
conditions
Conditions for converting a Nepalese driver's license
Valid Nepalese driver's license
You will need a valid driver's license issued in Nepal. If your license is about to expire, check in advance to see if there is availability for appointments and exams.
Over 3 months in total in Nepal
You must have stayed in Nepal for a total of three months or more 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 Nepalese driver's license to a foreign driver's license.
In addition to the documents common to all countries, Nepalese licenses may require documents from your home country or embassy.
- A valid Nepalese driver's license (original)
- Japanese translation (prepared by designated organizations such as ZIPLUS, JAF, and the Nepalese Embassy in Japan)
- Passport (Nepalese entry and exit stamps confirm a 3-month stay. 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 with MOFA Stamp & Embassy in Tokyo Stamp, License Holders Details (both from Nepal)" as additional documents for Nepal. These are documents to be prepared in Nepal, such as a driving history record with stamps from the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepalese Embassy in Tokyo. Some documents may 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 Nepalese driver's license.
When converting your Nepalese driver's license to a Japanese license, you must submit a Japanese translation along with your Nepalese license. Translations done by yourself or by general translation companies are not accepted. ZIPLUS can issue translations of Nepalese driver's licenses.
- Prepare images of the front and back of your driver's license.
- Check for any characters that are difficult to read due to smudging or staining.
- 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 Nepali.
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 Nepali. 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.
Nepal, like Japan, drives on the left side of the road. 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 vehicles and courses as the Japanese driving test. If you have mainly driven motorcycles in Nepal, or if it has been a while since you last drove a car, it would be reassuring to review the Japanese procedures at a driving school.
- Drivey, a knowledge review and preparation app, supports Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Burmese languages. 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
This will be confirmed by a representative of the company supporting the Nepalese employees.
- The applicant's driver's license expiration date and their record of stay in Nepal: Checking these 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 your Nepalese driver's license to a foreign license.
Can I drive in Japan with a Nepalese driver's license?
You cannot drive in Japan with a Nepalese 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 for Nepal?
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 Nepali?
Yes. We offer services nationwide in Japanese and 20 other languages, including Nepali.
Where can I obtain the additional documents required for a Nepalese driver's license?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's list of required documents by country includes a Driving Record stamped by the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepalese Embassy in Tokyo, as well as License Holders Details. Since both of these documents must be prepared in your home country, please start preparing them as soon as possible.
Where can I create a translation?
You can get one made through ZIPLUS (3,850 yen, takes approximately 2-3 days), JAF, or the Nepalese Embassy in Japan. You cannot use a self-translated document.
How do you prove that you spent three months in Nepal?
We will verify your stay using the Nepalese entry and exit stamps in your passport. If you do not have stamps, you will need to provide documentation proving your length of stay.
