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
A Sri Lankan driver's license can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion program.
A driver's license obtained in Sri Lanka can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion process, provided you have an address in Japan and have resided in Sri Lanka for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license. Since Sri Lanka 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)
With the increasing number of Sri Lankans coming to Japan under the Specified Skills Visa and other programs, opportunities to drive for work are also increasing. This article explains, step by step, the requirements for converting a Sri Lankan driver's license to a Japanese one, the documents to be prepared at the embassy, and the necessary documents unique to a Sri Lankan license, as well as the preparation for knowledge and skills checks.
conditions
Conditions for converting a Sri Lankan driver's license
A valid Sri Lankan driver's license
You will need a valid driver's license issued in Sri Lanka. If your license is about to expire, check in advance to see if there is availability for appointments and exams.
Sri Lanka for a total of more than 3 months
You must have stayed in Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lankan driver's license to a foreign driver's license.
In addition to the documents common to all countries, a Sri Lankan driver's license may require documents from your home country or embassy.
- A valid Sri Lankan driver's license (original)
- Japanese translation (prepared by designated organizations such as ZIPLUS, JAF, and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan)
- Passport (Sri Lankan 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 "Affidavit (Embassy)" and "Driver Information Extract (Embassy)" as additional documents for Sri Lanka. Both documents must be obtained from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan. 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 Sri Lankan driver's license.
When converting your foreign driver's license, you must submit a Japanese translation of your Sri Lankan driver's license along with it. Translations done by yourself or by general translation companies are not acceptable. ZIPLUS can issue translations of Sri Lankan 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 Sinhala.
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 Sinhala. 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.
Sri Lanka, 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 vehicle and course as the Japanese driving test. Even if you are accustomed to driving in Sri Lanka, it is recommended to practice the Japanese safety check procedures and signal timings at a driving school in preparation for the test.
- 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
For businesses
This will be confirmed by a representative of the company supporting the Sri Lankan employee.
- The applicant's driver's license expiration date and their record of stay in Sri Lanka: 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 driver's license to a foreign license in Sri Lanka
Can I drive in Japan with a Sri Lankan driver's license?
You cannot drive in Japan with a Sri Lankan 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 Sri Lanka?
There are no exemptions. After document review and an aptitude test, you will undergo knowledge and skills assessments.
Can I take the knowledge check in Sinhala?
Yes. We offer services nationwide in Japanese and 20 other languages, including Sinhala.
Where can I obtain the additional documents required for a Sri Lankan driver's license?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's list of required documents by country includes Affidavit and Driver Information Extract, both of which are documents to be prepared by the embassy.
Where can I create a translation?
You can get one made through ZIPLUS (3,850 yen, takes approximately 2-3 days), JAF, or the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan. You cannot use a self-translated document.
How do you prove that you spent three months in Sri Lanka?
We will verify your stay using the Sri Lankan entry and exit stamps in your passport. If you do not have stamps, you will need to provide documentation proving your length of stay.
