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
Vietnamese driver's licenses can be converted to Japanese licenses through a foreign license conversion program.
A driver's license obtained in Vietnam can be converted to a Japanese license through a foreign license conversion process, provided you have an address in Japan and have stayed in Vietnam for a total of three months or more after obtaining the license. Since Vietnam 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 Vietnamese people working in Japan, opportunities to drive for work are also increasing. This article explains, step by step, the requirements for converting a Vietnamese driver's license to a Japanese one, the necessary documents specific to a Vietnamese license, and how to prepare for knowledge and skills checks. This information will also be useful for those in charge of supporting Vietnamese employees at companies.
conditions
Conditions for converting a Vietnamese driver's license
Valid Vietnamese driver's license
You will need a valid driver's license issued in Vietnam. If your license is about to expire, check in advance to see if there is availability for appointments and exams.
More than 3 months in total in Vietnam
You must have stayed in Vietnam for a total of three months or more after obtaining your license. This will be verified by the entry and exit stamps in your passport. This does not mean you have to wait three months in Japan.
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 Vietnamese driver's license to a foreign driver's license.
In addition to the documents common to all countries, a Vietnamese driver's license may require embassy documents.
- A valid Vietnamese driver's license (original)
- Japanese translation (created by designated organizations such as ZIPLUS, JAF, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan)
- Passport (Vietnamese entry and exit stamps to 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 "Authentication (Embassy)" as a required document for a Vietnamese driver's license. Please check with the driver's license center where you are applying and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan to find out what kind of authentication is required for each document. 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 Vietnamese driver's license.
When converting your foreign driver's license, you must submit a Japanese translation of your Vietnamese driver's license along with it. Translations done by yourself or by general translation companies are not acceptable. ZIPLUS can issue translations of Vietnamese driver's licenses.
- Take photos of the front and back of your driver's license: Check that the text is not smudged or reflecting light.
- 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 Vietnamese.
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 Vietnamese. Please inform the reception desk of your preferred language.
When taking the skills test, pay attention to "driving on the left side of the road".
Vietnam has right-hand traffic. When you're nervous, you might accidentally enter the opposite lane after making a right turn. Practice the Japanese procedures, such as visually checking for safety at intersections and slowing down before pedestrian crossings.
Those with driving experience primarily on motorcycles.
In Vietnam, motorbikes are the primary mode of transportation, and many people have little experience driving cars. Since the skills test is conducted on a course that conforms to the same standards as the Japanese driving test, it's reassuring to get a feel for driving a car at a driving school.
- Drivey, a knowledge review and preparation app: Now available in Vietnamese. Learn through videos, text, and practice tests.
- Skills Test Preparation Video SAMURAI DRIVER: You can check the key points of the skills test with audio in Vietnamese.
- Skills assessment pass criteria, deductions, and test cancellation items
For businesses
This will be confirmed by the company representative supporting the Vietnamese employees.
- The applicant's driver's license expiration date and record of their stay in Vietnam: 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.
- Embassy Document Requirements: We will confirm the required documents 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 Vietnam
Can I drive in Japan with a Vietnamese driver's license?
You cannot drive in Japan with a Vietnamese 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 Vietnam?
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 Vietnamese?
Yes. We offer services nationwide in Japanese and 20 other languages, including Vietnamese.
Can I use a Vietnamese international driver's license?
Since Vietnam is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention, an International Driving Permit issued in Vietnam is not valid for driving in Japan. When applying for a foreign driver's license conversion, you must use your Vietnamese driver's license, not your International Driving Permit.
Where can I create a translation?
You can get one made through ZIPLUS (3,850 yen, takes approximately 2-3 days), JAF, or the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan. You cannot use a self-translated document.
How do you prove that you spent three months in Vietnam?
We will verify this using the entry and exit stamps from Vietnam in your passport. If you do not have stamps, you will need to provide documentation proving your length of stay.
