Convert Foreign Driving License in Japan

Important: Japan has driving license reciprocity agreements with certain countries. Citizens from these countries can convert their license more easily.

Overview

If you plan to drive in Japan with a foreign driving license, you need to convert it to a Japanese license. The process varies depending on your country of origin and how long you've been in Japan.

Note: International Driving Permits (IDP) are only valid for 1 year from date of entry into Japan. After that, you must obtain a Japanese license.

Eligibility Requirements

You must have stayed in the issuing country for at least 3 months after obtaining the license
Your foreign license must be valid (or expired less than 6 months ago)
You must have a valid residence status in Japan (Student, Work, Dependent, etc.)
Your license must be from a country with which Japan has a driving license agreement

Required Documents

You will need to bring the following documents to the Driver's License Center:

Document	Description	Notes
Foreign Driving License	Original license from your home country	Must be valid (or expired less than 6 months)
Japanese Translation	Official translation of your license	Can be obtained from JAF or your embassy
Residence Card (Zairyu Card)	Proof of legal residence in Japan	Must show your current address
Passport	Current valid passport	All pages with immigration stamps
Photo	Passport-sized photo (3cm x 2.4cm)	Taken within last 6 months
Application Form	Driver's license application form	Available at license center
Residence Certificate	Juminhyo from your city office	Must show your current address

Conversion Process

Document Preparation

Gather all required documents including Japanese translation of your license

Visit License Center

Go to the nearest Driver's License Center with all documents

Written Test

Take a 10-question true/false test about Japanese traffic rules

Eye Test

Simple vision test (reading letters/numbers)

Practical Test

Driving test for some countries (not required for reciprocal countries)

Receive License

Pay fees and receive your Japanese driving license

Driving License Test Practice

Practice with actual questions from the Japanese driving license written test. You need 45/50 correct to pass.

Study Mode

Practice all questions with explanations. No time limit.

Timed Test

Simulate the actual test with 50 questions and 30-minute limit.

30:00

By Category

Focus on specific topics like traffic signs, rules, or safety.

Test Completed!

0/10

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Correct Answers

Wrong Answers

Time Taken

0:00

Passing Status

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Sample Test Questions

Here are some examples of questions you might encounter on the actual test:

Question 1: 🚶‍♂️🚗

When approaching a pedestrian crossing without traffic lights, you must:

🚶 Stop only if pedestrians are crossing

⏬ Slow down and be prepared to stop

🛑 Stop before the crossing

✅ Correct Answer: 🛑 Stop before the crossing. In Japan, you must stop at pedestrian crossings even if no pedestrians are present.

Question 2:

What does this sign mean? 🔴⚪

⬆️ Minimum speed 30 km/h

⬇️ Maximum speed 30 km/h

💡 Recommended speed 30 km/h

✅ Correct Answer: Maximum speed 30 km/h. 🔴⚪ Circular signs with red borders indicate maximum speed limits in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many questions are on the written test?

A: The test consists of 10 true/false questions. You need at least 7 correct answers to pass.

Q: What language is the test available in?

A: The test is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish at most license centers.

Q: How long does the written test take?

A: You have 15 minutes to complete the 10 questions, but most people finish in 5-10 minutes.

Q: Can I retake the test if I fail?

A: Yes, you can retake the test on another day. There's no limit on retakes, but you must pay the test fee each time.