How to convert a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license

Hello, I'm Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

Once you get used to living in Japan, many people will want to drive a car.
In order to convert a driver's license obtained in a foreign country to a Japan one, you need to go through procedures and exams.

In this article, we will explain the documents required to switch from a driver's license obtained in a foreign country to a Japan driver's license, the application flow, the contents of the test, and points to note.

We will also introduce the countries where the test is exempt and which is not, and the cases where it is not possible to switch licenses.
In order to switch licenses smoothly, let's prepare in advance.

How do I switch my foreign driver's license obtained in my home country to a Japanese driver's license?

We will introduce the procedure for changing a driver's license obtained abroad into a Japanese driver's license.

Driver's license change procedure

The application procedure for exchanging a foreign driver's license for a Japanese driver's license is as follows:

1. Advance preparation (preparing necessary documents)

Prepare the documents required for your application.

The main required documents are as follows:

• Foreign driver's license (original)
• A Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license (can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or an embassy, etc.)
• Passport (current and valid, showing travel history at the time of license acquisition)
• Resident card
• Residence card or special permanent resident certificate, etc.
• ID photo (license size: 3cm x 2.4cm)
• Any additional documents required (e.g. visa, driving record certificate)

※reference
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "How to change a driver's license obtained abroad to a Japanese driver's license (required documents (common))"

The ID photo must be taken within six months prior to application.
Also, please observe the following conditions:

• A photo showing the person from the chest up
• Photographed from the front
• Photographed without a background
• Not wearing a hat when photographed

If you have religious reasons, you are permitted to wear a hat or cloth as long as the outline of your face is visible.

If any documents are missing or incorrect, the procedure cannot proceed.
The documents required may vary depending on the prefecture you live in and the country where you obtained your driver's license.
Check with the driver's license testing center in advance to see what documents are required.

2. Apply (to the Driver's License Examination Center)

Apply at the driver's license testing center in the prefecture where you live.
If you don't speak Japanese, go with someone who can interpret for you.

Reception hours vary by prefecture, so please check in advance.
If you are late for the reception time, you will not be able to complete the procedure.

3. Pre-screening (document verification and travel history check)

Based on the documents you submit, you will be examined to see if you can switch to a Japanese driver's license.
The key points of the review are as follows:

• Have you stayed in the country where you obtained your driver's license for more than three months after obtaining it?
• Is the license valid?
• In addition, confirmation based on the system of the country where the license was obtained

The purpose of checking whether you have stayed in the country where you obtained your license for more than three months after obtaining it is not to determine whether you are a short-term tourist, but to check whether you have driving experience in that country.
If you do not pass the examination, you will not be able to switch your license.

4. Aptitude test (eyesight test, etc.)

The aptitude test consists of the following:

• Vision test (0.3 or more in one eye, 0.7 or more in both eyes)
• Color discrimination test (distinguishing between red, blue and yellow)

If your vision is not up to par, you will need to wear glasses or contacts.
If you have glasses, please bring them with you.

5. Exams (Theoretical and Practical Exams)

Whether or not you need to take an exam depends on the country where you obtained your license.
(Exempt countries: some states in the US, Germany, France, the UK, Australia, etc.)

If an exam is required, you will be tested on the following:

• Written exam: 10 true/false questions, available in Japanese or some English
• Practical test: Driving test in the testing center

The practical test requires you to drive in accordance with Japanese traffic rules.
We recommend that you study Japan's traffic rules in advance and, if possible, practice driving.

Driver's license testing centre courses may be available for you to practice driving.
You may also be able to practice at a driving school.
Find out if there are places where you can practice in your area.

6. Issuance of License

If you pass the test, you will be issued a Japanese driver's license.
At the earliest, it will be issued on the same day that you apply.

The amount required to issue a license is approximately 5,000 yen*, including the examination fee and license issuance fee.
*Depends on the prefecture you live in

In addition, some areas require a rental fee for the vehicle used for the practical test.

Cases where you cannot change your driver's license

If any of the following apply to you, you may not be able to switch your driver's license or you may be required to take additional tests or procedures.

• After obtaining a driver's license, you have not stayed in the country where you obtained the license for more than three months.
• License is invalid or expired
• The license is from a country that does not have mutual recognition with Japan (e.g. some Asian, Middle Eastern, and South American countries).
• Illness or other reasons that prevent me from driving a car
• Have a physical disability that prevents you from driving
• Symptoms of alcohol poisoning
• Violating Japanese road traffic laws and being subject to administrative sanctions
• I can't verify my identity
• Obtained a driver's license in a country or region that does not have an agreement with Japan
• Lack of proof of driving experience

This information is basic.
For more information, please contact your local driver's license testing center directly.

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam

In the case of specified skilled workers, there are many people from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
When converting an Indonesian, Philippine, or Vietnamese license to a Japan license, the following additional documents are required:

*Quote
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department "How to change a driver's license obtained abroad to a Japanese driver's license (list of required documents by country)"

Again, we recommend that you check with your local driver's license testing center for more details.

Countries with special provisions for converting a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license

In some countries, when converting a foreign driver's license into a Japanese driver's license, you are exempt from the written and practical tests.

Countries and regions eligible for exemption from examinations

If you hold a driver's license issued in the following countries and regions, you are exempt from both the written and practical tests and can switch to a driving licence without having to take a vision test or document review.
*Information as of March 2025.

[Europe]

• Iceland
• Ireland
• England
• Italy
• Austria
• Netherlands
• Greece
• Switzerland
• Sweden
• Spain
• Slovenia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Germany
• Norway
• Hungary
• Finland
• France
• Belgium
• Portugal
• Poland
• Monaco
• Luxembourg

[North America/Oceania]

• USA *Only applicable to some states
• Canada *Only applicable to some provinces
• Australia
• new zealand

In the United States and Canada, exemptions apply to certain states, not all states.
For specific states, please check with a Japanese driver's license testing center.

【Asia】

• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Hong Kong

Procedures for applying for exemption

If you have a driver's license from one of these countries or regions, you can obtain a Japanese driver's license by simply following the steps below.

1. Document submission and review (verification of license validity and acquisition history)
2. Aptitude tests (eyesight tests, etc.)
3. Issuance of license

Things to note when switching from a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license

There are some things to keep in mind when switching from a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license.

• Reservations may be required
• Support may not be available in foreign languages
• If you do not speak Japanese, you may need to be accompanied by someone who can interpret.
• Reservations made by other means than telephone may not be accepted.
• The procedures take time, and issuance may be delayed.

Also, switching driver's licenses can be congested.
To ensure you pass the test on the first try, we recommend that you review traffic rules and practice driving before taking the driving skills test.

Summary: Advance preparation is important when switching from a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license

The procedure for changing a foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license is as follows:

1. Advance preparation (preparing necessary documents)
2. Apply (to the Driver's License Examination Center)
3. Pre-screening (document verification and travel history check)
4. Aptitude test (eyesight test, etc.)
5. Exams (theoretical and practical exams)
6. Issuance of license

Required documents include a valid foreign driver's license and its Japanese translation, passport, residence card or certificate of residence, and a valid photograph.

Depending on the country in which you obtained your driver's license, you may be exempt from the written and practical tests.
Everyone must take an aptitude test, including a vision test.

However, please note that there are some circumstances in which switching may not be possible, such as if you have not stayed in the country in which you obtained your license for more than three months after obtaining it, or if your license is invalid or has expired.
In addition, you may need to make a reservation to complete the procedure, and if you do not speak Japanese, you may need to be accompanied by an interpreter.

The information presented here is basic and may vary depending on the prefecture and person living there.
For more information, please check with your local driver's license testing center.

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