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. Preparation of necessary documents
2. Reservation for application at the driver's license testing center
3. Pre-screening
4. Aptitude test
5. Written and practical exams
6. Issuance of license

We will introduce each step in detail.

1. Prepare the necessary documents

Prepare the documents required for the application.
All documents must be originals.

The main required documents are as follows:

• Foreign driver's license
• Japanese translation of foreign driver's license
• passport
• Resident registration card with special notes
• Residence card or special permanent resident certificate
• ID photo
• 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))"

Japanese translations of foreign driver's licenses can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation, embassies, etc.
Also, please prepare a passport that is currently valid and one that shows your travel history at the time of obtaining your license.

The "special notes" on the resident registration card are as follows:

• nationality
• Status of residence
• Period of stay
• Expiry date of period of stay
• Residence card number
• Special permanent resident certificate number (for special permanent residents)

Please prepare a certificate of residence that was obtained within six months prior to application.

Your ID photo must also be taken within six months of applying.
In addition, the ID photo must adhere to 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
• The size is 3cm long x 2.4cm wide

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. Make an appointment to apply at the driver's license testing center

License conversion is by appointment only.
First, you need to make an appointment to apply at the driver's license testing center in your prefecture.
There are set days on which licenses can be switched, and the number of people who can be accepted is limited.

Application reservation times vary depending on the driver's license testing center, so please check in advance.
Reservations cannot be made outside of reception hours.

3. Preliminary Screening

You will need to submit your documents to the driver's license testing center and undergo an examination to determine whether you can switch to a Japanese driver's license.
If you don't speak Japanese, go with someone who can interpret for you.

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 traveler, but to find out 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

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. Written and practical exams

Whether or not you need to take an exam depends on the country where you obtained your license.
We will explain later which countries are exempt from the exam.

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

• Written exam: 50 true/false questions
• Practical test: Driving test in the testing center

The written exam is available in multiple languages, but the dates on which it can be taken may vary depending on the language.
If you wish to take the test in a language other than Japanese, please check with the driver's license testing center in advance.

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 cost of issuing a license is approximately 5,000 yen, including the examination fee and license issuance fee.
*The amount required to issue a license varies depending on the prefecture in which you live.

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 applies to you, you may not be able to switch your driver's license or you may need 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, most of them are from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
When switching your Indonesian, Philippine, or Vietnamese license to a Japan license, you will need the following additional documents:

*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 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 have 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 driver's license after only a vision test and document review.
*Information as of January 2026.

[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]

• America
• Canada
• Australia
• new zealand

In the US, not all states are covered, only certain states are exempt.
For specific states, please check with a Japanese driver's license testing center.

【Asia】

• South Korea
• Taiwan

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 preliminary screening
2. aptitude test
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.

• 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.
• Application reservations may not be accepted other than by telephone.
• The procedures take time, and issuance may be delayed.

Also, switching driver's licenses can take a long time if it's crowded.
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. Preparation of necessary documents
2. Reservation for application at the driver's license testing center
3. Pre-screening
4. Aptitude test
5. Written and practical exams
6. Issuance of license

Required documents include a valid foreign driver's license, its Japanese translation, passport, residence card, resident registration card, and a photo ID.

Depending on the country in which you obtained your license, you may be exempt from the written and practical tests, but everyone must take aptitude tests such as a vision test.

However, there are some circumstances where switching may not be possible, such as if you have not stayed in the country where you obtained your license for more than three months after obtaining it, or if your license is invalid or has expired.

If you don't speak Japanese, go to the driver's license testing center with someone who can interpret for you.

The information presented is basic.
This may vary depending on the prefecture and person, so please check with your local driver's license testing center for details.

About us, JAC

JAC（Japan Association for Construction Human Resources）is an organization that supports all Specified Skilled Workers working in the Japan construction industry. We work with companies that accept Specified Skilled Workers to create a work environment that is easy for everyone to work in.

We're also taking the exams you need to become a Specified Skilled Workers!

And JAC has received many requests for job offers from companies that want Specified Skilled Workers to work for.
Specified Skilled Workers Wanted! Job Listings

For those of you who want to work in Japan using Specified Skills, we are introducing jobs that match your occupation and aspirations!

If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us!