Documents and translation for converting your license

This page explains process of exchanging your foreign driver's license, into Japanese driver's license.

Especially most of American, South American, Asian and African driver’s license holders have to take driving test.

So we show all steps from correcting required documents until your driver's license converted into a Japanese one, including driving exam.

Steps to convert your driver's license

STEP 1Correct required documents

STEP 2Obtain a Japanese translation of your foreign driver’s license

STEP 3Preparation for written test

STEP 4Submit necessary required documents and translation

STEP 5Preparation for driving exam

STEP 6Driving exam and a Japanese license issue

Correct required documents

① A Jumin-hyo (Certificate of Residence)
② Valid foreign license
③ Passport
④ Photo 3cm high × 2.4cm length
⑤ ID
⑥ Ex-driver's license, if you have already
⑦ Glasses (if needed)

The Jumin-hyo must cintain your Nationality.

You must prove that you stayed in your home country for at least 3 months after your license was issued. You can do this with passport stamps. If you don't have them, you may need other documents like an immigration certificate. Please check the list of required documents by country and prepare them accordingly. You can find the list here.

Obtain a Japanese translation of your license

The translation service is available online at Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Web site.

How to Apply: JAF web site here
You will receive your translation on line by a PDF file in about a week.

Preparation for written test

The test has 10 questions, and you need at least 7 correct answers to pass.

Preparation for the written test is not necessary.

Application at the exam center

How to Apply: Police department web site here.Week days only.

Procedure on your booked day: 2 to 3 hours in total
1. Take an aptitude test.
2. Submit required documents.
3. Take written test.
4. Book a driving exam date at the test center
You will receive your booking date within 1 to 4 months.
Fuchu tends to have shorter waiting times.

Locations: 2 places are available
1, Samezu exam center map
2, Fuchu exam center map

Preparation for driving exam

Our training program, which has maintained a pass rate of over 95% for 16 years, is easy to understand and follow.

What you can learn only here:
What Every Foreigner Must Know Before Testing
Understand Japan’s Driving Test Steps Clearly
Know What Examiners Expect on the Test
Avoid Surprises: Key Driving Test Tips
Pass Japan’s Driving Test on Your First Try
Learn Japan’s Driving Rules vs. Yours
Decode Japan’s Road Rules Easily

Driving exam

Test Content:
Japan’s practical driving test evaluates your ability to follow the “safe driving procedures.”
It’s not about your driving experience but whether you can perform the prescribed actions correctly.
You need to drive strictly according to the test standards.
Experienced drivers often lose points due to their personal driving habits.

How to Succeed:
The most important thing is to understand the criteria for passing — in other words, how to practice effectively and the key know-how to pass.

Test Duration:
Scoring items: Over 50 points
Driving time: About 10 minutes

Getting a Japanese license

Issuing your Japanese driver's license!

Once you pass the driving test, all steps for your license conversion will be complete.

You’ll receive your Japanese license on the same day — right after passing the exam.

From that moment, you’re officially allowed to drive in Japan!

It’s a big moment — congratulations! You’ve earned it!

Enjoy the freedom and confidence of driving with your new license!

Attention : Submitting necessary required documents

Required documents and translation

Real examples of our customers for necessary required documents:

Case1. The foreign driver’s license had already expired.

Case2. The person had not stayed in the issuing country or region for a total of three months or more since the acquisition date.

Case3. Name written on the driver’s license was different from the legal name of the passport (simply misspelled).

Case4. The original acquisition date was not mentioned on the foreign driver’s license. In this case, an official document proving the original acquisition date (such as driver’s record) is required.

Is the License Exchange (Gaimen kirikae) driving exam in Tokyo hard to pass ?

Only the person who knows what to be expected pass the exam!

Best way to complete converting your license is to know tips to pass the practical exam !

If you do not know what to do, then it is hard to pass !

But if you know the rules and are able to show them on the driving exam, you will definitely get your Japanese driver's license.

We know all of the most helpful tips, and 95% of our students who practice at our driving school in Tokyo pass the test at their first try in Tokyo.

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