Foreign Driver’s License Conversion in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide
EDS International Driving School | Student Learning Resources
Applicable to: Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, and all other prefectures in Japan.
If you hold a valid driver’s license issued overseas, you may be eligible to convert it into a Japanese driver’s license through Foreign License Conversion (外免切替 / Gaimen Kirikae).
Before enrolling or availing service at EDS International Driving School, your first step is to confirm your eligibility and arrange the required document screening at the driver’s license center in your prefecture of residence.
EDS provides practical driving preparation, but all official applications, examinations, and license issuance procedures are handled by the prefectural driver’s license authorities.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure that:
You hold a valid foreign driver’s license.
You can prove that you stayed in the country that issued your license for a total of at least three months (90 days) after obtaining it.
You can provide the necessary identification, residential registration, and driving history documents.
You apply at the appropriate driver’s license center for your registered residence in Japan.
An International Driving Permit alone cannot be converted into a Japanese driver’s license.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
The following documents are generally required:
Valid original foreign driver’s license
Official Japanese translation of your foreign license, issued by an authorized organization such as JAF or another accepted translation provider
Current and previous passports showing your travel history
Resident Record (住民票 / Juminhyo) containing the required information, without My Number
Residence Card (在留カード) or other applicable identification
ID photograph (3.0 × 2.4 cm; quantity varies by prefecture)
Proof of driving-license issuance date and driving history, if required
Additional evidence of your stay in the issuing country, such as immigration records, employment certificates, or school records, if required
Application and examination fees
Glasses or contact lenses, if needed
Important: Document requirements depend on the issuing country, your license history, and your prefecture. Contact the license center before applying. Incomplete documents may delay or prevent your application.
3. Where and How to Apply
Tokyo (東京都) — Online Reservation Required
Examination centers: Fuchu and Samezu. Koto also accepts applications from holders of licenses issued by specified examination-exempt countries or regions.
Advance reservation is required for foreign-license conversion procedures.
Saitama (埼玉県) — Online Reservation Required
Examination center: Saitama Driver’s License Center, Konosu.
Book the initial document screening online before visiting. After successful screening, follow the center’s instructions to reserve the required examinations.
Chiba (千葉県) — Initial Document Screening
Examination center: Chiba Driver’s License Center, Mihama-ku, Chiba.
For ordinary-car foreign-license conversion, initial document screening currently does not require an advance reservation. Knowledge and practical examinations require reservations after screening.
Document screening reception: Weekdays, 8:30–9:00 a.m. or 1:00–1:30 p.m.
Kanagawa / Yokohama (神奈川県) — Advance Reservation Required
Examination center: Kanagawa Driver’s License Center, Futamatagawa, Yokohama.
Applicants must first arrange a document-screening appointment. The official procedure currently requires visiting Counter 12 to secure a reservation.
Reservation reception: Weekdays, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Other Prefectures in Japan
For students living in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Nagano, Yamanashi, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and other prefectures, the general process is similar.
Locate your prefectural police driver’s license examination center.
Check its 外国免許切替 (Gaimen Kirikae) application instructions.
Confirm whether document screening requires an online, telephone, or in-person reservation.
Prepare all required original documents and attend the screening.
Follow the center’s instructions for the knowledge and practical examinations.
Do not assume that every prefecture accepts walk-in applications. Reservation methods, examination schedules, accepted documents, and available languages vary.
4. Foreign License Conversion Examination Process
Step 1 — Document Screening (書類審査)
The license center examines your foreign license, driving history, identification, and eligibility. Additional documents or another visit may be required.
Step 2 — Knowledge Verification (知識確認)
Applicants who are not exempt must pass a written knowledge examination covering Japanese traffic laws and road safety.
Under the rules effective October 1, 2025, the examination consists of 50 questions, with at least 45 correct answers required to pass (90%).
Step 3 — Aptitude Examination (適性試験)
Complete the required eyesight and other applicable aptitude checks. The order of this step may vary by license center.
Step 4 — Practical Driving Verification (技能確認)
Applicants who are not exempt must demonstrate safe driving on the license center’s closed course.
The examination may include:
Vehicle preparation and safety checks
Starting, stopping, and proper lane positioning
Left and right turns
Intersections and pedestrian crossings
S-curves and crank sections
Obstacle avoidance and safety observation
Step 5 — Japanese Driver’s License Issuance
After passing all required examinations and completing the necessary procedures and payments, your Japanese driver’s license will be issued.
Some applicants holding licenses from designated countries or regions may be exempt from both knowledge and practical verification. The examination center determines whether an exemption applies.
5. How EDS Can Help You Prepare
EDS International Driving School provides practical driving lessons designed to help foreign-license conversion applicants understand Japanese road rules and prepare for the closed-course examination.
We recommend completing your initial document screening and confirming your examination requirements before scheduling your driving preparation.
Once your practical examination date is confirmed, book your lesson with EDS using our Online Booking system to check for availability.
Remember that driving experience overseas does not automatically guarantee success in the Japanese practical examination. Understanding Japanese traffic rules, correct observation procedures, and safe vehicle positioning is essential.
EDS International Driving School
Helping you prepare for your practical exam acquiring Japanese driver’s license.
Important: EDS cannot determine whether a foreign license is eligible for conversion or guarantee examination approval. Only the relevant driver’s license examination center can make that decision.
Information updated: November 2026. Procedures and requirements may change. Always confirm the latest official instructions before visiting your examination center.
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