Apr 01, 2021
Converting your Foreign License to a Japanese Driver’s License
Each prefecture in Japan has different rules and requirements for driver licensing. For the most accurate information, please contact the licensing center in your area directly.
Foreign license conversion in Japan can be divided generally into two groups, depending on what country issued the foreign license.
Please note that this article may or may not be fully updated, but it should be generally correct. If you want the most updated information on this topic, you should jump right now to https://leasejapan.com/en/license-conversion/. That site will be fully updated basically all the time.
Group 1 – Convert Directly to a Japanese License (JDL)
The first group includes license holders able to convert their foreign licenses directly to a Japanese license. For this group, conversion is a shorter bureaucratic paperwork process that takes a couple of weeks and one to two visits to the License Center. If your license was issued in one of these countries/places;
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaii (USA), Maryland (USA), Virginia (USA), Washington (USA ), Ohio (USA). See lease japan.com for most updated version.
If the license is valid (not expired, etc.), and you can prove residency in that country for a minimum of 3 months after license issuance, you are not required to take either the written test or road test to convert your license.
Group 2 – Cannot Convert Directly to a JDL
The second group includes license holders who require both a written and a driving test in order to get a Japanese driver’s license.
Valid foreign license holders from countries not listed above who can prove a minimum of 3 months residency in the country that issued the license, after it was issued, may be allowed to convert their license only after filing paperwork, taking a short written test, and passing a driving test on an enclosed course at the Testing Center in your prefecture.
Now that you have determined what group you are in, let’s take a look at the process using this flowchart:
Now that you have the overall picture let’s go a little deeper.
Step 1: Official Translation of your Foreign Driver’s License
To start the process, both groups of license holders need to obtain an official translation of their foreign driver’s license from an approved source. This is most commonly done through the Japan Auto Federation (JAF). We can coordinate this translation for you as part of our paid services. If you are interested in purchasing this or any of our other services, please see our website.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
After you obtain your official translation, you must go to the Licensing Center that serves your area with at least the following (each area has slightly different requirements and procedures):
Required Documents
- Valid foreign driver’s license – and previous licenses, if you have them; if the license does not show the date of issue, or if you recently renewed the license, it may be necessary to submit additional documentation.
- Japanese translation of foreign license– available from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or (sometimes) at the embassy or consulate of the issuing country in Japan
- Resident certificate (Jūminhyō) – required at some License Centers
- Passport – and any expired passports; the passport is required to prove that you were in the country that issued your license for at least three months after you obtained your license
- Photo – one photo, 3 x 2.4 cm; must be taken within the last six months
- Previous Japanese license (if you have one)
Step 3: Applying at the Driver’s License Center
The application procedure at each License Center varies, but they all inspect your documents to make sure that you have lived in the country that issued your license for at least three months after your license was issued and that all of your documentation is up-to-date and complete. There may be other steps required. Contact your local center for information!
Step 4: Eye Test
Standard eye test; you should point in the direction that the arrow is pointing (your local center may be different but probably not). Once you pass the eye exam:
- If you are in group one, you will usually receive your license that day, and you will be finished.
- If you are in group two, you will take the written test once you pass the eye exam. Carry on!
Step 5: Written Test
The written test for license conversion is much simpler than the test given to people getting their first license. The test itself is available in English; however, the instruction session prior to the test will most likely be Japanese. The main point of the Japanese explanation to understand is that in Japan, X means false and O means true and that when you have completed the test, you may leave the room (again, your local center may be different). The best way to study for the test is to read the Japan Auto Federations book, in English, “Rules of the Road.”
Read more about the written test, or take a practice test here
Step 4: The Driving Test
Once you pass the eye exam and written test, you will be scheduled for your driving test. The test is not usually given on the same day you apply; you will probably have to come back to the testing center. Most likely, it will be a testing block period rather than a specific time. You may be able to change this schedule on the spot or over the phone later. You will usually also receive a map of the driving course, which you will be required to drive from memory on test day. If the chance is offered, take the opportunity to walk the driving course before you leave, it will help you to memorize it.
Read more about the driving test here.
If you do not speak Japanese, it may be difficult to get through these steps, and but not impossible. Most centers require that you bring someone with you who can speak Japanese.
Depending on the driving center, you may be required to pay an additional car rental fee. Be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting. When your turn comes, you will be required to get in the car and drive the prescribed course with an examiner, who will speak only in Japanese. It is necessary to memorize all the turns and elements of the course in advance as you will not receive instructions from the proctor.
If you make a “major” mistake, you will fail on the spot. Whether or not you passed, they will instruct you to go inside and wait for the results with the other test-takers. If you were not successful, you’ll be given a paper with your next scheduled opportunity to try again. If you are successful, you should receive your new license that day. This will entail paying more fees, getting your picture taken, and filling out forms.
Read more about taking the driving test, or see our guide to common street signs in Japan here.
Ray Proper editor
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