Convert Driver's License to Japanese: Gaimen Kirikae

Driving in Japan can open up new travel destinations and career paths. If you hold a valid driver's license from your home country, you can convert it to a Japanese license through a process called "Gaimen Kirikae" (Foreign License Conversion). This process bypasses the need to attend an expensive Japanese driving school, saving you thousands of dollars. However, the conversion process is notoriously detail-oriented and requires careful preparation. Here is your comprehensive step-by-step guide to converting your foreign driver's license.

Quick-Reference: Document Checklist for License Conversion

Make sure you have all these documents ready before visiting the licensing center:

Document Required	Details / Requirements	Where to Obtain
Valid Foreign License	Must be active; expired licenses cannot be converted	Your home country authority
Official Japanese Translation	Must be translated by JAF or your embassy	Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
Passport(s)	Used to verify your entry/exit stamps and stay duration	Your country's government
Resident Certificate (Juminhyo)	Must show your registered address and nationality	Be Belediye/Şehir Ofisi (Kuyakusho/Shiyakusho)
Residence Card (Zairyu Card)	Your physical ID in Japan	Immigration Services Agency
Application Photo	3cm x 2.4cm (taken within last 6 months)	Photo booths at license centers or train stations

1. The 3-Month Rule (Crucial Requirement)

To convert your license, you must prove that you stayed in the country where your license was issued for at least three months (90 days) after obtaining it. If you cannot prove this, your application will be rejected.

Pro Tip: Gather old passports, university transcripts, utility bills, or tax returns to prove your physical stay if your current passport does not show clear exit/entry stamps for that three-month period.

2. Getting Your License Translated

A simple translation by a friend or online tool is not accepted. Your foreign driver's license must be translated by either the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or your national embassy in Japan. The JAF translation service is fast, costs approximately 4,000 JPY, and can be applied for online or in person.

For official JAF translation applications and international driving guidelines, visit the official website of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

3. The Conversion Tests at the License Center

Unless you are from an exempted country (like the UK, Australia, Canada, or EU nations), you will need to pass both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test:

Aptitude Test: A simple physical test covering vision, color blindness, and hearing.
Written Test: A short test (usually 10 true/false questions in English or other languages) based on basic Japanese road rules. You need a score of 7 out of 10 to pass.
Practical Driving Test: A highly structured test conducted on an indoor course at the licensing center. You must perform specific maneuvers (S-curve, crank turn, blind spot checks) exactly as the examiner expects.

4. Locate Your Driver's License Center with yuzu.help

Driver's license centers (Unten Menkyo Senter) are usually located on the outskirts of major cities. You can find the nearest license center and plan your public transit route using the yuzu.help Neighborhood Map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the pass rate for the practical driving test in Japan?

The first-attempt pass rate for the practical test can be as low as 20% to 30%. Most applicants pass on their second or third try once they learn the specific course maneuvers.

Q: How much does it cost to convert a foreign license to a Japanese license?

The total cost is around 8,000 to 10,000 JPY, which includes the JAF translation fee (4,000 JPY), application fee (approx. 2,550 JPY), and the license issuance fee (approx. 2,050 JPY).

Q: Do I need an appointment for the driver's license center?

In many prefectures (like Tokyo and Kanagawa), you must book an appointment in advance for the initial document screening. Check your local police website for rules.

Q: Which countries are exempt from the practical driving test in Japan?

Exempt countries include the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Canada (except some provinces), South Korea, and several others that have bilateral agreements with Japan.

Q: Can I convert my license if it has already expired?

No. You cannot convert an expired foreign driver's license. It must be active and valid at the time of your application at the license center.

Q: How do I prove the 3-month stay requirement if my passport wasn't stamped?

You can use official employment records, tax payments, university academic transcripts, or utility bills from that country covering the three-month period.

Q: Can I take the written road rules test in English?

Yes. The written test is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, and several other languages depending on the prefecture.

Q: What happens if I fail the practical driving test?

If you fail, you will have to book another test date and pay a re-test fee (approx. 2,550 JPY). The examiner will give you feedback on your mistakes.