Driving in Japan: How to Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License (Gaimen Kirikae Guide)

✨ Introduction

Planning to stay in Japan for more than a few months?
Whether you’re here for work, family, or long-term study, you’ll likely find yourself needing a driver’s license — especially if you want to explore areas outside the big cities.

The good news is: if you already have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you may be able to convert it to a Japanese one without going through an expensive and time-consuming driving school. This process is called Gaimen Kirikae (外国免許切替), or foreign license conversion.

But Japan’s licensing system can be confusing, and in October 2025, new rules will make the process even stricter. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — step by step — so you can get legally on the road in Japan with confidence.

💡 If you need help preparing your documents or navigating the process, our office offers full English-language support. Details at the end of this article.

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1. Who Can Drive in Japan with a Foreign License?

Before we get into license conversion, let’s quickly review who can drive in Japan and under what conditions.

Visa Status	How You Can Drive in Japan	Important Notes
Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor)	✅ International Driving Permit + Home Country License	Valid for up to 1 year — only if you don’t have a Residence Card
Work, Student, Spouse, or Other Long-Term Visa	❌ International Driving Permit not allowed ✅ Must apply for Gaimen Kirikae	As soon as you receive a Residence Card, IDP becomes invalid under Japanese law

Short-Term Visitors: Drive with an IDP

If you’re entering Japan on a Short-Term Stay visa (e.g., Tourist visa), and you hold a valid driver’s license from a country that is part of the 1949 Geneva Convention, you can legally drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

To be valid, your IDP must:

• Be issued in your home country before arriving in Japan
• Be carried together with your original driver’s license
• Be valid for up to 1 year, but only while you remain a temporary visitor

Important:
You cannot use an IDP if you hold a resident status (such as a Work Visa, Student Visa, Dependent Visa, etc.). Once you have a residence card, you’re no longer considered a temporary visitor, and must convert your license through Gaimen Kirikae.

Countries that issue valid IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention include:

🇺🇸 United States
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇨🇦 Canada
🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇵🇭 Philippines
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇮🇹 Italy
🇪🇸 Spain
🇳🇱 Netherlands
…and many more

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Long-Term Residents: You Must Convert Your License

If you’re living in Japan on a visa such as:

• Work visa (e.g. Engineer/Specialist In Humanities/International Services, Instructor, Skilled Labor, etc.)
• Student visa
• Spouse or Dependent visa
• Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident

…and if you wish to drive in Japan, you must convert your license or obtain a Japanese one.

Driving without a valid license after this period can result in:

• Fines or criminal charges
• Insurance becoming invalid
• Potential visa issues

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2. What Is Gaimen Kirikae?

Gaimen Kirikae (外免切替) is Japan’s official process for converting a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one.
If you’re eligible, it allows you to avoid going to driving school and instead complete a much shorter procedure — often just an interview, eyesight check, and in some cases, a short written or driving test.

Why It Matters

Getting a Japanese license through Gaimen Kirikae allows you to:

• Drive legally throughout Japan
• Buy or rent a car with no extra paperwork
• Get covered by Japanese car insurance
• Use it as valid ID in many situations
• Strengthen your case for permanent residency or job opportunities

It’s a highly practical move for anyone planning to stay in Japan long-term.
However, not everyone qualifies for a smooth, test-free conversion — and the rules are tightening in 2025.

In the next section, we’ll break down who is eligible, what documents are required, and how to complete the application.

3. Countries Eligible for Gaimen Kirikae (2025 Update)

Not every foreign license can be converted easily. Japan has different rules depending on where your license was issued.

The process is much simpler for some countries — while for others, you’ll need to take a written and practical driving test just like a first-time applicant.

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Countries Eligible for Simplified Conversion (No Written/Driving Test)

If you hold a valid driver’s license from one of the following countries or regions, you may be able to convert it to a Japanese license without a written or driving test.

Only a document screening, interview, and eye test are typically required.

Major countries include:

🇺🇸 United States (Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, and Washington)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇨🇦 Canada
🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇪🇸 Spain
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇳🇴 Norway
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇫🇮 Finland
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇹🇼 Taiwan
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
🇲🇴 Macao
🇮🇱 Israel
🇲🇨 Monaco
🇸🇬 Singapore

🇺🇸 Special Note for U.S. Licenses
While most U.S. state licenses require applicants to take both the written and practical driving tests in Japan, some exceptions exist.
As of 2025, the following states are often recognized for simplified conversion (test exemption) at certain license centers:
Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, and Washington
This varies by prefecture and may change, so always confirm with your local licensing office.

📌 This list is based on current recognition by the Japanese National Police Agency and may change. Always check with your local licensing center for the latest information.

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Important Eligibility Condition

Even if your license is from a recognized country, you must prove that:

• You lived in the country where your license was issued
• For at least 3 consecutive months after receiving the license

📝 For example, if you got your license in the UK but only stayed for 2 months before moving to Japan, you won’t qualify for simplified conversion.

Proof such as passport stamps, entry/exit records, or residency documents will be required.

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What If Your Country Isn’t on the List?

If your license is from a country not eligible for simplified conversion — such as many States in the USA, Philippines, India, China, or Brazil — you can still apply for Gaimen Kirikae, but you will need to pass:

• A written test (often available in many foreign languages)
• A practical driving test (on a closed course, similar to driving school exams)

The pass rate is relatively low for first-time takers, so preparation is key.

💡 Want to increase your chances? We offer private consulting and document review support for foreign license conversions. See our service options at the end.

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4. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have gathered all your documents, it’s time to begin the application process. While the overall steps are similar across Japan, the actual procedure may vary slightly depending on your local Driver’s License Center (運転免許試験場).

🔍 Tip: It’s best to apply in the prefecture where you currently reside. Your local police or city hall can confirm the appropriate center.

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Step 1: Gather All Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll typically need to bring when applying for Gaimen Kirikae:

Basic Documents

• Valid Passport (with immigration stamps showing residence history)
• Residence Card (在留カード)
• Certificate of Residence (住民票 / Juminhyo)
  → Must show your current address and nationality
• Foreign Driver’s License (must be valid)
• Official Japanese Translation of Your License
  → Can be obtained from JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or your embassy
• ID Photo (3cm x 2.4cm, taken within 6 months)

Additional Supporting Documents

• Proof you stayed in the license-issuing country for 3+ months after issuance
  (e.g., passport entry/exit records, visa stamps, rental agreements, school enrollment)
• If your license is in a non-Roman alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, etc.), additional documentation may be required

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Where to Get the Japanese Translation

There are only a few recognized places to get an official translation of your driver’s license:

1. JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
   – Cost: around ¥4,000
   – Can apply online or by mail
   – [JAF License Translation Info]
2. Your Embassy or Consulate in Japan
   – Not all embassies offer this, so check in advance
   – Turnaround and fees vary

🔍 Tip: Make sure your translation and all documents are 100% consistent (name spellings, dates, license numbers). Even small mismatches can lead to rejection.

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Step 2: Make an Appointment

Most license centers require advance reservations, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Others accept walk-ins on designated days.

Check the website of your local license center or call in advance. You may need:

• Basic Japanese skills
• Someone to assist you in Japanese
• A completed application form (available at the center or online)

💡 Don’t speak Japanese? Our team can assist you with advance coordination and appointment setup — see our support services at the end.

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Step 3: Submit Your Documents

On the day of your appointment:

1. Submit your documents to the reception counter
2. A staff member will review and verify your paperwork
3. You’ll be asked questions about your driving history — such as:
   • When and where you got your license
   • How long you lived in that country
   • How often you’ve driven recently
     (This is called a “simple interview” and may be done in Japanese or English, depending on the staff.)

If your documents are approved, you’ll move on to the next steps.

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Step 4: Vision Test

All applicants must take a basic eyesight test (similar to the one required for Japanese drivers).
You’ll be asked to identify the direction of openings in a circle (C-shaped character) on a screen.

✅ Wear glasses or contacts if needed — passing the test is mandatory.

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Step 5: Written and/or Practical Test (if required)

Whether you need to take these tests depends on your license-issuing country:

Written Test

• Typically 10 (50 from 2025 October) multiple-choice questions
• You must score at least 7 out of 10 (90% from October 2025 onward) to pass

Language Support for the Written Test

The written test for Gaimen Kirikae is available in Japanese and many foreign languages — especially in major prefectures like Tokyo and Osaka.

For example, Tokyo offers the test in over 20 languages, including:

• English
• Spanish
• Chinese
• Korean
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese
• Portuguese
• Persian
• Arabic
• Russian

✔️ Be sure to check with your local center to confirm which languages are available.

Driving Test

• Conducted on a closed driving course inside the license center grounds
• You’ll be evaluated on:
  • Signaling and mirror checks
  • Lane position and turning
  • Stops at crosswalks, rail crossings, etc.
  • Smooth braking and acceleration

⚠️ Most people fail on their first try — even experienced drivers.
The test is strict and unforgiving of minor mistakes.

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Step 6: Receive Your Japanese License

If you pass all required steps, congratulations!
You will receive your Japanese driver’s license on the same day (or be told when to come back to collect it, depending on the center).

Your license is valid for 3 to 5 years, depending on your age and driving history.

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5. Where to Apply

Here are examples of major license centers in Japan:

Tokyo

• Samezu Driver’s License Center (Shinagawa)
• Fuchu Driver’s License Center (West Tokyo)
• Kōtō Driver’s License Center (East Tokyo)
  – Koto accepts only applicants from 29 designated countries/states eligible for both written and driving test exemption.

Osaka

• Kadoma Driver’s License Center

Kanagawa

• Futamatagawa Driver’s License Center (Yokohama)

🗺️ You can search “[your prefecture name] 運転免許試験場” on Google or visit the National Police Agency’s website for more information.

6. Common Pitfalls and Tips

Even if you’re an experienced driver back home, converting your license in Japan is not always easy — especially if you’re required to take the written or driving test.

Here are some of the most common reasons people fail or get delayed, and how to avoid them.

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Missing or Incorrect Documents

“I brought everything… except the official translation.”

This is the most common issue. A missing photo, old translation, or incorrect residence certificate (Juminhyo) can ruin your application.

✅ Tip:
Double-check the required documents, and bring extra copies of everything — including your passport ID page, residence card, and license. Make sure names, addresses, and dates match across all documents.

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Failing the Written Test

“I didn’t realize the questions would be so detailed.”

If your country requires you to take the test, don’t underestimate it. The questions are often tricky — especially the 50-question version being introduced in 2025. Topics include:

• Right-of-way rules
• Road signs unique to Japan
• Unusual traffic scenarios (e.g. narrow roads, school zones)

✅ Tip:
Study in advance using practice quizzes or take an online course.

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Failing the Driving Test (技能試験)

“I didn’t signal early enough before turning.”

The practical driving test is notoriously difficult. It takes place on a closed course, where examiners look for:

• Early signaling and head checks
• Stopping before the white line at intersections
• Rolling stops or unclear lane positioning
• Missing minor checkpoints (e.g. pedestrian crossings)

Even small mistakes can lead to failure.

✅ Tip:
Practice with an instructor if possible, or at least watch sample test videos online to understand the flow.

We also recommend doing a dry run of the test course (some centers offer mock lessons). If you want a list of instructors who work with foreign applicants, contact us.

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Language Barrier at the Center

“I didn’t understand what they were asking me.”

While some centers have English-speaking staff, many do not. You may be asked to explain your driving history or fill out a form in Japanese.

✅ Tip:
Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter.
Alternatively, we can help you prepare by reviewing expected interview questions and giving you sample answers in both English and Japanese.

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Booking Delays or Long Wait Times

“I had to wait three months for a test slot.”

In large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, appointment slots for the driving test can fill up weeks or months in advance, especially during spring (new arrivals season).

✅ Tip:
Apply early. As soon as you arrive in Japan or know you’ll need to convert, start gathering documents and make a reservation.

We also recommend checking less crowded centers in neighboring prefectures — sometimes availability is better.

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Final Tip: Don’t Try to Rush It

The Gaimen Kirikae process is important — not just legally, but also for your safety. Treat it with care, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t pass the test on your first try.

Many people fail once or twice. What matters is being prepared.

🛠️ Need help? We offer personalized support for preparing your documents, practicing for the test, or navigating Japanese-language paperwork.
Scroll down for our service options and pricing.

7. Gaimen Kirikae Rule Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to convert your foreign driver’s license in Japan, there’s one more reason to act sooner rather than later:

Major changes to the Gaimen Kirikae system will take effect in October 2025.

Starting in 2025, Japan is tightening the process for converting a foreign driver’s license (Gaimen Kirikae), particularly for applicants from non-exempt countries.

Why? One of the main reasons is a rising number of traffic accidents involving foreign drivers. According to official data:

• The accident rate for resident foreign drivers is about 4 times higher than that of Japanese drivers.
• For visiting foreign tourists using rental cars, the accident rate is even more concerning — approximately 5.5 times higher than that of local drivers.

These figures come from government-backed research and reflect challenges like unfamiliar traffic rules, left-side driving, and language barriers.

As a result, from 2025 onward, you can expect:

• Stricter driving exams, including more comprehensive written and practical tests
• Closer verification of documentation, including proof of experience in your home country
• Longer wait times and stricter interview procedures in some prefectures

The government’s goal is not to make the process more difficult for the sake of it — but to ensure road safety for everyone in Japan.

Here’s what’s changing:

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Written Test: More Questions, Higher Standards

If you’re required to take the written exam, brace yourself.

What’s changing:

• The number of questions will increase from 10 to 50
• The passing score will rise from 70% to 90%
• Questions will include more “real-life hazard awareness” topics

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Practical Driving Test: Stricter Evaluation

Driving test examiners will now more strictly evaluate:

• Lane discipline
• Mirror and shoulder checks
• Behavior at crosswalks and railroad crossings
• Timing and clarity of turn signals
• Smooth braking and judgment at intersections

Even minor mistakes like signaling too late or not stopping fully at a stop sign could result in automatic failure.

💡 Want to see what the driving test looks like?
We’re currently developing an English-language video walkthrough — sign up for our newsletter to be notified when it’s live.

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Residency Certificate (住民票) Required for Everyone

Another major change: all applicants — including those from countries with simplified conversion — will be required to submit a Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) that clearly shows:

• Your nationality
• Your current address in Japan
• Your residence status

This means short-term visitors will no longer be eligible to apply for a license conversion, even if they technically qualify under other criteria.

📌 If you’re in Japan on a tourist visa, you won’t be able to apply unless you become a legal resident.

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Why You Should Apply Before October 2025

If you’re already eligible to convert your license — or will be soon — we strongly recommend starting the process before the new rules take effect.

• You’ll face simpler tests
• You may avoid the stricter documentation checks
• Appointment slots will likely become more competitive as the deadline approaches

🚀 Need help getting your documents in order quickly?
We offer express consulting packages to help you prepare your application before the rule changes.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common questions people ask when converting their foreign driver’s license in Japan.

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❓ Can tourists apply for Gaimen Kirikae?

No.
To convert your license, you must have residency status in Japan and provide a Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo).
Tourists and short-term visitors are not eligible.

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❓ Do I have to take the driving test?

It depends on your license-issuing country.

• If your license is from a country recognized for simplified conversion, you’ll usually only need to take a vision test.
• If not, you’ll need to take both the written and practical driving test.

📋 Check our country list earlier in this article to see if you’re eligible for simplified conversion.

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❓ Can I take the test in English?

The written test may be available in English at some locations, but this varies by prefecture.
We recommend preparing with English-language materials and practicing key Japanese phrases beforehand.

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❓ Can I Practice on the Course Before the Real Test?

Yes — most driving centers in Japan allow you to book practice sessions on the actual driving course where the exam will take place.

• Practice is usually done with an instructor from the center (fees apply).
• You must reserve in advance, either online or by phone (in Japanese).
• Practicing helps you get familiar with the exact curves, stop lines, and rules of the course.

🔸 Highly recommended, especially for countries that require the full driving test (e.g. Philippines, India, China, etc.).

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❓ What if I lost my original license?

You cannot apply for conversion without your original driver’s license from your home country.
If you’ve lost it, you’ll need to reissue it in your home country or through your embassy first.

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❓ How long does the whole process take?

This depends on your local center and whether a driving test is required.

• For simple cases: 1–2 weeks (appointment + vision test + issuance)
• For full testing: several weeks to months, depending on test availability and pass rate

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❓ Can I get help with this process?

Yes!
At Tanabe Immigration Office, we offer:

• Document preparation and translation review
• Guidance on how to pass the written and driving tests
• Support communicating with licensing centers (in Japanese)
• Optional in-person accompaniment (Tokyo area only)

Scroll down to see our support plans and pricing.

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Need Help with Your Gaimen Kirikae Application?

If you’re unsure about the documents, nervous about the driving test, or just want to make the process as smooth as possible — we’re here to help.

Our Gaimen Kirikae Support Services

Service	Description	Price (JPY)
Document Check & Zoom Consultation	60-minute online session to review eligibility, documents, and strategy	¥15,000
Full Document Preparation	We prepare and double-check all forms and translations before submission	¥30,000
In-Person Support (Tokyo)	Accompaniment to the license center with interpretation	¥50,000 + transport
Premium Package	Full support + follow-up + priority assistance	Contact us for pricing

Gaimen Kirikae can feel overwhelming — especially with the 2025 changes on the horizon — but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.

We offer full English-language support — from document preparation to test-day guidance.

👉 Book a Zoom consultationand get hands-on assistance today.