【Living in Japan】Converting Driver's License

You cannot drive in Japan by having a foreign driver's license. There are several ways to drive in Japan, but this time we will explain to you how to convert your foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license. Get your driver's license and let's enjoy life in Japan!

If you have been living in Japan for less than a year, check out this column！

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■ How to convert the license
In order to convert to a Japanese driver's license, you have to pass two tests.
・ 知識確認（ちしき かくにん）ーKnowledge Test : It is a test about your driving knowledge.
・技能確認（ぎのう かくにん）ーSkill Test : It is a test to drive a car.
Then, your license will be converted to a Japanese driver's license

‐ Requirements to convert the license
In addition to passing the test, you have to fulfill the following requirements.
・Valid foreign driver's license (not expired) 
・Have been in the country where your driver's license is issued for more than 3 months
・Valid Japanese visa (not expired) 
・Residence certificate

‐ Countries/regions where the tests are exempted
The following countries are exempted from knowledge and skill tests.

＜The countries that are exempted from both knowledge and skill tests＞
Iceland, Ireland, United States (Ohio, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington only), United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Austria, Netherlands, Canada, South Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Monaco, Luxembourg, Taiwan

＜The countries that are exempted from skill tests only＞
United States (Indiana only)

 

■ Locations and reservation date and time to convert the license
There are fixed times and locations where you can convert your license..
Reservations may be required, so please check before proceeding.

‐ Locations to convert the license
You can convert your license at the driver's license examination center in the prefecture where you live.
You can check from the website of the prefectural police station.

Example) If you live in Tokyo
・府中（ふちゅう）ーFuchu Driver's License Examination Center
・鮫洲（さめず）ーSamezu Driver's License Examination Center
・江東（こうとう）ーKoto Driver's License Examination Center

‐ Reservation Date
There are many places that are only available on weekdays, but it differs depending on the test site.
In many cases, reservations are not available on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the year-end and New Year holidays.

Example) If you live in Tokyo
Weekdays only

‐ Reservation Time
Reception time vary depending on the test site.

Example) If you live in Tokyo
8: 30AM ~ 15: 00PM
(Reservations are not available from 11:00 AM ~ 13:00 PM)
※If the capacity is exceeded, you may not be able to take the test on that day. Also, if there are many people taking the test, you may have to wait for a long time, so get to the test site early.

 

■ Imprtant things to convert your license
In addition to the basic items listed below, there are other things you may need depending on your nationality. Make sure to do your research before going to the test site.

‐ What to bring
・ Foreign driver's license
・Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license
・Proof that you have stayed in the country where you obtained the license for more than 3 months (passport, etc.)
・Photo for application (length 3 cm, width 2.4 cm)）

＜Those who have an address in Japan＞
・Residence Certificate  ※copy is not allowed

＜Those who don't have an address in Japan＞
・ ID card (passport, etc.)
・Proof of the place where you live

‐ Fee
Fees vary depending on the type of license.

・ Ordinary car 2,550 yen
・ Scooter bike 1,500 yen
・Large, medium, semi-medium (trucks, etc.) 4,100 yen
・ Others 2,600 yen
＋ Administration Fee 2,250 yen
    (As of September 2023)

※Fees may vary depending on the area

 

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★YOLO QUIZ★

Q：What do you need to bring when converting your driver's license to a Japanese driver's license ?

① Japanese Language Test Result
② Your car
③ Residence Certificate

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③ Residence Certificate
You can get the residence certificate at the city office in the area where you live.
Also, if you cannot speak Japanese, please go to the test site with an interpreter.

For non-Japanese living in Japan, let's get a driver's license!
"YOLO DRIVE" starts 🚙
✅ The website is available in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese
✅ You will be introduced to driving school that supports foreign languages!
✅ You will be supported by foreign language staff!

Click here for details ↓
YOLO DRIVE

 

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