Foreign License Conversion in Japan: Gaimen Kirikae Guide
A current 2026 guide to converting a foreign driving licence in Japan, including eligibility, documents, the 50-question knowledge check, practical test and JAF translation.
Read guide →Independent guide for foreigners in Japan
Get licensed. Stay legal. Pass with confidence.
Practical 2026 guidance for foreign licence conversion, new licences, driving schools, renewals and replacements—plus 610 multilingual practice questions.
Start here
Most useful licence guides
Original summaries built from official police and recognised automotive sources, with clear warnings where prefectural rules differ.
Gaimen Kirikae Written Test: 50-Question Study Guide
Prepare for Japan’s current foreign licence conversion knowledge check: 50 questions, 45 correct to pass, key topics, study plan and free practice tests.
Read guide →How to Get a Japanese Driving Licence From Scratch
How to obtain a Japanese driving licence without converting a foreign licence: driving school and direct-test routes, learner permit, final exam, time and costs.
Read guide →Driving School vs Direct Test in Japan
Compare Japan’s designated driving school route with direct licence-centre testing, including costs, time, practical-test risk and who each route suits.
Read guide →How to Renew a Japanese Driving Licence
A practical guide to renewing a Japanese driving licence, including the two-month renewal window, booking, course categories, fees and My Number licence options.
Read guide →Lost or Stolen Japanese Driving Licence: Replacement Guide
What to do when a Japanese driving licence is lost, stolen, damaged or unreadable, including reissue steps, documents, fees and My Number licence cases.
Read guide →A simple path
From question to next step
Choose your route
Convert a valid foreign licence, attend driving school, or take direct examinations.
Prepare documents
Get your translation, residence certificate and proof of licence history early.
Learn the rules
Study signs, pedestrian priority, crossings, lane use and Japanese test wording.
Book and apply
Use the licence centre responsible for your registered address and confirm current fees.
Free Learner’s Permit and Final Exam practice
English, Urdu, Hindi, Chinese and Japanese. Explanations, figures, progress tracking and weak-area review.