How to Convert Your Western Driver’s License to a Japanese License

If you are planning to drive in Japan, you may need to convert your western driver’s license to a Japanese one. Depending on the country where your license was issued, the process may vary in terms of the documents, tests, and fees required. In this post, I will outline the general steps and tips on how to convert your western driver’s license to a Japanese license.

Step 1: Get your license translated into Japanese

If you are planning to drive in Japan with a foreign driver’s license, you will need to get a Japanese translation of your license from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

JAF is the official organization that provides this service, and you can apply online or in person at a JAF branch office. The translation form is called Gaimen Kirikae application, and it costs 3,000 yen.

You will need to upload a clear image of the front and back of your license, and wait for about a week for the translation to be ready. You can choose to have the translation mailed to you or pick it up at a convenience store using an online printing service.

JAF can translate licenses from all countries, but in some cases, you may also need to provide a certificate in English from your country’s authorities or embassy in Japan. This applies to licenses written in non-Latin alphabets (except Arabic, Korean, Thai, Lao, Burmese, and Russian) or licenses with unclear descriptions.

Please contact JAF in advance if you have any questions about the translation process. You can find more information and apply for a Japanese translation on the Japanese Translation of Foreign License site.

Step 2: Prepare all the necessary documents

Next, you need to gather all the documents that you will need to submit at the Driver’s License Testing and Issuing Center. These include:

• Your original driver’s license and its Japanese translation
• Your passport and residence card
• A certificate of residence (juminhyo) from your local city hall
• A photo (3 cm x 2.4 cm) taken within the past six months
• An application form (available at the center)

Depending on the country where your license was issued, you may also need to provide additional documents, such as a driver’s record, an official receipt, or a certificate from your embassy or consulate.

You can check the specific requirements for you country on the National Police Agency's website or contact the Driver’s License Testing and Issuing Center beforehand.

Step 3: Take an aptitude (hearing and eyesight) test

Once you have all the documents ready, you can go to the Driver’s License Testing and Issuing Center to apply for the conversion.

You can choose from three centers in Tokyo: Fuchu, Samezu, or Koto. The centers are open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (closed between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.). You may need to bring an interpreter if you don’t speak Japanese.

At the center, you will first take a simple aptitude test, which consists of checking your hearing and eyesight. You will also have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned.

Step 4: Take a written test to assess your knowledge of traffic rules

Next, you will take a written test to assess your knowledge of traffic rules in Japan.

The test consists of 10 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 7 out of 10 to pass.

The test is available in English and other languages, and you can use a booklet with the questions and answers to study beforehand.

The test is not very difficult, but you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules and signs in Japan.

Step 5: Take a practical driving test

The final and most challenging step is to take a practical driving test on a closed course.

The test is designed to evaluate your driving skills and ability to follow the traffic rules in Japan. The test lasts about 10 minutes, and you need to drive through various scenarios, such as turning, parking, changing lanes, and stopping at signals.

You will be accompanied by an examiner who will give you instructions and mark your performance.

The difficulty of the test depends on the country where your license was issued.

If your license was issued by one of the 30 countries and regions that have a reciprocal agreement with Japan, you are exempt from taking the test.

If your license was issued by the state of Indiana in the USA, you only need to take a simplified test. If your license was issued by any other country or region, you need to take the full test.

The test is notorious for its strictness and low pass rate. Many people fail the test multiple times before they succeed.

To increase your chances of passing, you should practice driving on the course beforehand, either by yourself or with a driving school. You should also pay attention to the details, such as checking the mirrors, signaling, and keeping a safe distance.

Step 6: Receive your Japanese driving license

If you pass all the tests, you will receive your Japanese driving license on the same day. You will need to pay a fee of 2,050 yen for the issuance, and 200 yen for each vehicle category on your license.

You will also need to surrender your original driver’s license, which will be returned to the authorities in your country. You can request a copy of your license for a fee of 600 yen.

Congratulations, you have successfully converted your western driver’s license to a Japanese one! You can now enjoy driving in Japan legally and safely. Just remember to follow the traffic rules, renew your license every few years, and have fun on the road!