How to Convert Your Foreign Driver's License to a Driver License in Japan

"Can I drive in Japan with my foreign driver’s license?" "How do I drive legally in Japan?"
This article explains in simple English how foreign residents with work visas can drive in Japan.

You'll learn how to convert your license, what documents you need, which countries are exempt from tests, and where to complete the process.

We’ll also introduce YOLO DRIVE, a support service for foreign drivers, and driver jobs available through YOLO JAPAN.

Read on to enjoy more freedom and convenience in your life in Japan!

 

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Contents

1. You Cannot Drive in Japan with Just a Foreign License
2. Two Ways to Drive in Japan
3. How to Convert a Foreign License to a Japanese One
4. Conditions for License Conversion
5. Required Documents and Fees
6. Where and When to Apply
7. Support from YOLO JAPAN (YOLO DRIVE)
8. Looking for Driving Jobs in Japan?

 

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1. You Cannot Drive in Japan with Just a Foreign License

Even if you have a foreign driver's license, you cannot legally drive in Japan with that license alone.
To drive in Japan, you need a license that meets Japanese regulations.

There are a few ways to drive legally in Japan, but many people choose to convert their home country’s license to a Japanese license.
We will now explain how to do that in detail.

※ If you are staying in Japan for less than one year, please also check this article.

2. Two Ways to Drive in Japan

Foreign residents in Japan have two main options for driving legally.

① Convert Your Foreign License to a Japanese License

This method is recommended for those who plan to live in Japan long-term.
You can use your current driver’s license to apply for a Japanese license.

In many cases, you will need to take tests (knowledge and driving). However, some countries are exempt from testing.
We will explain more details in the next section.

② Use an International Driving Permit (IDP)

If you are staying in Japan for less than one year, you may be able to drive using an International Driving Permit.
However, this option is limited by time and not suitable for long-term residents.

For more information about using an IDP, see this article.

3. How to Convert a Foreign License to a Japanese One

To convert your foreign driver’s license to a Japanese license, you’ll need to follow several steps.
The first step is to pass required tests.

● Test Requirements

In Japan, there are two main tests:

・Knowledge Test: Exam on traffic rules and road signs
・Driving Test: Practical driving skills test

After passing both tests, you can complete the official license conversion process.

● Countries/Regions Exempt from Tests

If you have a license from one of the following countries or regions, you may be exempt from part or all of the tests.

<Countries/Regions Exempt from Both Knowledge and Driving Tests>
Iceland, Ireland, United States (Ohio, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington), 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

<Country Exempt from Driving Test Only>
United States (Indiana only)

※ Even if your country is on the exemption list, you may still need to submit documents and have a simple interview.
Be sure to check in advance whether your license qualifies for exemption.

4. Conditions for License Conversion

In addition to passing the tests, you must meet several requirements to convert your foreign license to a Japanese one.

● Requirements Related to Your License

・Your foreign driver’s license must be valid (not expired)
・You must have stayed in the country that issued the license for at least 3 months

● Requirements Related to Your Stay in Japan

・Your visa must still be valid
・You must have a residence certificate (juminhyo) in Japan

If you do not meet these conditions, you may not be allowed to complete the conversion.
Please check your situation carefully before starting the procedure.

5. Required Documents and Fees

To convert your license, you’ll need to prepare several documents and pay the required fees.
The required items may vary depending on your country and visa type.

● Basic Documents

・Your original foreign driver’s license
・An official Japanese translation of your license (issued by JAF or others)
・A document showing you stayed in the issuing country for at least 3 months (e.g. passport with stamps)
・A photo (3 cm × 2.4 cm)

For those with an address in Japan:
Residence certificate (juminhyo) – photocopies not accepted

For those without an address in Japan:
・Passport or other ID
・A document showing where you are currently staying

Note: Requirements may vary by region.
Always check the website of the licensing center in your area before going.

● Fees

The fee depends on the type of license.

・Ordinary car license: ¥2,550
・Moped license: ¥1,500
・Large/medium/semi-medium vehicles (e.g. trucks): ¥4,100
・Other types: ¥2,600

＋Administrative fee: ¥2,250
(*As of September 2023. Fees may vary by region.)

6. Where and When to Apply

License conversion must be done at a driver’s license examination center in the prefecture where you live.
In some cases, advance reservations may be required.

● Where to Apply

You need to go to a driver’s license examination center in your area.
Check the details on your prefectural police website.

● Days You Can Apply

Most centers are open only on weekdays.
They are usually closed on weekends, national holidays, and New Year holidays, so check in advance.

● Reception Hours

Reception hours vary by location.

In addition, there is often a daily limit on the number of applicants.
If the center is crowded, you may have to wait a long time or may not be able to apply that day.
We recommend going early in the day.

7. Support from YOLO JAPAN (YOLO DRIVE)

“I'm nervous about converting my license alone…”
YOLO DRIVE is here to help foreigners who need support with the license conversion process in Japan.

What YOLO DRIVE Offers

・A website available in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese
・Introductions to driving schools that accept foreign languages
・Support from multilingual staff

Even if it’s your first time, YOLO DRIVE makes it easy and stress-free to start driving in Japan.
Learn more here:
See YOLO DRIVE Service

8. Looking for Driving Jobs in Japan?

“Do you love driving?” “Want to work as a driver in Japan?”
If so, we recommend checking out the YOLO JAPAN Driver Job Listings.

Many Driving Jobs Available!

・Taxi and delivery jobs
・Pick-up drivers and truck drivers
・Find jobs that match your Japanese level and license type

If you're looking for jobs for foreigners in Japan, register with YOLO JAPAN for free!
No resume needed. With our Scout feature, jobs will come to you.