Converting foreign driving license to a Japanese one

Converting your home country license to a Japan driving license (called Gaeman Kirikae) could be a daunting task as the information is highly scattered and people don't know where to start. If had to go through the process again, I probably wouldn't want to do it, even though I got mine in the first attempt. For people like me, I have put together this guide to help you navigate the process.

STEP 1: Getting the translation

There are multiple organisations that issue the translation for your home country license. I got mine from JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). A Japanese translation is 4,000 yen and a Chinese translation is 4,400 yen. Since it's quite expensive to get the translation done, please make sure kickstart the application process as soon as you receive the translated version. The translated copy can either be mailed or you can print it in nearby 7-Eleven for 20 Yen I think. The instructions will be sent through an email once the translation is available. This is how the document looks like:



STEP 2: Arranging the necessary documents

To apply for Gaimen Kirikae, the following two conditions must be met. 1.The foreign driver's license must be valid (expired licenses cannot be switched). 2.The applicant must be able to prove that he or she stayed in the issuing country for at least three months in total after obtaining the license.

STEP 3: Submitting the documents

There are only 2 centres that access the license conversion application: Fuchu - western outskirts of the city (map) and Samezu - closer to the city (map). As you can see from the map, Samezu is quite convenient and maybe that's why it's usually crowded. 

If you decide to go to Fuchu, please make sure you follow the bus/train instructions. That area is fairly isolated and it's difficult to find cabs.

Some tips to remember:

  • There is a long time for conversion and the slots are limited (at least this was the case in Samezu). So depending on where you live, please reach at the earliest. On the first day I reached at 8:20am and they stopped taking applications a few mins later. Next day I reached at 6:20am and there were at least 20 people in front of me.
  • Take a translator with you at least on the first day of documents submission. There were two Chinese men who wanted to use Google Translate, and they were asked to step aside. You can also ask people who are in the line if they can act as your translator. Usually the officer taking your documents asks questions about your license from your home country e.g. how long was the training (in India the learner's license is for 6 months so that's what I mentioned). However, if you have taken any classes, they might wanna ask those details.
  • Read the documents they provide very carefully as some useful tips are contained in those documents. Especially the driving course details and how you should look at the rear-view and side-view mirror. There will also be a card that you're suppore
STEP 4: Taking the driving test

As of June 2024, the waiting period for driving test after you successfully submit all the documents, pass the written test and the medical examination, is around 2 months. However, there are chances sometimes that you could get an earlier exam date. I, for example, passed all my tests/submitted the documents at Samezu on Friday and got a slot for Monday. 

Some videos that can help you get familiar with the test:








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