• usually this requires a long process like staying onsite at a driving school for 2 weeks
  • this can cost a few grand (USD), and is a valuable chunk of time, but this is the typical way
• otherwise, it’s possible to do a foreign conversion of your license if you have an existing one, and apply to take the driving test at a center (that you are registered to live in)
  • for some countries + states, it is possible to do an automatic conversion without taking an official test

foreign conversion

• call the drivers license center in your region to schedule a test (you’ll need to speak japanese to do so)
• then, you need to prepare some paperwork, including a translation of your license to japanese. then visit your local driver’s license center and apply in person. if your documents* got accepted, you will get appointment for a driving test
  • 1-You need to get a 住民票 (residence certificate) issued within 3 month, from your city/ward office. Please confirm that it shows your nationality
  • 2-your original valid foreign license, and it’s JAF translation
  • 3-your zairyu residence card
  • 4-your current valid passport
  • 5-A small photo 3x 2.4 cm (can be taken at the driving center photo booth)
  • *documents may vary per office / prefecture, so make sure you check with them beforehand before arriving at your appointment. your eligibility may also depend on these following questions:
    • When did you become a resident of Japan?
    • Did you move to Japan from the US or from a third country?
    • What’s the date of issue of your current valid passport?
    • Do you have your previous passport with you here in Japan?
    • Have you lived in the USA for 90 days after the date of issue of your license?
• there are 3 tests that you need to pass successfully to get a license; they are:
  • eye exam
  • written exam
  • technical driving exam
• the technical driving exam is hardest by far, and many foreigners will fail 5-6 times before passing. there’s specific things that the test instructor looks for, like seeing if you check the wheels of the car before examination. essentially the test starts before you even start the engine

  • would highly recommend scheduling multiple practice tests beforehand to get acquainted with the same course that you will be taking on your test. you may be able to ask the driving school to schedule a practice for a fee; for me, i had to send them a copy of my successful application to the driver’s license center before they successfully allowed me to schedule a test

  • this is an example of the driving course:

    

  • i’ve heard that for some centers, they make you memorize the entire test, and won’t give you instructions for where to turn. regardless, it’s definitely helpful to get familiar with the track at your center