Starting October 1, 2025, Japan will implement major changes to the process of foreign driver’s license conversion (Gaimen Kirikae 外免切替). These reforms are designed to ensure road safety and prevent misuse of the system by short-term visitors.
If you are a foreign resident driving in Japan or planning to move here, it’s important to understand the new requirements.
Key Changes at a Glance
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Tourists no longer eligible
From October, foreign tourists and other short-term visitors will not be able to apply for a license conversion. Applicants must now submit a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Juminhyo) as proof of legal residence in Japan. In other words, Japan tourist driving rules 2025 will exclude tourists from this process. -
Stricter written test
The current 10-question true/false exam will be replaced with a 50-question test. Applicants must achieve a 90% pass rate (at least 45 correct answers) to succeed. This change has raised concerns among those searching for how to convert a foreign driver’s license in Japan, as the new standard is far more demanding. -
Tougher driving skills test
The practical driving test (skills confirmation) will include new items such as pedestrian crossings and railway crossings. Mistakes like failing to signal or incorrect turning methods will be judged more strictly, similar to exams for new drivers. -
Effective date
All new rules will take effect October 1, 2025. Applications reviewed on or after that date will follow the stricter standards, regardless of booking date.
Who Will Be Affected?
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Short-term visitors / tourists
→ Not eligible for license conversion. If you are staying in Japan temporarily, you must rely on an International Driving Permit (IDP) or other alternatives. -
Foreign residents in Japan (with Juminhyo)
→ You can still apply, but expect much harder tests. Careful preparation will be essential. -
Japanese nationals returning from abroad
→ Still eligible, but must submit a koseki (family registry certificate) or other required documents instead of a Juminhyo. -
Diplomats and international athletes (e.g., racing drivers)
→ May apply under special exceptions, with official proof of status.
Why the Change?
In recent years, the number of foreigners driving in Japan has increased, partly due to inbound tourism and the government’s policies to attract international talent. However, critics pointed out that the license conversion process was too easy, with many applicants passing with minimal preparation.
By raising the bar, the Japanese government aims to ensure that driving in Japan as a foreign resident requires a real understanding of traffic rules and safe driving practices.
How to Prepare
1. Written Test (Knowledge Confirmation)
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50 multiple-choice questions
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90% required to pass
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Covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, pedestrian priority, railway crossings, and child protection obligations.
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Available in several foreign languages, but the content will be much more detailed than before.
2. Practical Test (Driving Skills)
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New tasks: pedestrian crossings and railway crossings
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Strict checks on signaling, lane changes, turning, and pedestrian safety
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Approach it as if you are taking the full Japanese driver’s license exam
Practical Advice
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Start early: Don’t wait until your stay is about to expire.
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Study official traffic rulebooks (some prefectural police publish them online).
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Check with your local Driver’s License Center for language support and updated requirements.
FAQ
Q: I already booked my test before October 1, 2025. Can I take the old exam?
A: No. The new rules apply to all applications processed on or after October 1, 2025.
Q: What if I don’t have a Juminhyo yet?
A: You cannot apply. Only residents with a registered address in Japan are eligible.
Q: How difficult will it be?
A: The written test will be five times longer, and the driving test will be judged more strictly. Expect the process to take more time and effort.
Conclusion
From October 2025, Japan’s foreign driver’s license conversion system (Gaimen Kirikae) will become much stricter. Tourists will no longer qualify, and both the written and practical exams will demand a far higher level of knowledge and driving skill.
If you plan to convert your foreign driver’s license in Japan, prepare in advance: secure your residence status, study the traffic laws, and practice driving under Japanese road conditions.
Safe driving begins with proper preparation.
This article provides general information only. Our office does not handle the procedure for converting foreign driver’s licenses.
Contact Us
Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com
Address：3F-1-1-1 Kajimachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, Japan