# MenkyoQuest — Foreign License Conversion Hub (gaimen kirikae)

> Step-by-step guide to converting (gaimen kirikae) a foreign driver's license into a Japanese one. Covers the 50-question / 90% knowledge test (October 2025 reform), test centers across all 47 prefectures, document requirements, translation services, and FAQ.

## At-a-glance

- Target audience: foreign-license holders living in Japan long-term
- Knowledge test: **50 true/false questions, 90% (45+) to pass** (October 2025 reform — tightened from 10 illustrated questions at 70%)
- Test languages: 20 (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali, Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, etc.; standardized June 2024)
- Eligibility: valid foreign license + 3+ months stay in issuing country after obtaining it
- Prefectures with full EN support: 4 / 47 (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Gunma, Nagasaki)
- Prefectures with partial EN support: 6 / 47
- 29 countries / regions are exempt from both the knowledge & practical tests (Germany, France, UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Greece, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States — Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington). The US state of Indiana is partial (practical test waived only).

## 6-Step Process

### Step 1: Check eligibility

You must hold a valid foreign driver's license issued before you came to Japan, and you must have lived in the issuing country for at least 3 months after obtaining the license. You also need a Japan residence certificate (jūminhyō) with your address. Note: this 3-month requirement is about your stay in the issuing country BEFORE coming to Japan — it is a separate rule from the 1-year IDP validity that applies AFTER you become a Japan resident (see FAQ).

### Step 2: Prepare a Japanese translation of your license

Get an official Japanese translation of your foreign driver's license. JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), your embassy/consulate, or specialist firms like Ziplus and ALADDIN can issue this. Translation is required nationwide.

### Step 3: Make an appointment with your prefectural police

Each prefecture's driver's license center accepts applications by appointment (some by phone, some by online form). See the prefecture list below for the right contact. Bring all documents to the document screening (shorui shinsa).

### Step 4: Pass document screening

Officers verify your identity, residency, foreign license history, and document set. If you're from one of the 29 exempted countries/regions (e.g. Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Greece, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, and 7 US states), you skip the knowledge and practical tests entirely.

### Step 5: Take the knowledge test (50 questions, 90% to pass)

Since October 2025, the written knowledge test is 50 true/false (○✕) questions and you need 45+ correct (90%) to pass. The test is offered in 20 languages (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali, Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, etc.). You can retake if you fail. MenkyoQuest's free AI-explained practice questions in English are designed for exactly this test.

### Step 6: Take the practical driving test, then receive your license

On the same day or a separate appointment, you take a course-based practical driving test (crosswalks, railroad crossings, etc.) — the scoring matches that of new license applicants. Pass everything and your Japanese license is issued on the spot.

## Aptitude check (same for first-time and converting applicants)

- Vision: 0.7+ in both eyes combined (or 0.3+ in each eye), or 0.7+ in one eye with 150° visual field. Glasses/contacts are acceptable.
- Color recognition: red, yellow, blue (traffic signal colors)
- Hearing: must be able to hear 90 dB at 10 m (hearing aids acceptable)

## Documents you'll need

- Original foreign driver's license (current and valid)
- Japanese translation of the foreign license (JAF / embassy / authorized firm like Ziplus or ALADDIN)
- Passport (with entry/exit stamps proving 3+ months stay in the issuing country after obtaining the license)
- Resident certificate (jūminhyō) issued within 3 months, showing nationality, residence status, and period of stay
- Application photo (3 cm × 2.4 cm)
- Personal seal (inkan), where required by prefecture
- Fees (typically ¥2,500 application/testing + ¥2,350 issuance = about ¥4,850; set by prefecture, may differ slightly)
- Each prefecture has its own checklist — see the per-prefecture pages below

## Test centers by region (47 prefectures)

Each line shows: prefecture, police organization, English support level, and notable info.

### Hokkaido & Tohoku

- [Hokkaido (北海道)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/hokkaido) — Hokkaido Police, JA only, Test center: Sapporo Driver's License Test Center (札幌運転免許試験場)
- [Aomori (青森県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/aomori) — Aomori Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Aomori Driver's License Center (青森県運転免許センター)
- [Iwate (岩手県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/iwate) — Iwate Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Iwate Driver's License Center (岩手県運転免許センター)
- [Miyagi (宮城県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/miyagi) — Miyagi Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Miyagi Driver's License Center, 1F Window 16 (宮城県運転免許センター)
- [Akita (秋田県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/akita) — Akita Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Akita City Driver's License Center (秋田市運転免許センター)
- [Yamagata (山形県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/yamagata) — Yamagata Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Yamagata General Traffic Safety Center (山形県総合交通安全センター, 天童市大字高擶1300)
- [Fukushima (福島県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/fukushima) — Fukushima Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Fukushima Driver's License Center / Koriyama Driver's License Center

### Kanto

- [Tokyo (東京都)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/tokyo) — Metropolitan Police Department (Tokyo), **Full EN**, Test center: Fuchu / Samezu / Kōtō Driver's License Test Centers (Kōtō (江東) covers 29 license-exempt countries only)
- [Ibaraki (茨城県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/ibaraki) — Ibaraki Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Ibaraki Driver's License Center (茨城県運転免許センター)
- [Tochigi (栃木県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/tochigi) — Tochigi Prefectural Police, Partial EN, Test center: Tochigi Driver's License Center (栃木県運転免許センター, Kanuma City)
- [Gunma (群馬県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/gunma) — Gunma Prefectural Police, **Full EN**, Test center: Gunma General Traffic Center (群馬県総合交通センター, Maebashi)
- [Saitama (埼玉県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/saitama) — Saitama Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Saitama Driver's License Center (埼玉県運転免許センター, Konosu City)
- [Chiba (千葉県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/chiba) — Chiba Prefectural Police, Partial EN, Test center: Chiba Driver's License Center (千葉運転免許センター, Makuhari)
- [Kanagawa (神奈川県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/kanagawa) — Kanagawa Prefectural Police, **Full EN**, Test center: Kanagawa Driver's License Center (神奈川県運転免許センター, Yokohama Asahi Ward)

### Chubu (Koshinetsu, Hokuriku, Tokai)

- [Niigata (新潟県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/niigata) — Niigata Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Niigata Driver's License Center (新潟県運転免許センター)
- [Toyama (富山県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/toyama) — Toyama Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Toyama Driver's Education Center (富山県運転教育センター)
- [Ishikawa (石川県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/ishikawa) — Ishikawa Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Ishikawa Driver's License Center (石川県運転免許センター, 金沢市東蚊爪町2丁目1番地)
- [Fukui (福井県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/fukui) — Fukui Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Fukui Driver's Education Center (福井県運転者教育センター) / Reinan Driver's Education Center (嶺南運転者教育センター)
- [Yamanashi (山梨県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/yamanashi) — Yamanashi Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Yamanashi General Traffic Center (山梨県総合交通センター)
- [Nagano (長野県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/nagano) — Nagano Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Hokushin Driver's License Center (Nagano City) / Chūnanshin Driver's License Center (Shiojiri City). NOT available at Tōshin.
- [Gifu (岐阜県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/gifu) — Gifu Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Driver's License Test Center (運転免許試験場, 岐阜市三田洞東1丁目22番8号)
- [Shizuoka (静岡県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/shizuoka) — Shizuoka Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Shizuoka Driver's License Center (静岡県運転免許センター)
- [Aichi (愛知県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/aichi) — Aichi Prefectural Police, Partial EN, Test center: Aichi Driver's License Test Center (愛知県運転免許試験場, Hirabari)
- [Mie (三重県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/mie) — Mie Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Mie Driver's License Center (三重県運転免許センター)

### Kansai

- [Shiga (滋賀県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/shiga) — Shiga Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Shiga Driver's License Center (滋賀県運転免許センター, Moriyama City)
- [Kyoto (京都府)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/kyoto) — Kyoto Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Kyoto Driver's License Test Center (京都府運転免許試験場, Fushimi Ward, 羽束師古川町647)
- [Osaka (大阪府)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/osaka) — Osaka Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Kadoma Driver's License Test Center (門真運転免許試験場) / Komyoike Test Center (光明池試験場)
- [Hyogo (兵庫県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/hyogo) — Hyogo Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Akashi Driver's License Test Center, Foreign-License Room (Window 7) (明石運転免許試験場)
- [Nara (奈良県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/nara) — Nara Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Nara Driver's License Center (奈良県運転免許センター, 橿原市葛本町120番地の3)
- [Wakayama (和歌山県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/wakayama) — Wakayama Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Wakayama Traffic Safety Center (和歌山交通安全センター)

### Chugoku

- [Tottori (鳥取県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/tottori) — Tottori Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Tottori Driver's License Center (鳥取県運転免許センター, Tottori City)
- [Shimane (島根県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/shimane) — Shimane Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Shimane Driver's License Center (島根県運転免許センター, 松江市打出町250-1)
- [Okayama (岡山県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/okayama) — Okayama Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Okayama Driver's License Center (岡山県運転免許センター)
- [Hiroshima (広島県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/hiroshima) — Hiroshima Prefectural Police, Partial EN, Test center: Hiroshima Driver's License Center / Eastern Driver's License Center
- [Yamaguchi (山口県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/yamaguchi) — Yamaguchi Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Yamaguchi General Traffic Center (山口県総合交通センター)

### Shikoku

- [Tokushima (徳島県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/tokushima) — Tokushima Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Tokushima Driver's License Center (徳島県運転免許センター)
- [Kagawa (香川県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/kagawa) — Kagawa Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Kagawa Police Driver's License Center (香川県警察運転免許センター, 高松市郷東町587-138)
- [Ehime (愛媛県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/ehime) — Ehime Prefectural Police, Partial EN, Test center: Ehime Driver's License Center (愛媛県運転免許センター, 松山市勝岡町1163-7)
- [Kochi (高知県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/kochi) — Kochi Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Kochi Driver's License Center (高知県運転免許センター, 吾川郡いの町枝川200)

### Kyushu & Okinawa

- [Fukuoka (福岡県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/fukuoka) — Fukuoka Prefectural Police, Partial EN, Test center: Fukuoka / Kitakyushu / Chikugo Driver's License Test Centers
- [Saga (佐賀県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/saga) — Saga Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Saga Driver's License Test Center (佐賀県運転免許試験場, 佐賀市久保泉町大字川久保2269)
- [Nagasaki (長崎県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/nagasaki) — Nagasaki Prefectural Police, **Full EN**, Test center: Nagasaki Driver's License Center (長崎県運転免許センター)
- [Kumamoto (熊本県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/kumamoto) — Kumamoto Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Kumamoto Driver's License Center (熊本県運転免許センター)
- [Oita (大分県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/oita) — Oita Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Oita Driver's License Center (大分県運転免許センター, 大分市大字松岡6687)
- [Miyazaki (宮崎県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/miyazaki) — Miyazaki Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Miyazaki / Miyakonojo / Nobeoka Driver's License Centers (target audience differs by center)
- [Kagoshima (鹿児島県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/kagoshima) — Kagoshima Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Kagoshima Driver's License Test Center (鹿児島県運転免許試験場, Aira City)
- [Okinawa (沖縄県)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/okinawa) — Okinawa Prefectural Police, JA only, Test center: Okinawa Driver's License Center (沖縄県運転免許センター, Okinawa City)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Q1: How many questions is the gaimen kirikae knowledge test and what is the passing score?

A: Since October 2025, the foreign-license-conversion (gaimen kirikae) written knowledge test in Japan is 50 true/false (○✕) questions, and you need 45 correct out of 50 (90%) to pass. The time limit is about 30 minutes, the test is offered in 20 languages including English, and you can retake it if you fail. This is in addition to a practical driving test and document screening.

### Q2: Who needs to do gaimen kirikae?

A: Any foreign-license holder who has become a resident of Japan and intends to drive here long-term. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are valid for only 1 year and only for short visits — if you live in Japan, you need to convert. (This 1-year IDP validity is separate from the 3-month-in-issuing-country eligibility rule in Step 1; see the timeline FAQ below.)

### Q3: What's the difference between the “3 months in issuing country” rule and the “1 year” IDP rule?

A: Two completely separate rules that operate on different timelines:

• 3 MONTHS (eligibility — BEFORE coming to Japan): To be eligible to convert your foreign license, you must have lived in the country that issued the license for at least 3 months AFTER getting the license — and BEFORE coming to Japan. This proves you actually used the license in its home country. (Step 1)

• 1 YEAR (IDP validity — AFTER becoming a Japan resident): An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 1 year from the date it was issued. Separately, if you register as a Japan resident (jūminhyō), you can only drive on an IDP for up to 1 year after you become a resident — even if the IDP itself hasn't expired yet. After that, you must complete gaimen kirikae to keep driving.

Timeline summary: 3 months in your home country (BEFORE Japan) → travel to Japan with IDP → IDP works for up to 1 year of residency → after 1 year, conversion is mandatory.

### Q4: How long does the whole process take?

A: Anywhere from 2 weeks to 6+ months, depending on the prefecture's backlog. Tokushima has announced a 6+-month wait. Tokyo, Osaka, and other large prefectures vary by season. Apply early.

### Q5: What changed in October 2025?

A: The knowledge test was tightened from 10 illustrated questions (70% to pass) to 50 written questions (90% to pass). A jūminhyō (residence certificate) with your nationality, residence status, and period of stay is now mandatory.

### Q6: Are there countries that skip the test?

A: Yes. Holders of licenses from 29 countries/regions (Germany, France, UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Greece, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States — Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington) are exempt from both the knowledge and practical tests. The US state of Indiana is partial (practical test waived, knowledge test still required). All exempt holders still need document screening.

### Q7: What documents do I need?

A: Original foreign license, Japanese translation of that license (from JAF / embassy / authorized firm), your passport (with entry stamps showing 3+ months stay in issuing country), jūminhyō with nationality/residence status/period, application photo (3cm × 2.4cm), and your inkan/seal where applicable. Each prefecture has its own checklist — check your prefecture's page below.

### Q8: What languages is the test offered in?

A: 20 languages nationwide (standardized since June 2024): English, Spanish, Persian/Farsi, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Burmese, Mongolian, Ukrainian, Sinhala, Urdu, Arabic, and Hindi.

### Q9: Can I study for free?

A: Yes. MenkyoQuest has free AI-explained practice questions in English, based on Japan's National Police Agency's Rules of the Road (the same source the test draws from). You can start any chapter from the home page.

### Q10: What if my prefecture doesn't have an English page?

A: Only 4 prefectures (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Gunma, Nagasaki) have full English support. 6 more have partial English content. For the remaining 37, bring a Japanese-speaking friend or hire an interpreter — police centers do not provide one. You can also use Google Translate or DeepL on the Japanese page (we link to both from each prefecture page).

### Q11: Why doesn't my country's International Driving Permit (IDP) work in Japan?

A: Japan only recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Holders from Vienna 1968 Convention countries (e.g. Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, China mainland, Taiwan) cannot drive in Japan on an IDP — you must complete gaimen kirikae instead. Bring a JAF or embassy translation of your home-country licence to the prefectural police centre. Note that an IDP, even if valid, only allows driving for up to 1 year after you become a resident, so long-term residents from Geneva countries also need to convert. (Don't confuse this 1-year-after-residency rule with the separate 3-month-in-issuing-country eligibility rule in Step 1 — see the timeline FAQ for a side-by-side comparison.) (The IDDP — International Driving Document for People with Disabilities — has no special status in Japan; standard aptitude-test accommodations apply.)

## Related MenkyoQuest resources

- [Practice test (50 Q, 90%)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/license-conversion/practice-test): replicates the format of the post-Oct-2025 knowledge confirmation test
- [Study guide (for in-Japan applicants)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/guide): not directly applicable — most steps are skipped by gaimen kirikae applicants
- [Glossary (54 terms)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/glossary): definitions for jokō, ichiji-teishi, gaimen kirikae, knowledge confirmation test, IDP, and more
- [Chapter 1 quiz (common conduct)](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/quiz/ch1): recommended starting point for foundational rules
- [Full content bundle](https://www.menkyoquest.com/en/llms-full.txt): one-file plain-text dump

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Source basis: National Police Agency's official Rules of the Road manual (Public Domain under Article 13 §2 of Japan's Copyright Act) and the Road Traffic Act.
Copyright on AI-drafted explanations belongs to the MenkyoQuest team.
Contact: contact@menkyoquest.com