MenkyoQuest
FOREIGN LICENSE CONVERSION · 外免切替

What Changed in
October 2025?

In October 2025, Japan’s foreign-license-conversion (gaimen kirikae) knowledge test got significantly harder. If you’re studying with older material, here’s exactly what’s different now.

4-panel comic — Hikari: I heard the license-conversion test got way harder recently — is that true? Misaki: Yes. Since October 2025 it went from 10 illustrated questions (70% to pass) to 50 written ○✕ questions, and you now need 90% — that's 45 out of 50. Hikari: 90%?! That's brutal. Did anything else change? Misaki: Your jūminhyō now has to show nationality, residence status, and period of stay. And the questions cover more ground — signs, expressways, emergencies. Hikari: So I really can't just wing it anymore. Misaki: Correct. Steady practice is the reliable way through — which is exactly what the free 50-question mock test is for.
Hikari: I heard the license-conversion test got way harder recently — is that true? Misaki: Yes. Since October 2025 it went from 10 illustrated questions (70% to pass) to 50 written ○✕ questions, and you now need 90% — that's 45 out of 50. Hikari: 90%?! That's brutal. Did anything else change? Misaki: Your jūminhyō now has to show nationality, residence status, and period of stay. And the questions cover more ground — signs, expressways, emergencies. Hikari: So I really can't just wing it anymore. Misaki: Correct. Steady practice is the reliable way through — which is exactly what the free 50-question mock test is for.
🔄 BEFORE vs. AFTER (since October 2025)
Questions
10 illustrated questions50 written true/false (○✕) questions
Passing score
70% (7 / 10)90% (45 / 50)
Format
Picture-basedText-based ○✕ statements
Topics
Basic situationsSigns, road rules, expressways, emergencies, vehicle operation
Residence document
Standard jūminhyōJūminhyō showing nationality, residence status & period of stay (mandatory)

Bottom line: the test is now longer, stricter (90% to pass), and covers more topics. Casual cramming isn’t enough — steady practice is.

FAQ
What is the passing score for the gaimen kirikae knowledge test now?
Since October 2025 you need 45 correct out of 50 (90%) to pass. The test is 50 true/false (○✕) questions with a time limit of about 30 minutes, offered in 20 languages including English, and you can retake it if you fail.
How is the new test different from the old one?
The old test was 10 illustrated questions with a 70% pass mark. Since October 2025 it is 50 written true/false questions with a 90% pass mark, and it covers more ground — road signs, expressways, emergencies, and vehicle operation, not just basic situations.
Did the document requirements change too?
Yes. A jūminhyō (residence certificate) that shows your nationality, residence status, and period of stay is now mandatory. A standard jūminhyō without those fields is no longer enough.
90% is a high bar — but the topics are fixed. Practice the exact 50-question format free, in English, with AI-explained answers.

Last updated 2026-05-30. Informational only — always confirm current requirements with your prefecture’s driver’s license center, as they can differ locally.

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