Japan driving licence information for conversion, new licences, schools, renewal, replacement and test preparation.
Begin with the guide that matches your current situation, then follow the related document, cost or test links. Each article is written for practical preparation and links to primary or recognised sources where possible. Because licence-centre procedures can vary, use the guides to understand the process and confirm the final appointment, documents, fees and supported languages with your prefectural police authority.
A current 2026 guide to converting a foreign driving licence in Japan, including eligibility, documents, the 50-question knowledge check, practical test and JAF translation.
Open the foreign licence conversion guide →Prepare for Japan’s current foreign licence conversion knowledge check: 50 questions, 45 correct to pass, key topics, study plan and free practice tests.
Study the 50-question conversion test →A printable checklist for foreign licence conversion in Japan, including residence certificate details, translation, passport history and proof of three months.
View the conversion document checklist →How to obtain a JAF Japanese translation for foreign licence conversion, including the July 2026 fee, online-only application and processing estimates.
Learn how to request a JAF translation →How to obtain a Japanese driving licence without converting a foreign licence: driving school and direct-test routes, learner permit, final exam, time and costs.
See how to get licensed from scratch →Current 2026 age rules for ordinary cars, motorcycles, mopeds, larger vehicles and foreign licence holders, including the new 17 years 6 months examination rule.
Check the driving age in Japan →Typical Japanese driving school cost and duration, AT vs manual, commuting vs licence camp, extra fees, and how foreigners can choose a suitable school.
Compare driving-school costs and time →Compare Japan’s designated driving school route with direct licence-centre testing, including costs, time, practical-test risk and who each route suits.
Compare driving school and direct testing →A practical guide to renewing a Japanese driving licence, including the two-month renewal window, booking, course categories, fees and My Number licence options.
Plan a Japanese licence renewal →Immediate steps, police reporting, reissue documents, current fee examples and My Number licence cases after loss, theft or damage.
See lost-licence replacement steps →Which Geneva Convention permits work in Japan, what originals to carry, the one-year limit, resident re-entry rule and alternatives.
Check International Driving Permit rules →A guide to Japan’s My Number driving licence system: traditional card vs digital record, holding both, online renewal course, address changes and current fee examples.
Compare My Number licence options →Understand Japan’s learner permit and full licence knowledge tests, how our 610-question bank is organised, and how to study effectively.
Review Learner Permit and Final Exam practice →Read Final Exam questions as normal HTML, search exact phrases, open direct question links and download the matching study PDF.
Open the searchable question library →