Cars / Transportation
Cars, bikes, driver license conversion, and personal transportation in Japan.
NPA figures show the written-test pass rate fell to 42.8% and the practical test to 13.1% in the first quarter under the new rules, down from 92.5%/30.4% the year before.
Japan Tightens Standards for Foreign Driver's License Conversions
(asia.nikkei.com)
Confirms the new rules took effect October 1, 2025 - tourists can no longer use a hotel address as proof of residency to convert a license.
The NPA's draft of the new rules: a residence-certificate requirement (closing the hotel-address loophole tourists used), and a written test jumping from 10 questions/70% to pass to 50 questions/90%.
Driving in Japan
(jp.usembassy.gov)
U.S. Embassy guidance distinguishing International Driving Permits (short-term visitors only) from converting to a Japanese license (required for residents), plus a warning about IDP scam websites.
Driver's License Centers in Tokyo
(keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
Tokyo Metropolitan Police's official list of the three driving license centers (Fuchu, Samezu, Koto) that handle gaimen kirikae appointments, with access directions and the English phone/fax line.
Applying for a Japanese Translation of Your Foreign License
(english.jaf.or.jp)
JAF issues the official Japanese translation of a foreign license needed for gaimen kirikae - where to apply and what JAF branches require.
Switching a Foreign Driver's License to a Japanese One
(english.jaf.or.jp)
JAF's official walkthrough of the gaimen kirikae process - required documents (residence certificate, passport entry/exit stamps proving 3+ months driving abroad), and which countries skip the written/practical tests entirely.