Foreign License Conversion
Foreign License Conversion
If you hold a Chinese or other foreign license, you may be able to convert it to a Japanese license. Rules vary by license center, and issues often happen during documents, screening, or the driving test.
We support Chinese residents in Japan with full conversion help—from documents and screening booking to test-vehicle practice. Step-by-step guidance in Chinese.
What is Foreign License Conversion?
Foreign license conversion (外国免許切替) lets eligible foreign-license holders convert to a Japanese driver’s license in Japan.
Who is this for?
- Check license validity, issue date, and eligibility.
- Arrange an official translation (e.g., JAF) and confirm your residence details.
- Choose your license center and book by phone/online.
For Chinese license holders
For Hong Kong / Taiwan licenses
For other recognized countries/regions
How can Kakou help?
- Confirm eligibility to avoid wasted trips.
- Help organize documents and forms, including common pitfalls.
- Provide screening-day support, plus route practice and mock tests.
Full Chinese support
Same vehicle types as the test center
One-on-one lessons
Main process
Steps vary by prefecture, but the flow is generally the same.
Step 1
Consultation & eligibility check
We confirm your license issue date, validity, and issuing region to check eligibility.
Step 2
Documents & translation
Prepare your original license, passport, residence record/card, and an official translation (e.g., JAF).
Step 3
Book screening
Choose your license center, book screening, and confirm what to bring.
Step 4
Screening & written test
Screening may include simple questions. After approval, take the written test (Japanese; some areas offer Chinese questions).
Step 5
Practice before the driving test
Practice with test-type vehicles, learn routes and common deductions, and do mock tests.
Step 6
Driving test & license issuance
Take the skills test. After passing, complete photo/fees and receive your Japanese license.
If you failed before, we start from your current stage and build a plan—no need to restart everything.
Why practice with Kakou?
Many drivers lose points on Japan-specific rules and small habits—not basic driving skills.
Same test vehicles · 7 cars
Practice with AT, MT, and semi-medium vehicles. Get used to size and blind spots so test day feels familiar.
Deduction points explained in Chinese
We explain checks, signal timing, stopping position, and more—what to do and how to avoid deductions.
1-on-1 booking · Train for your test center
1-on-1 by appointment with flexible scheduling. We tailor practice to your test center, including routes and mock tests.
Fee reference
Fees depend on your level, test center, and required hours. Below is a general range. For details, request a quote.
Basic package example
- Basic conversion (AT): about 20 hours
- Includes documents/process guidance, practice, mock tests, etc.
Reference fee: from about JPY 140,000 (tax included)
Actual fees depend on test center, vehicle type, and hours.
Customized intensive plans
- Failed multiple times → retest intensive plan
- Weak on a maneuver → focused training
- Far test center → multi-day intensive plan