What Is Gaimen Kirikae?
Gaimen Kirikae (外免切替) — literally "foreign license switching" — is the official process for converting a valid foreign driver's license into a full Japanese driver's license. It is administered by prefectural driving license centers (運転免許センター) across Japan.
Unlike an IDP or JAF translation which allow you to drive temporarily as a visitor, Gaimen Kirikae gives you a permanent Japanese license. This is essential for anyone who:
- Lives in Japan long-term — working, studying, or on a spouse visa
- Has exceeded the 1-year temporary driving period — your IDP/translation expires after 1 year from entry
- Wants a Japanese license for identification — it's one of the most widely accepted forms of photo ID in Japan
- Plans to buy or register a vehicle — a Japanese license is required for vehicle ownership
The term "切替" (kirikae) means "switching" or "conversion" — you are switching your existing foreign license for its Japanese equivalent. You are not starting from scratch. Japan recognizes your driving experience abroad, which is why the process is shorter than getting a license from zero (which takes 20–30 hours of driving school in Japan).
Who Is Eligible for Gaimen Kirikae?
To apply for Gaimen Kirikae, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Valid foreign driver's license — Your license must be current (not expired) at the time of application
- 3+ months residency in the issuing country — You must prove that you lived in the country that issued your license for at least 3 months after obtaining the license. This is verified through your passport stamps.
- Japanese residence card (在留カード) — You must be a registered resident of Japan. Tourist visa holders cannot apply.
- Valid passport — With entry/exit stamps showing your history in the license-issuing country
Important: The 3-month residency rule is the most common reason for rejection. If you got your license just before leaving your country, or if your passport doesn't show sufficient time spent there after the license issue date, your application may be denied. Bring all old passports if needed.
Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Countries
Japan divides foreign licenses into two categories that determine how much testing you need to do:
Exempt Countries (Test-Free Conversion)
If your license was issued by one of the following 29 countries or regions, you are exempt from both the written knowledge test and the practical driving test. You only need to pass a simple vision test:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇭🇺 Hungary |
| Asia-Pacific | 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| North America | 🇨🇦 Canada |
Note: The USA is not on the exempt list. US license holders from Maryland and Washington state have historically had bilateral agreements, but all other US states require the full test process.
Non-Exempt Countries (Tests Required)
If your country is not on the exempt list, you must pass:
- Written knowledge test — 50 true/false questions (since October 2025), 90% pass rate required
- Practical driving test — A short course drive at the driving center
- Vision test — Standard eye exam
Need a JAF Translation for Gaimen Kirikae?
The JAF translation is required for all Gaimen Kirikae applications. Apply online from anywhere.
Apply Now — From €99 →2025/2026 Updates: What Has Changed
The Gaimen Kirikae process has become significantly stricter in recent years. Here are the key changes you need to know:
October 2025: New Knowledge Test Rules
The written test for non-exempt countries was dramatically expanded:
| Before Oct 2025 | After Oct 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 10 questions | 50 questions |
| Pass rate | 70% (7/10) | 90% (45/50) |
| Format | True/False | True/False |
| Languages available | Japanese, English | Japanese, English, Chinese, Portuguese, and others |
| Time limit | ~30 minutes | ~60 minutes |
This change was designed to align the Gaimen Kirikae knowledge test more closely with the standard Japanese license test (which has always been 50 questions). The 90% pass rate means you can only get 5 questions wrong.
April 2026: JAF Translation Fee Increase
Starting April 2026, JAF increased the in-person translation fee from ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 — a 50% increase. This fee applies at all JAF offices across Japan. The price increase makes online alternatives like JDLTC more competitive, especially when factoring in the time savings of not having to visit a JAF office in person.
Stricter Document Verification
Driving centers have also become more rigorous about verifying the 3-month residency requirement. Officers now more carefully examine passport stamps, and some prefectures request additional proof such as utility bills, bank statements, or enrollment certificates from universities in the license-issuing country.
Step-by-Step: The Gaimen Kirikae Process
Here is exactly what you need to do, in order:
Step 1: Get Your JAF Translation (2–3 Weeks Before)
Before you can apply at the driving center, you need a certified Japanese translation of your foreign license. This must be issued by or in the format approved by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
You have two options:
| JAF Office (In Person) | JDLTC (Online) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ¥6,000 (since April 2026) | From €99 |
| Where | JAF offices in Japan only | Apply from anywhere in the world |
| Processing time | 2–3 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| Delivery | Mail to your Japanese address | PDF by email + optional mail |
| Languages | Japanese forms only | Full English support |
Tip: If you're still abroad, apply through JDLTC before arriving in Japan. You'll receive the translation PDF by email and can print it before your driving center appointment. This saves weeks of waiting after arrival.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all of the following before visiting the driving center:
- Your valid foreign driver's license (original, not a copy)
- JAF-certified Japanese translation of your license
- Your passport — current and all previous passports showing:
- Entry/exit stamps for the country that issued your license
- Proof of 3+ months residency after license issue date
- Residence card (在留カード)
- Passport-sized photo — 3cm × 2.4cm, taken within the last 6 months. Photo booths (証明写真) at the driving center cost ¥800–¥1,000.
- Application fee — approximately ¥2,550 (varies slightly by prefecture)
Optional but recommended:
- A driving record from your home country (useful if your license doesn't show the issue date)
- University enrollment certificates, employment records, or other proof of residency in the issuing country
- An expired previous license if your current one was renewed (to show longer driving history)
Step 3: Visit the Driving License Center (運転免許センター)
Gaimen Kirikae is processed only at prefectural driving license centers (運転免許センター), not at regular police stations or branch offices. Each prefecture has one or two main centers.
Popular locations include:
- Tokyo: Fuchu Driving License Center (府中運転免許試験場) or Samezu (鮫洲)
- Osaka: Kadoma Driving License Center (門真運転免許試験場)
- Kanagawa: Ninomiya (二俣川運転免許試験場)
- Aichi: Heian Driving License Center (平針運転免許試験場)
Hours: Most centers accept Gaimen Kirikae applications in the morning only (typically 8:30–9:30 AM). Arrive early — lines can be long, especially at Fuchu in Tokyo.
Step 4: Document Review & Interview
An officer will review your documents and conduct a brief interview. They will ask questions such as:
- When and where did you get your license?
- How long did you live in that country after getting your license?
- What type of driving experience do you have?
The interview is in Japanese. If you don't speak Japanese, bring a friend who can interpret, or ask the center in advance if they provide interpreter support. Some centers (like Fuchu) have English-speaking staff available on certain days.
Step 5: Vision Test
All applicants must pass a basic vision test:
- Uncorrected or corrected vision: 0.7 or better in both eyes combined, and 0.3 or better in each eye individually
- Color perception: Ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green (for traffic lights)
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them. Your Japanese license will note "眼鏡等" (glasses required) if you need corrective lenses to pass.
Step 6: Knowledge Test (Non-Exempt Countries Only)
If your country is not on the exempt list, you must pass the written knowledge test. As of October 2025:
- 50 true/false questions about Japanese traffic laws and signs
- 90% pass rate required (45 out of 50 correct)
- Available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Portuguese, and several other languages
- Approximately 60 minutes to complete
Study materials: The official study book is "交通の教則" (Rules of the Road), available at the driving center. English translations are available online. Key topics include:
- Right-of-way rules at intersections
- Speed limits for different road types
- Parking regulations and no-parking zones
- Traffic signal meanings (including arrow signals)
- Rules specific to Japan (e.g., the "fumikiri" railroad crossing rules)
- Emergency vehicle procedures
Step 7: Practical Driving Test (Non-Exempt Countries Only)
The practical test is a short drive on a closed course at the driving center (not on public roads). The course typically includes:
- S-curve (S字) — Navigate a winding narrow path without touching the curbs
- Crank (クランク) — Navigate tight right-angle turns
- Lane change — Signal, check mirrors, and change lanes smoothly
- Intersection turns — Proper positioning and signaling
- Stopping at a designated point — Stop within 30cm of a marked pole
The test takes approximately 10–15 minutes. You start with 100 points and lose points for errors. A score of 70 or above is required to pass.
Common Reasons for Failing the Practical Test
| Mistake | Points Deducted | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Not checking mirrors before turning | -10 | Exaggerate mirror checks — look visibly |
| Not looking over your shoulder (目視確認) | -10 | Turn your head noticeably before lane changes |
| Hitting curbs on S-curve or crank | -20 to fail | Go very slowly, use reference points |
| Rolling through stop signs | -20 to fail | Come to a complete, full stop for 3 seconds |
| Poor positioning at intersections | -5 to -10 | Hug the correct side before turning |
| Forgetting turn signals | -5 | Signal 30m before the turn, 3 seconds on highways |
Pro tip: The examiner is watching your safety confirmation habits more than your driving skill. Even if your driving is smooth, you will fail if you don't visibly check mirrors, turn your head for blind spots, and come to complete stops. Many experienced drivers fail on their first attempt because they drive "too naturally" — the test requires deliberate, exaggerated safety checks.
Step 8: Receive Your Japanese License
If you pass all tests, you'll receive your Japanese driver's license the same day, usually within 2–3 hours. Your new license will show:
- Your name in katakana (カタカナ)
- Your address in Japan
- License categories (普通 for regular passenger cars)
- Expiration date (initially valid for 3 years for new conversions)
Get Your JAF Translation for Gaimen Kirikae
The first step is getting your license translated. Apply online in 5 minutes — delivered by email.
Start Application →Gaimen Kirikae for JAF Translation Countries
If your license is from one of the six countries that require a JAF translation for temporary driving — Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan — you are in a fortunate position. All six countries are on the exempt list, meaning you do not need to take the written or practical test.
Your Gaimen Kirikae process is straightforward:
- Get your JAF translation
- Gather your documents
- Visit the driving center
- Pass the vision test
- Receive your Japanese license — same day
For country-specific details, see our dedicated guides:
| Country | Guide |
|---|---|
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Swiss license guide → |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | German license guide → |
| 🇫🇷 France | French license guide → |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium / 🇲🇨 Monaco | Belgium & Monaco guide → |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | Taiwan license guide → |
Gaimen Kirikae vs. Temporary Driving (IDP / JAF Translation)
Not sure if you need Gaimen Kirikae or just a translation? Here's how they compare:
| Temporary Driving (IDP / Translation) | Gaimen Kirikae (License Conversion) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Tourists and short-term visitors | Residents of Japan |
| How long can you drive? | Up to 1 year from entry | Permanent (renewable every 3–5 years) |
| Visa requirement | Any visa (including tourist) | Resident visa + residence card required |
| Can you buy a car? | No (Japanese license required for registration) | Yes |
| Used as photo ID? | No | Yes — widely accepted |
| Cost | ¥6,000–€99 (translation only) | ~¥9,000–¥15,000 total |
| Testing | None | Vision test (+ written & practical for non-exempt) |
Bottom line: If you're visiting Japan for less than a year, a translation or IDP is sufficient. If you're living in Japan long-term, Gaimen Kirikae is the better choice.
Tips for Passing the Gaimen Kirikae Tests
Knowledge Test Tips
- Study Japanese-specific rules — Focus on rules unique to Japan: railroad crossings (踏切), pedestrian diamond markings, and the "slow down" vs "stop" sign distinction
- Practice with sample tests online — Many English-language practice tests are available for free
- Watch for trick questions — Questions are deliberately phrased to trip you up. Read each question twice.
- Learn the signs — Japanese road signs use international conventions but have some unique variations
- Don't rush — You have 60 minutes for 50 questions. Take your time.
Practical Test Tips
- Exaggerate your safety checks — The most common fail reason. Turn your head obviously when checking blind spots.
- Come to complete stops — At stop signs, stop fully for 2–3 seconds. Don't roll.
- Drive slowly on the course — This is not about speed. 20–30 km/h is appropriate for most of the course.
- Practice the S-curve and crank — These are the most technically challenging elements. Some driving schools near test centers offer practice sessions.
- Use the correct seating adjustment routine — When you get in the car, adjust seat, mirrors, fasten seatbelt, check around the vehicle, then start the engine. Do this in order.
- Know the course layout — Walk the course before your test if allowed. Many centers have the course map posted.
How Much Does Gaimen Kirikae Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| JAF translation (at JAF office) | ¥6,000 |
| JAF translation (via JDLTC online) | From €99 |
| Application fee at driving center | ~¥2,550 |
| License issuance fee | ~¥2,050 |
| Passport photo (if needed) | ¥800–¥1,000 |
| Total (exempt countries) | ~¥11,400–¥15,000 |
For non-exempt countries, add potential costs for re-taking tests (the application fee applies each time) and optional driving school practice sessions (¥5,000–¥15,000).
After Gaimen Kirikae: Your Japanese License
Once you have your Japanese license, here's what to know:
- Renewal: Your first license is valid for approximately 3 years. After that, it's renewed every 3–5 years depending on your driving record. You'll attend a short lecture at renewal time.
- License color system: New conversions receive a green license (初心者). After 3 years with no violations, you upgrade to blue, then eventually gold (ゴールド) after 5+ years with no violations. Gold license holders get discounts on car insurance.
- Address changes: If you move within Japan, update your license at the nearest police station. It's free.
- Your original license: Japan does not confiscate your original foreign license. You keep it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Gaimen Kirikae (外免切替)?
A: Gaimen Kirikae is the official process for converting a valid foreign driver's license into a Japanese driver's license. Unlike a translation or IDP, it gives you a permanent Japanese license.
Q: Who is eligible for Gaimen Kirikae?
A: Anyone with a valid foreign license who has lived in the issuing country for at least 3 months after getting the license, and who is a registered resident of Japan with a residence card (在留カード). Tourist visa holders are not eligible.
Q: Do I need to take a driving test?
A: It depends on your country. Drivers from 29 exempt countries (including Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Taiwan, and others) only need a vision test. All other countries must also pass a 50-question written test and a practical driving test.
Q: What documents do I need?
A: Your valid foreign license, a JAF-certified translation, your passport (showing 3+ months in the issuing country), your residence card, a passport-sized photo, and the application fee (~¥2,550).
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Total cost is approximately ¥11,400–¥15,000 including the JAF translation (¥6,000 at JAF or from €99 via JDLTC), application fee, license fee, and photo.
Q: How has the test changed in 2025?
A: The written test expanded from 10 to 50 questions with a 90% pass rate (45/50). This applies to non-exempt countries only.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: For exempt countries, it can be completed in one day. For non-exempt countries, allow multiple visits if you don't pass tests on the first try. The JAF translation takes 2–3 weeks to prepare.
Q: Can I keep my original foreign license?
A: Yes. Japan does not confiscate your foreign license during the conversion process.
Q: What if I fail the test?
A: You can retake it. You'll need to pay the application fee again and book a new appointment. There is no limit on the number of attempts.