外免切替 がいめんきりかえ
Convert your foreign license to a Japanese one.
Practice for the gaimen kirikae driving test in English, on a course built like the real one.
Sound familiar?
- I want to convert my license, but I don't know where to start.
- I'm not sure my driving is good enough to pass the Japanese test.
- Can I really learn everything I need for the test?
We'll help you through every step of the gaimen kirikae.
The test got stricter in October 2025
- Knowledge test: 50 questions instead of 10, and you need 90% to pass.
- Driving test: new checks at pedestrian crossings and railway crossings.
- Residence: a juminhyo is required. Tourists can no longer apply.
Many people fail the driving test on their first try. Practice before your first test — not after you fail.
How gaimen kirikae works
Gather your documents
Your valid foreign license, a Japanese translation of it (from JAF or your embassy), your passport, your juminhyo (residence certificate) and a photo.
Document check at the license center
You must show that you stayed in the country that issued your license for at least 3 months after getting it.
Eyesight and aptitude test
A short interview about your driving history and an eyesight check.
Knowledge test
50 questions on Japanese traffic rules. You need 90% to pass.
Driving testWe help you here
The hardest part. Being able to handle a car isn't enough to pass. The examiner checks whether you drive safely by Japan's traffic rules, with careful safety checks and smooth control of the car.
Get your Japanese license
Once you pass, your Japanese license is issued.
Drivers from some countries and regions don't need to take the knowledge and driving tests. Not sure about yours? Ask us.
You apply at the license center for the prefecture on your juminhyo. Living outside Wakayama? You can still practice with us — message us and we'll plan it together.
Practicing with us: step by step
- On LINE
Pass the knowledge test, then message us
Once you pass the knowledge test, contact us on LINE.
- On LINE
Plan your practice and test dates
We ask which days and times you can come, then set all your practice days and your driving test date.
- At our school
Practice on our course
Practice on the planned days to get ready for the driving test.
- Wakayama license center
Practice on the real test course
Drive the actual test course in a test car, with your instructor. This is only available on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
- License center
Driving test
Show what you practiced.
Why practice with us
Practice at the license center
Drive the real test course with our instructor, in the test car. It feels just like exam day.
A course built like the test
Our own course has the same crank, S-curve, signals, intersections and slopes as the test course.
Lessons in English
Your instructor explains every point in English — or in Japanese, if you prefer.
Instructors who know the test
We have helped many students pass, and we know exactly what examiners look for.
Prices
1 lesson = 50 minutes. All prices include tax.
6-lesson pack
¥50,000
About ¥8,300 per lesson
- 5 lessons at our school
- 1 lesson at the license center
10-lesson pack
¥80,000
About ¥8,000 per lesson
- 9 lessons at our school
- 1 lesson at the license center
- Extra lessons at a lower price
- Videos of test courses A and B
Single lessons
| At our school | At the license center | |
|---|---|---|
| 10-lesson pack holders | ¥8,000 | ¥12,000 |
| Everyone else | ¥10,000 | ¥15,000 |
- When you practice at the license center, you also pay the center a ¥3,000 course fee.
- Course videos are shared with your Gmail address.
- Pack lessons are a maximum. Unused lessons are not refunded.
From our students
5.013 Google reviewsRead all reviews →★★★★★
I took the 10-hour package for my gaimen kirikae, and I'm so glad I did! The training really helped me pass my practical driving exam. … The instructors have a wonderful balance of being friendly, firm, and genuinely supportive. … The 10-hour package was absolutely worth it for me!
★★★★★
I finally got my Japanese driver's license! … everyone at Yuasa was incredibly patient, understanding, and supportive from the very first day I enrolled until the day I finally got my driver's license. I highly recommend Yuasa Driving School, especially for foreigners looking for a supportive and well-organized driving school in Japan.
Ready to start? Message us on LINE
Tell us where your license is from and when you plan to take the test. We'll suggest the right amount of practice.