Driving in Japan: converting a French driving licence in 2026

Since October 2025, converting a foreign driving licence in Japan has become harder: the pass rate for the knowledge test fell to 42.8%. The good news for French licence holders is that they are still exempt from the knowledge and driving tests. Here are the steps, documents and fees in Tokyo.

What changed in October 2025

Converting a foreign licence (gaimen kirikae) became stricter. The knowledge test now has 50 questions instead of 10 and requires 90% correct answers. The pass rate fell from 92.5% in 2024 to 42.8% at the end of 2025 (Nippon.com / Jiji Press, citing the National Police Agency).

A certificate of residence (jūminhyō) is also required (Nagoya International Center). You therefore need to register at city hall before starting the conversion.

French licence holders are exempt from the tests

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police exempts licences from 29 countries or regions from the knowledge and driving tests, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco and Canada (Tokyo Metropolitan Police, updated 7 September 2026).

The exemption does not remove every step: the document review, with an interview, and the aptitude test are still required, according to Kyoto Prefectural Police.

Where to apply in Tokyo

You book online, through the Tokyo Metropolitan Police procedures portal. Booking is open to people who live in Tokyo and who stayed a total of at least 3 months in the country that issued their licence (Tokyo Metropolitan Police).

Documents to prepare

All documents must be originals. The exact list depends on the issuing country. The usual documents are:

• French driving licence, still valid.
• Official Japanese translation of the licence, for example by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Kyoto Prefectural Police publishes the list of accepted translation organisations.
• Certificate of residence (jūminhyō) showing your nationality.
• Passport, with the stamps that prove your stay in the issuing country.
• Proof of at least 3 months' stay in the issuing country after obtaining the licence, such as passport stamps, a consular certificate, payslips, a lease or bills, according to Kyoto Prefectural Police.
• Residence card and an ID photo (3 cm × 2.4 cm in Kyoto).

How much does it cost?

In Tokyo, for a standard car licence, the application costs ¥2,500 and issuance costs ¥2,350 (Tokyo Metropolitan Police). Add the cost of the translation.

Getting support

Kizuna Relo helps you prepare your licence conversion as part of our settling-in formalities. We help with the certificate of residence, the translation and the booking, and can come with you to the centre. The other arrival steps are in our guide to moving to Tokyo. Tell us about your project.