What changed in Japan's October 2025 foreign-license conversion reform
If you are converting an overseas driving licence in Japan — the process known as 外免切替 (Gaimen Kirikae) — the rules changed in October 2025. The reform was aimed at making the conversion more rigorous and consistent across prefectures. This post walks through what actually changed and what it means for the written knowledge test you have to pass.
Why the rules were tightened
Conversion volumes had grown quickly, and the National Police Agency moved to standardise how applicants are assessed. The headline change most study guides mention is the written test: it became longer and the pass bar was raised, so the era of treating it as a formality is over. The aim is simple — drivers who convert should know Japanese road rules as well as someone who sat the domestic exam.
What changed for the written test
- A longer paper. The knowledge test moved to a 50-question format, replacing the much shorter check many applicants remember.
- A higher pass mark. You now need a clear majority correct, so a few lucky guesses are no longer enough.
- Broader coverage. Questions range across signage, right-of-way, speed and stopping rules, and situational judgement — not just a handful of signs.
What this means for how you prepare
The practical takeaway is that you should practise against a full-length, 50-question paper rather than skimming a list of signs the night before. Realistic mocks tell you where you actually stand, surface the rules you half-know, and get you used to sustaining attention across the whole paper. That is exactly what Goukaku Drive is built for — free, focused, and in your language.
This is a study summary, not legal advice. The rules and procedures vary by prefecture and can change. Always confirm the current requirements with your local licensing centre and the official Japanese traffic regulations （道路交通法）.