【2026 Guide】How Foreigners Living in Higashiharima Can Get a Japanese Driver’s License | Step-by-Step

【2026 Guide】How Foreigners Living in Higashiharima Can Get a Japanese Driver’s License | Step-by-Step
Category: License Basics / Guide for Foreign Residents

“How do I get a Japanese driver’s license?”
This is one of the most common questions among foreign residents living in Kakogawa, Miki, Ono, and other cities in the Higashiharima area. In a region where having a car makes daily life much easier — for commuting, shopping, and medical appointments — a driver’s license is essential.
This guide explains everything foreign residents in the Higashiharima area need to know about getting a Japanese driver’s license: your options, the step-by-step process, and the documents you’ll need.

First: There Are 3 Ways to Get a Japanese Driver’s License as a Foreigner
As a foreign resident, there are three main ways to obtain a Japanese driver’s license: (1) convert your home country’s license to a Japanese one (known as gaimenkiriage or foreign license conversion), (2) use an international driving permit, or (3) enroll in a Japanese driving school just like Japanese citizens do. Divership
Here’s a quick comparison:
MethodBest ForKey Point① Foreign License ConversionThose who already hold a valid foreign licenseAdministrative process — some tests may be waived② International Driving PermitThose driving temporarily or short-termValid for only 1 year from entry into Japan③ Driving SchoolThose with no prior licenseSame process as Japanese citizens
If you’re planning to live long-term in the Higashiharima area, Option ① or ③ is strongly recommended. Let’s look at each in detail.

Option ① — Foreign License Conversion (Gaimenkiriage)
What Is It?
Foreign residents who hold a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign government can apply at a Japanese driver’s license center to convert it to a Japanese license. After a knowledge check and driving skills assessment, those who pass will be issued a Japanese driver’s license. JAF
Who Is Eligible?
There are two key conditions: (1) your foreign license must still be valid, and (2) you must be able to prove that you lived in the country that issued your license for a cumulative total of at least 3 months after obtaining it — verified using your passport or similar documentation. JAF
Additionally, following the tightening of the foreign license conversion system in October 2025, submission of a jūminhyo (residence certificate) is now mandatory. As a result, foreign nationals staying on short-term visas such as tourist visas are no longer eligible to apply. Mynavi
⚠️ Important: The Test Got Harder in October 2025
The revised Road Traffic Act enforcement regulations, which took effect on October 1, 2025, significantly overhauled the foreign license conversion process. Under the new rules, the knowledge check became considerably more difficult — applicants must now answer 45 out of 50 questions correctly, compared to the previous passing mark of 7 out of 10. Divership
Make sure to study carefully before your appointment.
Required Documents (Hyogo Prefecture)
The main documents required for foreign license conversion in Hyogo Prefecture are as follows. For identification: one passport-sized photo (3cm × 2.4cm) and a jūminhyo (residence certificate) listing your nationality and other registered details. For license-related documents: your valid foreign driver’s license and a Japanese translation of it (accepted translations are from your country’s embassy or consulate, JAF, Zipplus Co., Ltd., or ALADDIN). For proof of residency abroad: documentation showing you lived in the issuing country for a cumulative total of 3 months or more after obtaining your license, such as your passport with entry/exit stamps. Hyogo Prefectural Police
Japanese translations can be arranged through JAF or your home country’s embassy in Japan.
Where to Apply in the Higashiharima Area?
In Hyogo Prefecture, all foreign license conversion applications are handled at the Akashi Driver’s License Examination Center (1F, Window 7 — Foreign License Assessment Room), located at 1649-2 Niyama-cho, Akashi City. The office is open Monday through Friday (excluding public holidays), from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Kicc
For inquiries, the contact number is 078-912-1778, available on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hyogo Prefectural Police
Note: Appointments are required and fill up quickly — slots for some months have been fully booked. Appointments for the following month open on the 16th of the current month. Hyogo Prefectural Police Book as early as possible.

Option ② — International Driving Permit
An international driving permit based on the Geneva Convention allows foreign nationals to drive in Japan. However, it is only valid for one year from the date of entry into Japan, or until the permit’s expiration date — whichever comes first. NPA Japan
This is a practical short-term option, but not a permanent solution for long-term residents. If you’re settling in the Higashiharima area for work or family reasons, you’ll eventually need to convert or obtain a full Japanese license.

Option ③ — Enrolling in a Japanese Driving School
If you don’t hold a foreign license, or if your license doesn’t meet the conversion requirements, you can enroll in a Japanese driving school and go through the full process — just like Japanese citizens.
What to Expect
The process involves completing a set number of in-vehicle driving lessons and classroom sessions, passing a provisional license exam, completing additional road lessons, and then taking the final graduation exam. After graduating, you visit the license center for the official license issuance.
Some driving schools offer textbooks and classroom instruction in foreign languages, making it easier for international students to follow along. If you’re not confident in Japanese, it’s worth checking whether a school near you provides multilingual support before enrolling. Meikoglobal
Driving Schools in the Higashiharima Area
The Higashiharima area (Kakogawa, Miki, Ono, Takasago, and surrounding cities) has several driving schools to choose from. Each differs in price, pickup/drop-off services, and the atmosphere of instruction. If you’d like a detailed comparison tailored to your location, check out our [driving school comparison for the Higashiharima area →].

Key Tips for Foreign Residents
1. Bring a Japanese-speaking companion if needed
If you are not fluent in Japanese, you are encouraged to bring someone who can interpret for you when visiting the license center. Kicc
2. Make sure your passport shows entry/exit stamps
Note that if your passport does not contain entry/exit stamps — for example, if you traveled to or from countries such as Japan, the USA, Canada, China, or South Korea — you will need to obtain an official travel record from the relevant immigration authority instead. Hyogo Prefectural Police
3. Be aware of the new stricter rules
The October 2025 rule changes mean the knowledge test is now significantly harder. Use official study materials and allow enough preparation time before your exam date.
4. Don’t let your foreign license expire
Your foreign license must still be valid at the time of your application. If it has already expired, you will not be eligible for conversion and will need to go through the driving school route instead.

Summary
Foreign License ConversionInternational PermitDriving SchoolPrior license needed?✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ NoValid long-term?✅ Yes❌ 1 year only✅ YesWhere to applyAkashi License CenterBefore coming to JapanLocal driving schoolApprox. cost¥4,800 (fees)Varies by country¥200,000–¥350,000

Get Started in the Higashiharima Area
Whether you’re converting a foreign license or starting from scratch at a driving school, taking the first step is what matters most. The Higashiharima area has great driving schools with competitive pricing and flexible schedules.
👉 [Compare driving schools in Kakogawa, Miki, and Ono →]
👉 [Find the cheapest driving school near you →]

Last updated: April 2026 | Information based on Hyogo Prefectural Police and National Police Agency guidelines