Convert your foreign license (外免切替) or learn from scratch? Answer four questions and get your real path — with the honest cost, timeline, and test reality. In plain English.
Most foreign residents can convert an existing license (外免切替) — the cheap path. This tool routes you there when it fits, with no upsell. Only if you truly need to learn from scratch does it show driving-school options.
Your current driver's license
Whether you can skip the practical test depends on the issuing country (警察庁 list). Pick yours:
Your Japanese level
Drives the interpreter note for the 免許センター and, if you'd learn from scratch, whether a 教習所 is realistic.
Conversational+
Some
Almost none
Where you'll test / live
Metro 免許センター (esp. Tokyo) are famously booked out; test slots and backlogs differ.