Convert a Chinese Licence or Start from Scratch in Japan? Conversion vs Full Licence (2026)
Should you convert a Chinese driving licence or earn a Japanese licence from scratch? Compare eligibility, the 50-question conversion check, the 95-question full-licence test, skills checks and study routes.
If you want a driving licence in Japan, the first question is not “How hard is the test?” It is: Should you convert your existing Chinese licence, or earn a Japanese licence from the beginning through the learner and full-licence stages?
Both routes can lead to a Japanese driving licence, but the eligibility rules, tests and study priorities are different.
To check your current knowledge, search WeChat for “JP速通免许”, find “日本免许速通” in the App Store, or practise online at JapanDL.com.
01｜Quick answer: if you have a Chinese licence, check conversion first
If your Chinese driving licence is valid and you can prove that you stayed in China for the required period after obtaining it, foreign-licence conversion may be the first route to consider.
Conversion is not an automatic licence exchange. Your application may still include document screening, a knowledge check and a driving skills check.
If you do not meet the conversion requirements or cannot prove your driving-licence history, you may need to earn a Japanese licence from the beginning.
02｜What does foreign-licence conversion involve?
This route is for people who already hold an eligible foreign driving licence.
The main preparation areas are:
• 50-question knowledge check: the passing standard is 90%. Focus on Japanese road rules, signs, pedestrian protection and safe driving.
• Driving skills check: assessors look at safety checks, turns, stopping and intersection procedures as well as basic vehicle control.
• Document screening: your licence, translation, passport and residence history must support one another.
Previous driving experience helps, but it does not replace studying Japanese rules and driving routines.
03｜Starting from zero means progressing from learner to full licence
People earning a Japanese licence from the beginning normally complete the learner-permit stage before moving to the full-licence stage. You may study at a driving school or, depending on your situation, take the direct testing route at a licence centre.
The full-licence written test normally contains 95 questions, is worth 100 points, and requires 90 points to pass. It covers a broader range of rules, judgement and illustrated questions.
Foreign-licence conversion and the full-licence test are therefore not two parallel test names: conversion is a route using an existing foreign licence, while the full-licence test is a stage in earning a Japanese licence from scratch.
04｜The main differences between the two routes
Starting point
• Conversion: you already hold an eligible foreign driving licence.
• From scratch: you do not have a licence that can be converted, or you do not meet the conversion requirements.
Written-test scope
• Conversion: prepare mainly for the 50-question knowledge check.
• Full licence: study a broader syllabus for the 95-question written test.
Practice priorities
• Conversion candidates need to adjust previous habits and learn Japan-specific safety checks.
• New drivers need to build knowledge and skills systematically through the learner and full-licence stages.
Once you know your route, choose the matching question bank at JapanDL.com. Conversion candidates can use “Foreign Licence to Japanese Licence – Written Mock Test”; full-licence candidates can use “Full Licence Written Mock Test”. Random practice, complete mock exams, explanations and mistake review help you improve steadily.
05｜Which route is likely to suit you?
Check foreign-licence conversion first if you:
• hold a valid Chinese driving licence;
• can prove your stay in China after obtaining it;
• can establish a clear licence timeline with documents; and
• are ready to relearn road rules and driving routines for Japan.
Consider earning a Japanese licence from scratch if you:
• do not hold a valid foreign licence;
• cannot meet or prove the conversion requirements;
• prefer systematic training at a driving school; or
• need to build your test skills from the learner-permit stage.
Requirements and test arrangements can vary by location and personal circumstances. Confirm the latest information with your local driving licence centre before applying.
06｜Frequently asked questions
Does a Chinese driving licence automatically qualify for conversion?
No. The licence must be valid, and your post-issue residence history and supporting documents must also pass review.
Is conversion easier than the full-licence test?
They are difficult in different ways. Conversion involves documents, the 50-question knowledge check and Japan-specific driving actions. The full-licence route requires a broader body of written-test knowledge.
Can I practise in Chinese?
Yes. JapanDL supports Chinese, Japanese, English and Vietnamese, with random practice, full mock exams, explanations and mistake review.
07｜Choose your route, then start practising
If you hold a Chinese licence, first check whether you qualify for conversion. If you need to start from zero, prepare in order for the learner and full-licence stages. Avoid mixing materials for different tests, and do not wait until your appointment is booked to begin studying.
Start now through the WeChat mini program “JP速通免许”, the iOS app “日本免许速通”, or JapanDL.com, then select the conversion or full-licence question bank that matches your route.