Failed Japan License Conversion? Reapplying and the 6-Month Rule

What you redo depends on where you failed

Under the National Police Agency's guidelines for foreign licenses, if you fall short on either the knowledge test or the practical test, the conversion is not granted and the police must explain why. In other words, after failing you file a new application.

If you failed the knowledge test

Since October 1, 2025, the knowledge test is 50 true/false questions in 30 minutes, and you need 45 correct — you can miss only 5. According to the National Police Agency, the pass rate was 42.8% (October–December 2025), down from 92.5% under the old format. More than half of test-takers fail, so there's nothing unusual about it.

There is no exemption like the 6-month rule for a failed knowledge test. You have to book again, and in busy areas the wait for your next attempt can be long. In Tokyo the knowledge test is held only once a day, in the afternoon.

When you reapply, watch your document deadlines. Your residence record copy (住民票) must be issued within the last 6 months (Tokyo police), so get a new one if needed. Your foreign license also has to stay valid until the practical test.

If you failed the practical test: the 6-month rule

If you passed the knowledge test but failed the driving test, then for 6 months from the knowledge test date you can reapply and go straight to the practical test without retaking the knowledge test (you'll still be asked about your driving history). Key points:

• The 6 months count from the date of your KNOWLEDGE TEST, not the date you failed the driving test
• It applies even if you reapply for a different license class (for example, switching to an automatic-only AT限定 license)
• It applies even if you move to another prefecture
• You'll be given a written document showing you met the knowledge standard — keep it safe and bring it when you reapply
• After 6 months, you must take the knowledge test again

Watch the clock: license expiry and documents

Kanagawa police state that you must pass the practical test while your foreign license is still valid. Tokyo police say the practical test is about 3–4 months after booking, so one failure can quickly turn into a race against your expiry date.

If you renew your foreign license, you'll need a Japanese translation of the renewed license. JAF also says a new translation is required whenever your license is renewed or its details change. Check your residence record's 6-month window too.

We could not find consistent official guidance on reapplication fees or on a maximum number of attempts, so ask the prefectural police where you apply. For reference, Tokyo's application fee for a regular car license is 2,500 yen and the issuance fee is 2,350 yen.

How to pass the practical test next time

The practical test is driven on the test-center course and scored by deduction out of 100. Since October 2025, tasks such as passing through pedestrian crossings (横断歩道) have been added and the standards are stricter (Tokyo police). Interpreters may not ride in the car (Wakayama police), so learn the common Japanese instructions examiners use on the course.

If you're not confident with a manual car, you can reapply for an automatic-only (AT限定) license. Under the National Police Agency's guidelines, even if your foreign license covers larger or manual vehicles, you can take the practical test for an AT-only license if you choose. The 6-month rule still applies when you change license class.

The examiner will explain why you failed — the guidelines require it. Write down every point and practice before your next attempt.

How to pass the knowledge test next time

With 45 correct answers required, a rough understanding isn't enough. Mistakes cluster in three areas: numbers (speeds, distances in meters), whether something is mandatory or only recommended, and exceptions (whatever follows "however"). Questions come from Japan's official traffic rules textbook (交通の方法に関する教則), so relearn the rules with an eye on how they differ from your home country — starting with driving on the left.

Before your next booking, take several full practice tests in the real 50-question, 30-minute format and check that you score 45 or more consistently. menkyopass mock exams are available in English with explanations for every answer.

FAQ

Related guides

• Japan License Conversion Driving Test: Tasks, Scoring, Fails
• How to Study for Japan's License Conversion Knowledge Test
• Japan License Conversion Pass Rate Is 42.8%: Why People Fail
• License Conversion Knowledge Test Day in Japan: What to Expect
• Japan License Conversion Process: 6 Steps from Booking to License

Sources (in Japanese)

• 警察庁 丙運発第59号（令和8年1月8日）別添「外国免許等関係事務取扱い要領」
• 警視庁「外国で取得した運転免許証を日本の運転免許証に切り替えるには」
• 警視庁「必要書類（共通）」PDF
• 警視庁「令和7年10月1日施行・改正道路交通法施行規則について」
• 神奈川県警察「外国免許から日本の免許への切替え」
• 和歌山県警察「外国免許から国内免許への切り替え手続き」PDF
• JAF「翻訳文の申請方法」
• 日本経済新聞「外国人の免許切り替え、筆記試験の合格率9割→4割に 25年10〜12月」（警察庁公表の報道）