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Converting a Myanmar Driver's License in Japan: Documents, Tests

Updated: 2026-10

Myanmar is not on the exemption list, so after the document check you take both the knowledge test (知識確認) and the driving test (技能確認). In Tokyo you also need driving records from Myanmar (更新経歴証明): one in English or Japanese and one in Burmese, showing the date of issue. The knowledge test is available in Burmese.

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Myanmar licenses: document check, knowledge test and driving test

Only 29 countries and regions, such as South Korea, Taiwan and parts of Europe, are exempt from both tests, and Myanmar is not one of them (Tokyo police 警視庁, checked October 2026). The knowledge test is 50 true/false questions in 30 minutes; you need 45 to pass. The driving test needs 70 out of 100.

You need: (1) a valid Myanmar license; (2) a total of at least 3 months in Myanmar after getting it; and (3) residence registration in Japan with a copy of your residence record showing nationality and status (住民票の写し, 特定事項入り). No proxy applications.

Myanmar-only documents in Tokyo

Tokyo's list of documents by country (国別必要書類一覧, as of August 2026) asks Myanmar license holders for driving records (更新経歴証明). The English version explains: records in English or Japanese together with records in Burmese, with the date of issue shown. Both come from the issuing authority in Myanmar.

If you have renewed, your card may not show the date you first got the license. Tokyo then requires a document proving the first issue date. If you hold two or more license types (car and motorcycle, for example), you need proof of when you got each.

Document	Conditions (Tokyo)
Myanmar driver's license (original)	Your valid license; bring old ones too
Driving records in English or Japanese	Date of issue shown; from Myanmar
Driving records in Burmese	Same records in Burmese; from Myanmar
Japanese translation (翻訳文)	JAF, the embassy, etc.
Passports (old and new)	Myanmar stamps showing 3 months or more

Other prefectures (Saitama, Tochigi, Miyagi)

Extra documents for Myanmar licenses vary a lot. Saitama police in particular require authentication by Myanmar's foreign ministry and the embassy. These examples were checked in October 2026; always check the latest list where you apply.

Where you apply	Extra documents for Myanmar licenses
Saitama police	License certificate in Burmese and English, authenticated by Myanmar's foreign ministry and the embassy (required), plus a driving history certificate (both from Myanmar)
Tochigi police	License certificate showing the first issue date, plus a driving history certificate
Miyagi police	Certificate showing the license issue date

Translation: JAF also asks for your residence card

You cannot translate the license yourself. Only designated bodies (the issuing authority or embassy in Japan, JAF and others) are accepted. JAF's translation for conversion costs 6,600 yen and takes 5 to 10 business days on average (from July 1, 2026).

For Myanmar licenses, JAF needs both sides of the license plus your residence card (在留カード), residence record or passport. Have it ready before you apply.

Your 3 months are checked with the entry and exit stamps in your passport. If there are no stamps and the period cannot be confirmed, you need proof of stay such as immigration records (Tokyo police).

Steps and fees in Tokyo

In Tokyo you book online, then go to the Fuchu (府中) or Samezu (鮫洲) test center for the document check. The Koto (江東) center only handles licenses from exempt countries, so you cannot apply there. Applications are accepted on weekdays from 8:30 to 15:00 (not 11:00 to 13:00). After the document check comes the knowledge test, and if you pass, the driving test on a later booked date. You cannot take the driving test on the day you apply.

For licenses from non-exempt countries, you can normally apply for only one license type at a time. If you want to convert both a car and a motorcycle license, prepare documents showing when you got each one and apply separately.

Fee (Tokyo police, checked October 2026)	Amount
Application fee (ordinary car, 普通)	2,500 yen
Application fee (moped, 原付)	1,600 yen
Application fee (large, medium, semi-medium)	3,900 yen
Issuance fee	2,350 yen
JAF translation (for conversion)	6,600 yen

You can take the knowledge test in Burmese

Tokyo's knowledge test is offered in 20 languages, including Burmese. Aichi police also offer Burmese.

According to the National Police Agency (警察庁), pass rates for October to December 2025 were 42.8% for the knowledge test and 13.1% for the driving test. Myanmar drives on the right while Japan drives on the left, so relearn turning positions and right-of-way. If you pass the knowledge test but fail the driving test, reapplying within 6 months of the knowledge test day exempts you from it. You can practice the 50-question format with menkyopass's English mock test.

FAQ

Q. Is an English driving record enough?

A. Tokyo's list asks for both: one in English or Japanese and one in Burmese, each showing the date of issue.

Q. Can I take the knowledge test in Burmese?

A. Yes. Tokyo offers 20 languages, including Burmese. Aichi also offers it.

Q. What does JAF need besides my license?

A. For Myanmar licenses, JAF also asks for your residence card, residence record or passport.