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Study guides, driving tips, and gaimen kirikae exam insights.
Licence Conversion
Complete Guide to Gaimen Kirikae: Converting Your Foreign Licence in Japan
Step-by-step guide to converting your foreign driving licence in Japan through the gaimen kirikae process. Documents, eligibility, written test, practical test, fees, and timeline.
May 2026 · 10 min read
Exam Tips
8 Common Mistakes on the Japan Driving Test (and How to Avoid Them)
The 8 most common mistakes foreign drivers make on the Japan gaimen kirikae driving test. Left/right priority, railway crossings, speed limits, moped rules, and more.
May 2026 · 8 min read
Study Guide
Japanese Road Signs Explained: The Complete Visual Guide
Complete guide to Japanese road signs by category. Regulatory, warning, and information signs. Key differences from international signs including the inverted triangle stop sign.
February 2026 · 9 min read
Driving Guide
Driving in Japan vs Your Home Country: Key Differences to Know
Key differences between driving in Japan and other countries. Left-hand traffic, speed in km/h, narrow streets, railway crossings, kei cars, expressway rules, and seasonal driving.
April 2026 · 8 min read
Prefecture Guide
Japan Driving Test by Prefecture: What to Expect at Each Centre
Prefecture-by-prefecture guide to the Japan driving test. Tokyo Fuchu and Samezu, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka — scheduling, wait times, language support, and pass rates.
April 2026 · 9 min read
Legal Guide
International Driving Permits in Japan: Rules, Limits, and When You Need a Japanese Licence
Complete guide to using an International Driving Permit in Japan. IDP validity, Geneva Convention countries, non-recognized countries, the IDP loophole closure, and when to convert.
March 2026 · 8 min read
Driving Tips
Switching to Left-Hand Traffic: Adjustment Tips for Japan
Practical tips for drivers switching from right-hand to left-hand traffic in Japan. Intersection turns, roundabouts, lane positioning, wipers vs indicators, parking, and muscle memory.
February 2026 · 7 min read
Driving Guide
Japan Highway (Expressway) Driving: Rules, Tolls, and Tips
Complete guide to driving on Japanese expressways. ETC cards, speed limits, SA/PA rest stops, emergency phones, breakdown procedures, toll calculation, and expressway etiquette.
March 2026 · 8 min read
Study Guide
Japanese Road Signs Guide for Foreigners 2026
Complete guide to Japanese road signs for foreign drivers. Learn the unique inverted triangle stop sign, speed limits, prohibition signs, and warning signs for the driving test.
January 2026 · 10 min read
Analysis
Japan Driving Test Pass Rate Collapsed: What Changed in October 2025
The Japan driving test pass rate dropped from 92.5% to 17-42% after October 2025 changes. Learn what happened and how to prepare for the new 50-question format.
December 2025 · 8 min read
Official Update
New Gaimen Kirikae Rules 2025: 50 Questions, 90% to Pass
Complete breakdown of the October 2025 gaimen kirikae rule changes. New test format, requirements, and how to prepare for the 50-question Japan driving licence conversion test.
November 2025 · 6 min read