Free practice app for Japan’s foreign licence conversion knowledge test · iPhone & Android
Gaimen Kirikae Test Prep – Practice for Japan’s 50-question driver’s licence conversion test
Converting a foreign driver’s licence to a Japanese one (gaimen kirikae) now includes a 50-question knowledge test with a 90% pass mark (45 correct), up from 10 questions and 70% before 1 October 2025. This app gives you 50-question mock exams in the new format, a 12-topic rules summary, 12 patterns of tricky wording, a 22-sign road sign guide and 40 flashcards, in English or Japanese. Free, no ads, works offline.
What changed on 1 October 2025
A summary of the changes published by prefectural police. Always check the latest notice from the licence centre where you will take the test.
| Number of questions | 10 → 50 |
|---|---|
| Pass mark | 70% → 90% (at least 45 of 50 correct) |
| Who can apply | Mid- to long-term residents and others registered under the Basic Resident Registration Act. Short-term visitors (tourists) can no longer apply, with limited exceptions such as diplomats. |
| Licence history | You must have stayed in the issuing country for a combined 3 months or more after the licence was issued (checked with your passport). |
| Test-exempt countries and regions | Iceland, Ireland, the United States (Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland and Washington only), the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Austria, the Netherlands, Canada, South Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Monaco, Luxembourg and Taiwan (Tokyo Metropolitan Police list; Indiana is exempt from the skills test only). |
| Test languages | Vary by prefecture. Aichi, for example, offers English every weekday and languages such as Vietnamese, Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish on set days. |
| Fees (Tokyo example) | Application fee ¥2,500 (ordinary licence) plus issuance fee ¥2,350. |
Who it is for
Foreign residents in Japan
Study in English with the same questions and explanations, and switch to Japanese to see the wording you may meet on test day.
Japanese nationals returning from abroad
If your licence is from a non-exempt state or country, you need both tests. Get used to the test’s wording before you go to the licence centre.
Anyone who knew the old 10-question test
The new test has 50 questions and a 45-question pass mark, so careless mistakes matter much more.
People on a deadline
Rules summary → 10-question quick sets → 50-question mock exams → review of missed questions. You only spend time on what you get wrong.
Features
Timed 50-question mock exam
Same length as the real test, graded at the end, so you can check whether you reliably reach 45 correct.
10-question quick sets
An explanation after every answer, for short study sessions.
Review mode
Missed questions are collected automatically and repeated until you get them right.
12-topic rules summary
The traffic rules the test focuses on, organised into 12 short topics you can read through quickly.
12 patterns of tricky wording
The phrasing that is specific to this test, collected into 12 patterns so it does not trip you up.
22 road signs and 40 flashcards
A guide to 22 road signs, plus 40 flashcards for the distances and speeds you need to memorise.
130 questions across 27 topics. Questions, explanations and the rules summary are available in English and Japanese.
Suggested study plan
Read the rules summary
Go through the 12 topics once to see the scope of the test.
Quick sets
Use the 10-question sets to get used to the wording and the way of thinking.
Mock exams
Take timed 50-question exams until you consistently score 45 or more.
Review
Use review mode to clear the questions you missed.
The day before
Run through the tricky-wording list and the flashcards one last time.
FAQ
Are these the actual exam questions?
No. All questions are original practice questions written from Japan’s published traffic rules, not real exam questions. Details of how the test is run can differ by prefecture, so check the latest notice from the licence centre where you will take it.
What changed on 1 October 2025?
The knowledge test went from 10 questions to 50, and the pass mark rose from 70% to 90% (45 or more correct out of 50). The mock exam in this app uses the same 50-question format.
Is the app in English?
Yes. You can switch the whole app, including questions, explanations and the rules summary, between English and Japanese.
How much does it cost?
It is free, with no ads and no in-app purchases.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Once installed it works without an internet connection. Your study record stays on your device, and there is no account to create.
I have a U.S. licence. Am I exempt from the tests?
Only for some states. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, holders of licences from Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland and Washington are exempt from both the knowledge and skills tests, and Indiana licence holders are exempt from the skills test only. Licences from all other states, including New York, New Jersey and California, require both tests.
Can I convert my licence while visiting Japan as a tourist?
No. Since 1 October 2025, people who are not registered under the Basic Resident Registration Act, such as short-term visitors, cannot obtain a Japanese licence (with limited exceptions such as diplomats). Applicants need a certificate of residence (juminhyo) that lists their nationality, residence status and period of stay.
Does it cover the driving (skills) test?
No. The app is only for the knowledge test. The skills test is taken by appointment on the licence centre’s course.
Support
Contact
For help or bug reports, email yukimoto@cltny.com with “Gaimen Kirikae” in the subject line. Please include your device model and the screen where the problem happened.
Documents
Developer
CLT NY INC., New York. See our other apps on Apps by CLT NY.
This app is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with the National Police Agency or any prefectural police. All questions are original practice questions based on published traffic rules. Test rules are as published by prefectural police as of October 2026. Sources: Aichi Prefectural Police notice on the 1 October 2025 changes (PDF, Japanese), Shimane Prefectural Police guide (PDF, Japanese), Tokyo Metropolitan Police, converting a foreign licence, Kanagawa Prefectural Police notice for foreign nationals.