How to Book Your Tokyo Gaimen Kirikae Test at Fuchu or Samezu
· GaimenGo Team
Tokyo's foreign license conversion process now runs fully online and reservations are mandatory. Here's exactly how to book your slot at Fuchu or Samezu.
Two Centers, One Booking System
In Tokyo, foreign driver's license conversion (gaimen kirikae) can be done at two locations: Fuchu Driver's License Center and Samezu Driver's License Center. Both use the same online booking system operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and since the post-COVID changes, walk-ins are no longer accepted for the written test appointment.
The Booking Link
All Tokyo driver's license reservations go through the official Keishicho (Metropolitan Police) booking portal, linked from the main procedures page:
This leads to the gaimen kirikae section, which links directly to the reservation calendar for both Fuchu and Samezu.
Step-by-Step Reservation Guide
- Prepare your documents first. Full details on exactly what's required are on our Document Conversion Checklist — check it before booking so you don't waste a slot.
- Get a Japanese translation of your license. This is done through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) website and typically takes about a week to receive as a PDF.
- Open the Tokyo booking portal. Navigate from the main driver's license procedures page to the gaimen kirikae appointment section.
- Choose your center: Fuchu or Samezu. Both handle all nationalities' foreign licenses, but Fuchu tends to have shorter waiting times for available slots.
- Select an available date and time. Reservation calendars open at midnight, and many applicants report needing to refresh right at 12:00 AM to catch a released slot.
- Confirm your booking and save your confirmation number. You will need this on the day of your appointment.
- Attend your booked appointment. On the day, expect roughly 2 to 3 hours total: an aptitude (vision) test, document submission, and the written test itself.
- Pass the written test to book your driving exam. The written test has 50 questions and requires at least 45 correct to pass. Once you pass, you can book your practical driving exam date on the spot — though the actual test date may be 1 to 4 months out.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass both the written test and the practical driving exam, your Japanese driver's license is issued the same day, right after the exam results are confirmed.
Quick Reference
| Step | Task | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Document prep + JAF translation | Conversion Guide checklist |
| 2 | Book written test slot | Tokyo Police booking portal |
| 3 | Attend aptitude + written test | Fuchu or Samezu |
| 4 | Book practical driving exam | On-site after passing |
| 5 | Take practical exam + receive license | Fuchu or Samezu |
Booking rules and wait times change periodically, so always check the current Tokyo Metropolitan Police page before your visit.