Nepali license in Japan (gaimen kirikae): written test and documents
Written test: yes. Practical driving test: yes. A Nepali license is not on the exemption list on the page of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), updated September 7, 2026, so converting it in Japan means the written knowledge test (50 true/false statements, 30 minutes, pass at 45) and then the practical driving test. Checked October 25, 2026.
Do you need the tests?
| Check | Nepali license |
|---|---|
| Written knowledge test (50 true/false statements, 30 minutes, pass at 45) | Required |
| Practical driving test | Required |
What the police pages say: Not on the exempt list: knowledge check (50 true/false questions) and skill check both required. Skill check must be passed while the foreign license is valid (Kanagawa, Osaka).
Sources: MPD: how to convert a foreign license (page) (page date: updated September 7, 2026 (page states the date); checked October 25, 2026); Kanagawa Police: gaimen kirikae (page date: updated February 6, 2026; checked October 25, 2026); Osaka Police: gaimen kirikae (page date: no update date found in page text; checked October 25, 2026)
Translating your license into Japanese
Every applicant, including those from exempt countries, submits a Japanese translation of the license. Who may make it, for Nepal:
- Embassy of the issuing country in Japan
- JAF
- ZIPLUS (Nepal listed by MPD)
Per MPD, the Japanese translation (submitted) must be made by: the embassy of the issuing country in Japan (Taiwan: Taiwan-Japan Relations Association), JAF, ADAC (German licenses), ZIPLUS (listed countries only) or ALADDIN (listed countries only). All applicants, including exempt countries, need it.
Sources: MPD: hitsuyo shorui (kyotsu) (JA PDF, incl. translators list) (page date: file dated December 18, 2025 (PDF metadata; no date printed); checked October 25, 2026)
Documents for Nepali licenses
Tokyo MPD list of documents by country (Reiwa 8 August / 08/2026): Driving records stamped by the MOFA and the Embassy in Tokyo, and License Holders Details. Both must be obtained from the issuing authority.
The license center that handles your application decides which documents it needs. We do not check, prepare or submit documents for you.
Sources: MPD: kokubetsu hitsuyo shorui ichiran (JA PDF) (page date: Reiwa 8 (2026) August (list header); checked October 25, 2026); MPD: List of Required Documents by Country (EN PDF) (page date: 08/2026 (list header); PDF created September 1, 2026; checked October 25, 2026)
Next steps
- Checker: do I need the written test?
- Gaimen kirikae guide: eligibility, documents, fees, booking
- License centers: Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka
We are an independent study tool. We do not help with applications, bookings or documents.
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Sources
Last checked: . Rules and procedures can change; the license center that handles your application decides.
- MPD: how to convert a foreign license (page) (page date: updated September 7, 2026 (page states the date))
- Kanagawa Police: gaimen kirikae (page date: updated February 6, 2026)
- Osaka Police: gaimen kirikae (page date: no update date found in page text)
- MPD: hitsuyo shorui (kyotsu) (JA PDF, incl. translators list) (page date: file dated December 18, 2025 (PDF metadata; no date printed))
- MPD: kokubetsu hitsuyo shorui ichiran (JA PDF) (page date: Reiwa 8 (2026) August (list header))
- MPD: List of Required Documents by Country (EN PDF) (page date: 08/2026 (list header); PDF created September 1, 2026)