Samezu Tokyo

"This is the place where Japanese residents can renew, obtain, or convert their driver’s licenses. I visited here as a beginner to take the written test for my first license.
My appointment was at 11:00 AM, but I arrived around 10:30 AM. I'm glad I did, because I hadn’t researched the process much beforehand, and I assumed the test would start at 11. However, there’s a time-consuming process before the exam including form filling, document checks, and payment.

For beginners, here are some tips from my experience:
You need 3 photos of a specific size. I initially used a photo from a station booth, but it was too big. Luckily, there’s a proper-size photo booth inside the test center near the reception area (受付). I recommend using that.
They also provide a small machine and scissors (はさみ) to cut the photo edges, which was very convenient.
Around 10:45, they asked us to line up and began guiding us step by step. Just follow the staff’s instructions carefully.
Bring ¥3,000 for the test and about ¥1,000 for the photos.
Also, bring your residence certificate (住民票) from the city office. If you’re a foreigner, make sure your nationality is included in the document.

After completing the process, they made an announcement around 11:50 asking us to go to the exam hall. The written test started at 12:50 PM.
Overall, the staff were helpful and the process was smooth as long as you’re prepared. I hope this helps other beginners planning to get their license in Japan."

Hasini

"I recently visited the Shinagawa Driver’s License Center, and the experience was smoother than expected. The staff were professional, organized, and provided clear instructions throughout the process. Although it was a bit crowded, the system they have in place ensures that things move along efficiently.

For non-Japanese speakers, there are English instructions available, which is really helpful. The building is clean, and the facilities are well-maintained. However, be prepared for some waiting time, especially during peak hours.

Overall, it’s a well-run center, and I appreciate their efforts to streamline the process for everyone. If you’re visiting, I recommend arriving early to avoid long lines."

Adhikari Alish

"Review: expat international drivers license conversion with an 8:30a appt for written test.

Arrived at 7:50a
Headed to 3rd floor window 35.

7 people were in line waiting ahead of me.
Only 2 had reservations - the rest were pulled aside to speak to an attendant at 8:21 a when the window opened and they began seeing those with reservations.

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I was in and out of the space by 10 AM. I had arranged for photos at a Photo Booth in Shinjuku before coming, so while there, all I had to do was have my documentation verified, complete some paperwork, pass the eye exam, pay the conversion fee, and then pass the written test.

Make sure to bring your current and past passports if you had these updated since your visa issuance. Same goes for your drivers licenses. My husband was asked to bring proof of address through a bill, but didn’t. They allowed him to take test, but best to be safe.
You may want to bring a birth certificate or other proof, beyond your passport, of your citizenship in another country, as they asked for this from me. I didn’t have this, but they allowed me to take the test.

All of the employees I met were polite, helpful, and considerate of my limited Japanese. The first gentleman that I spoke with at window 35 was exceptionally warm and encouraging. I’m glad I got to start my day by speaking to this individual.

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I prepared for the task by reading the Rules of the Road and passed with nine out of 10 questions correct. I’m not sure if I might’ve scored a 10 out of 10, if not for one of the questions being kind of vague - the answer could’ve gone either way. However, I have no quibbles as this did not affect my ability to pass. Additionally, it seems like most folks run into at least one question like this when taking the written exam. Suffice it to say that you should invest in this book and study it thoroughly.

I ended the day by receiving paperwork on the potential courses I might drive on the driving test day. I was given the opportunity to look at what driving appointments are available. There was one appointment available in the next month, August. I took it. I will now be taking my exam a little more than two weeks after I passed the written exam.

I’m grateful to have passed the written test, but even more grateful that this is required of folks to convert their license. It is important that if we hope to become certified to drive here that we understand the rules of the road. I feel much more confident as a driver and more confident that others on the road will drive safely.

However, I will say that the driving test is total anathema. They really expect a decent level of Japanese for you to be able to pass it. You must be able to follow all of the verbal instruction, while following a bunch of illogical rules that no one actually uses in the real world. They should be embarrassed to be running an exam in which drivers of 20 years + fail simply because their instructor (and I hear a lot of them are racist) is intentionally trying to stump them by speaking fast in Japanese. Where they expect you pump the breaks multiple times to slow down or brake (never happens in real world). Where they make you point check throughout (also unrealistic). This is a test to whether you will bow down and cower before the almighty Japanese govt and police force and their lack of logic and complacency with the bureaucratic monotony that has destroyed the country’s economy.

Same goes for attempting to schedule an appt. Near impossible to do unless you know “shortcuts.”
The govt should be taking our taxes and hiring more people to administer exam, so that more people are able to take it.

Again, I am pleased with the staff (other than the driving examiners) and disgusted by this system - this discriminatory, bureaucratic misery.

Also, considering the plethora of 1 stars given here, don’t believe that overall rating. Getting your DL here is a 1, if not 2 star, experience."

Jennifer Liepin