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Knowledge check · current format

Japan's Foreign-License Knowledge Check: 50 Questions, 45 to Pass, 30 Minutes

Since 1 October 2025, the Gaimen Kirikae knowledge check has 50 written questions, a 30-minute limit and a requirement of at least 45 correct answers. Older articles and videos describing 10 illustrated questions and seven correct answers do not describe the current format.

GAIMEN JAPAN Editorial Team Published August 17, 2026Updated August 17, 2026
Learner studying for the foreign-license knowledge check with a phone and notebook at home

Key takeaways

  • The current national standard is at least 45 correct out of 50 in 30 minutes.
  • Kanagawa lists a true-or-false test in 21 languages, but confirm the available language with your own prefecture.
  • Learn the Japanese rule and the conditions in each question instead of memorizing answer patterns.

Start with the current format

The National Police Agency notice specifies 50 written questions in 30 minutes and no partial examination exemption for a score below 45. Kanagawa describes 50 true-or-false questions with a 90 percent passing standard. Do not mix current preparation with material made for the old 10-question check.

[1] 警察庁[2] 神奈川県警察

Study by traffic situation

Learn signs, signals, left-side driving, intersections, pedestrian crossings, speed and safety checks by topic, then practise a complete 50-question set within 30 minutes. For every mistake, record which condition in the sentence you missed; that builds understanding beyond one answer.

[1] 警察庁

Confirm the language and test-day process locally

Kanagawa lists 21 languages, including all seven GAIMEN JAPAN acquisition languages. Availability and appointments may still differ by location. Check the latest instructions from the prefecture where you apply, including how the driving-skill check is booked after a pass.

[2] 神奈川県警察[3] 警視庁

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Sources

Procedures vary by prefecture. Always confirm the latest details with the relevant prefectural police authority.

  1. 「外国免許等関係事務取扱い要領」の改正について（通達）警察庁 · Checked August 17, 2026
  2. 外国の運転免許から日本の運転免許への切替手続について神奈川県警察 · Checked August 17, 2026
  3. 外国で取得した運転免許証を日本の運転免許証に切り替えるには警視庁 · Checked August 17, 2026

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Put what you learned into practice

Check your current level with ten free questions based on Japan's current knowledge-check format.

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Procedures vary by prefecture. Always confirm the latest details with the relevant prefectural police authority.

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