Fuchu License Center English Test: Booking + Day-Of Cheat Sheet

Part of our Tokyo: Japanese Driver’s License in English (2026 Booking Guide) — Tokyo Japanese driver’s license in English guide.

Quick decision grid (30 seconds)

Key source for where Fuchu serves and access notes: MPD (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department). (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Fuchu arrival flow (what happens, in order + what to say)

1. Get to the correct gate: aim for the "Shikenjo-Seimon / 試験場正門" bus stop or main gate (booked exam usually meets at the main reception). If you arrive on foot from 多磨霊園 it’s ~15 mins; from Musashikoganei / 武蔵小金井 use Keio Bus to 試験場正門. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
2. At reception counter say (in simple English/Japanese): “I have a reservation for the English knowledge test / foreign-license conversion (gaimen kirikae). My name is [Family, Given].” Staff will check your reservation and documents.
3. Document check order (typical):
   • Identity + residence check (passport + entry stamps; residence card; 住民票 if required)
   • Foreign license original + JAF or embassy translation
   • Photo (if you didn’t bring one they have booths) and fees
   Bring originals and one photocopy of each — many applicants are turned away for missing copies or wrong translation type. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
4. Take the English knowledge test (computer or paper depending on day). If you pass the knowledge check you may be scheduled for skills check or receive further instructions on the same day — follow staff directions exactly.
5. If you pass all steps you usually get your Japanese licence issued the same day after paying the issuance stamp(s). Expect at least 2–3 hours for conversion; bring water / snack.

What to say at the counter (quick scripts)

• “I have a reservation for foreign‑license conversion (外免切替) in English.”
• “Here are my passport, residence card, foreign license and JAF translation.”
• If asked about stay length: “I stayed in [country] for [months] — here are entry/exit stamps / I‑94 / other proof.”

Rebooking + retake rules (what forces another visit & how to avoid it)

• If you fail the knowledge check or skills confirmation you must rebook the failed component — this can create long waits for slots. Avoid by preparing with the up‑to‑date question sets and a practice drive on a similar course. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Missing or incorrect translations / missing stay evidence (passport entry stamps / travel records) will make you ineligible and force a new booking — bring originals + photocopies + JAF/embassy translations. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• If you don’t meet the 3‑month residency rule (must have stayed ≥3 months in the issuing country) your application will be rejected — confirm before booking. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Tip to minimize time off work: book the earliest morning slot, arrive 30–45 minutes before your slot, bring everything in a labeled folder, and ask staff where the exam collection point is to avoid wrong queues.

Quick checklist to print and bring:

• Original foreign licence + JAF or embassy translation (and 1 photocopy each). (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Passport with entry/exit stamps (or official travel record) + Residence Card + 住民票 if you have one.
• One passport‑style photo (or use on‑site booth), pen, cash for fees (~4,600 JPY), water/snack, and booking confirmation.

Need help? LO‑PAL can walk you through the Fuchu booking and pre‑check your documents so you don’t waste a morning—try LO‑PAL to reserve the right slot and checklist. Back to full guide