Samezu 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.

Before you go (5-minute checklist)

• Docs ( originals ): passport, residence card (zairyū card) or proof of address, original foreign driving licence, JAF/embassy translation (if required). Copies alone won’t be accepted. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Reservation QR: reservation confirmation QR code or受付番号 from the Tokyo reservation site — bring it on your phone and have a screenshot/print. (Reservation site supplies QR/number when booking.) (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Photo: one passport-style photo for some procedures — size for license photos: 3.0 cm × 2.4 cm (use the center’s photo booth if unsure). (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Money & card: fees vary by procedure — bring ~¥5,000 ready (exact fees depend on type; see fees table). (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Translator / phone: if you don’t speak Japanese, bring someone who can interpret (staff may ask for one) or be ready to request an English-language test on arrival. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Samezu on the day

1. Where to line up / check-in: enter the main Samezu building, show your QR/受付番号 at the reception / reservation check desk. Staff will scan the QR and confirm which counter to use. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
2. What staff will ask first: “Reservation? (QR/受付番号)”, ID (passport/residence card), and to see your original foreign licence + translation. Have these ready to hand over. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
3. If you booked an English-language written test: say “I’d like to take the written test in English” and show your reservation; staff will confirm language availability for that day (check site first which days/languages are offered). (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
4. Gaiment kirikae counter (foreign‑license switching): on arrival ask where the 外免切替窓口 is — Samezu handles all foreign licences and will direct you to the weekday counter; note the skills check (if required) must be separately reserved and cannot be done the same reception day. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
5. Timing rules: gates/doors and start windows: plan to arrive early — some site activities close gates ~15 minutes before start; reservation “arrival time” is enforced, so be on time or you may be treated as a no‑show. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Samezu gotchas (top day‑of failure points)

• Missing originals: photocopies only? Not accepted. If you only have copies, you’ll be turned away. Bring originals. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Wrong photo or size: a 3.0×2.4cm photo is the norm for license photos — an incorrect size or low‑quality print can block issuance. Use the on-site booth if unsure. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Booked wrong service:学科 exam reservations and 外免切替 use different reservation flows — confirm you used the correct reservation path (reservation site vs. foreign‑license instructions). Using the wrong one = denied entry. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Assuming same‑day skill test: if a skills check (技能確認) is required for a foreign‑license switch, it’s separately reserved — you can’t always take it the same day as reception. Plan and reserve ahead. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Arriving late / wrong time: reservation time = arrival time; late arrival may be cancelled and QR/受付番号 invalidated. Cancel and rebook if timing changes. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Quick suggested English phrases for staff: “I have a reservation — here is my QR/受付番号.” / “I want to switch my foreign license (gaimen kirikae).” / “I will take the written test in English.”

Need help booking or double‑checking your Samezu reservation? LO‑PAL can confirm which reservation flow you used and list exactly which originals and translations you must bring.

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External sources: Tokyo Metropolitan Police pages used above are linked in-line for official hours, fees and reservation rules. (external links open in new window)