Driving licence from Japan
Live in a village? Pick the nearest bigger town.
Exchange without driving school
You just need a medical certificate. The office will check your licence and decide.
Where to go
Pick your city and we'll show you the office.
Get ready for the tests, just in case
Checked on 3 Nov 2026. Not legal advice. The office decides.
What this means for a licence from Japan
Czechia recognises licences from Japan on a reciprocal basis, so you don't need exams to exchange one. You just need a medical certificate.
Apply within 3 months of getting your residence permit. After that you can't drive on this licence in Czechia, though you can still exchange it.
Common questions
Why do I have to check at the office?
The office looks at your actual licence, not just your country. It may find it doesn't match the convention model and say no.
Do I have to go to the office in my own city?
No. Any of the 206 offices can do the exchange, but you must go in person.
What if they refuse an exchange without driving school?
You'll exchange through a driving school: exams and a medical certificate. The law sets no required number of lessons.
When do I need the full course?
When the office says you can't exchange even through a school, for example because your licence isn't valid or its categories don't match the Czech ones. Ask them why. The course always requires a medical certificate.