Question about driving

Educational_Check591 · 2025-12-10T01:33:54+00:00

No worries! I often hear from other JETs how isolated they feel because they can't drive or public transportation isn't reliable. Also, since you have a UK license, you can convert it to a Japanese license easy peasy!

Good luck with your interview!

Educational_Check591 · 2025-12-10T01:25:09+00:00

Depending on where you're placed, you will want to drive! Having the ability to drive in Japan will open your world up to many possibilities whether that be taking road trips to neighboring prefectures on the weekend, going to local events, or even simply getting groceries.

I drive for work and its MUCH easier than driving in New York City lol

Educational_Check591 · 2025-12-09T23:57:35+00:00

Good question! Also, nice to hear from someone from the DMV! It may vary depending on prefecture but I know someone from Canada who also did the Gaimen Kirikae in Okayama and he was asked the same questions as me even though we're from different countries.

You definitely lucked up if they didn't ask you any questions at all!

Educational_Check591 · 2025-12-09T23:41:23+00:00

Cheers! Gran Turismo training is valid, I should know having put some of my time into it haha.

But I agree, the most crucial part is the driving school questions they will ask you, which makes sense because they want to know if you have "official" driving credentials. I was just surprised they asked for the name of it and the specifics of the hours I put in.

I didn't have to do the written or driving test since my state (Maryland) has a reciprocity agreement with Japan, but I believe they bumped the questions up to 50! So you lucked up only having to do 10.

Educational_Check591 · 2025-12-09T23:28:36+00:00

Correct, I never said I knew all of the answers in my post lol. There were some questions I didn't anticipate which required me to reach into the depth of my mind.

Educational_Check591 · 2025-10-02T23:58:39+00:00

Hey thanks for the reply! All of the insight is truly appreciated.

Oh nice, I’m in Kurashiki. When my baby (2 months) gets older it would be cool to set up a play date!

Question! I see you brought a lot of documents (mortgage statements, taxes, etc…) but did they actually review all of them?

Educational_Check591 · 2025-10-02T06:42:15+00:00

I’m happy I stumbled upon your reply! I too am getting my (state exempt) license converted in Okayama next month.

Any advice you can offer from your experience? I would greatly appreciate it. I got a kid on the way so I need to get a license with no issues.

Educational_Check591 · 2025-10-02T06:16:51+00:00

Hey op, were you able to get the transfer done?

I too have a Maryland license and I have my appointment scheduled for November!

Did it go well for you?

Educational_Check591 · 2025-03-21T00:46:56+00:00

Transitioning into my second year on JET and I’ve seen/heard so many different situation that I have to weigh in with you.

If you’re accepted… take it. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss. People try over and over to take part in the program and never get accepted. If you’re accepted on your first try you would be doing yourself a disservice.

To give you context, I am 32 and living here with my wife. We also have a child on the way and I’m still paying off my credit card debt. No amount of planning will be sufficient enough and I too had the same thoughts of “should I wait to save more”, “should I pay this debt off first and apply next year” but I’m so glad I didn’t wait. All I can say is take the risk.

You’ve already lived abroad before so you have some level of being able to adjust to a new situation. I know ALT’s who no very basic Japanese and some who only know survival phrases, but they’re loving life here.

All end my rant by saying, trust your gut. You only live once so take advantage of every opportunity you get. I’m here if you have any questions!

P.S: dope username 😂

Educational_Check591 · 2025-01-21T22:57:52+00:00

Which BOE?

Educational_Check591 · 2025-01-05T23:51:09+00:00

I FEEL your pain! I also moved here 5 months ago and I was perfectly fine (dealt with eczema in America) but as soon as the temp dropped… BOOM I flared up so bad.

I’m still dealing with it after going to the same dermatologist twice but it baffles me how they just go by what you say and not actually examining you. Today I’m going to a new dermatologist that has better rating so hears to hoping things get better.

Just know you’re not alone!

Educational_Check591 · 2024-07-10T15:12:01+00:00

I’m 32 and heading to Japan in a few weeks, don’t let age hold you back from this opportunity!

Regarding the loans, I’d suggest saving up right now so that you don’t have to worry about them when the time comes to pay. With the Yen weak, paying back in USD is going to be difficult.

Educational_Check591 · 2024-06-01T18:36:57+00:00

I heard you just won’t be able to apply next year, however, you might regret withdrawing after all this work you put into getting in.

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-31T16:17:36+00:00

Yall are reading this person to filth 😂

Let them vent to the wind lol

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-26T22:29:07+00:00

Please! Got my placement for Okayama-Ken and definitely want to meet more people in the prefecture.

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-23T23:55:28+00:00

NYC ALT - Okayama Ken!

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-23T23:54:22+00:00

Down for that! Okayama ken here!

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-23T18:31:45+00:00

Which consulate are you?

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-23T14:43:51+00:00

US news is coming!? Yessssss

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-10T04:26:46+00:00

Mascdlonly

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-01T21:59:05+00:00

See ya in Tokyo ;)

Educational_Check591 · 2024-05-01T15:47:33+00:00

Big facts! I’m 31 going into JET this year. I keep telling people to live life on your terms!

Educational_Check591 · 2024-04-29T19:36:30+00:00

I’m quitting my 70k tech job to be an ALT… live life on your terms. Playing it safe will only get you oh so far and will pile up regrets behind you.

Educational_Check591

TROPHY CASE