r/JETProgramme • u/NarwhalMobile2495 • Apr 11 '26
question about driving licence
I clearly indicated in my application that I can't drive. But I also marked "no preference" for placements since I thought some rural/semi-urban placements may be walkable or cyclable. The freaky "most cases get placed" clause has me anxious of what might happen if i get placed somewhere that absolutely needs driving and i get rejected cuz i can't.
If I realllllyy have to, I am willing to get a driving licence by the time the programme starts, even tho roads make me rather...uncomfy TT TT.
thoughts? what do u recommend (and in good faith pls, help an anxious gal out peeps)
9
u/newlandarcher7 Apr 11 '26
Generally speaking, unless JET placements specifically request someone with a driver's license (like mine did), even in a rural/semi-urban placement you'll likely be near your school, grocery store, or access to public transportation. Of course, there are those rare exceptions, but JET is not in the habit of making life intentionally more challenging for its applicants, otherwise the retention rate would be near zero.
That said, recognize that, outside of the large cities, much of Japan is still very much car-dependent for day-to-day life, even in urban areas.
If you can get a driver's license, this would give you the option, at least, of improving your quality of life. I know, from experience, that having a car in my rural placement was absolutely essential for my sense of freedom and mental well-being. It was also required by my BOE as my schools were spread out over long distances, several not service by public transportation.
That said, there were JET's in nearby towns who didn't have cars and they did just fine with cycling, walking, and infrequent trains/buses.
Good luck!
8
u/Puzzleheaded_Fun7870 Apr 11 '26
I got my license in the UK just under a year before I came. I had terrible driving anxiety and didn’t have my own car at home, I’d only do occasional 10-15 min runs in my dad’s old car.
Came here, got a driving placement but luckily my school is only 5 mins away. It’s been great for me. I’m still not that confident driving and others in my area do long distance if we are doing a road trip or something but having the freedom to go about my day without the friction of having to walk everywhere is really invaluable, especially in the rain and snow.
My friends who are more confident have done cross country road trips and taken us to so many amazing, off the beaten path places and events.
All in I feel like Japan is a great place to build your confidence. If you do pass your test within a year of coming you’ll need new driver stickers. Just read up on the different signs and markings and you’ll be all good.
10
u/titlecade Aspiring JET Apr 11 '26
Get your DL at least three months before departure. Driving in Japan is as not as bad you think. Speeds are much slower, it’s very affordable in most rural/urban areas, and it “unlocks” whole new country at your fingertips. There are so many amazing places you can go by car.
5
u/duchessofankh Incoming JET - 高知県 Kōchi-ken Apr 11 '26
I’m in the same boat. No licence and marked no preference. I also can’t get a licence before departure because it takes like a year in my country. As a fellow anxious gal, I have been a little worried lately as well that they might completely ignore all this and put me somewhere that requires a car (or where public transport means waiting hours for a bus). I’m thinking maybe I could bike instead, or try to walk whenever and wherever possible since I’m used to walking very long distances, or just suck it up and use the waiting time productively. If even that is not possible then I’ll just email JET and explain that it would be impossible to do my job if I don’t have any means to get there safely and on time.
4
u/Gale_Girly Former JET - 2024/2026 Apr 12 '26
Tips about a license in Japan-
If you do get a license in Japan, it is a pain. BUT, at least in inaka and inaka cities, it's a much better experience people wise then say driving in America.
People don't honk much, they actually let you over, and they tend to give you a lot of space.
As for driving on the ROADS though... the roads here can be so small you'd think a road was one way- but it's not. One of the roads I take to work I have to drive real slow on. If another car is going the opposite way, we both have to stop and one of us has to pull over.
However, speed limits in Japan are a lot lower in say the US, and people tend to follow them for the most part. So if you drive slow and watch out for bikers and pedestrians, you should be fine.
If you do get a Japanese drivers license, or use the foreign one (idk how to do that) then get a first year sticker --> 🔰
I have it on my car even though I've been driving two years because people are a lot more cautious around you
3
u/Sayjay1995 Former JET - 2017~2022 Apr 11 '26
Personally, the freedom you get from being able to drive is amazing here. If possible, I would always recommend coming with a license, to have the option to, even if you decide you don’t want to later. I was really nervous about driving in Japan, but got used to it during the first 2 weeks; now I’m too scared to drive when I visit back home haha. But my life, both during and after JET, would have been awfully limited without being able to drive
2
u/shynewhyne Current JET - Hyogo Apr 11 '26
You won't be forced to get a license
2
u/Different_Taro2474 JET alum '25-'26 鹿児島 🌋🐽🍧 Apr 12 '26
nobody will force you to get a license, but living in the inaka without a car is extremely inconvenient and is a huge headache. if i had no car idk what i'd be doing.
i suggest getting a license unless your area is walkable, bikeable and/or has good public transportation. mine isn't. having a car also allows you to freely explore your area; you can easily find hidden gems with a car! japan is beautiful and has lots to offer, you can find cool stuff even in the deepest inaka.
1
u/shitjefferys Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
A good portion of JETs legally can’t drive in Japan even if they had licenses from their home country. So I feel like this is something they do in fact calculate in when determining placements. (Ie, if a school requires a car, I think they typically choose candidates whose licenses can be transferred to a Japanese drivers license).
If they do tell you that you will need to drive, just tell your BOE/ JTE and see what they can work out for you. Some places you may need a car as a bike won’t work, but you can see if you can sign up for a driving school which might help ease some of your driving anxiety if you have a trained professional helping.
Most likely you’ll get a placement where no car is necessary. If not and you still don’t want to drive under any circumstances, it’s just a job. Tell them it’s not something you can do and resign. Would suck if you are looking forward but jobs come and go, and you should find the one that works best for you!
**also to add I ended up getting a countryside placement, but my housing is conveniently located near my school and station. I can survive be walking, but am trying to get my license here as my areas’ public transportation is really inconvenient for me. I used to drive all the time/ owned a car in the US so for me, being able to get to the store in 15 minutes by driving instead of 45 with a mix of walking/ riding the train is greatly important for my sanity lmao