You can get an international drivers licence within two(2) hours with us as long as you can submit the requirements. The max speed on most roads is 35mph, the fastest road on the island (that I can recall) reaches the dizzying heights of 45mph. Complete and submit aLicence to Drive a Motor Vehicle Form along withsupporting documents to the clerk at the Road Traffic Department, Drivers Licence Unit, Clarence Bain Bldg. The biggest of them, Andros, spreads to about 6,000km2. Here are some activities that you can do while in Bimini. This means passengers on departing flights to the US are able to enter the United States and bypass the US Customs and Immigration clearance normally encountered on returns from an international destination. Likewise, children who are 18 kilos and below are required to be strapped onto a special child seat. Fines for traffic violations can be high, and you wouldnt want to add surprise expenses to your budget. If you are not accustomed to driving on the left then you will need to give your brain some time to accommodate. Its fine to get around the city and island without a car. Due to its location, the weather in the Bahamas is characterized by two (2) seasons: the dry (winter) and the wet (hurricane season). Actually, no. If you dont want law officials stopping your fun road-tripping experience, the presence of an IDP can make that possible. Some companies offer lower rates if you rent a car on a long-term basis. Only attempt this if you have years upon years of scooter driving experience. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. Car rental companies located at the RTD Launches New Computerized Transport Management System (TMS), Extended Hours at National Stadium Office, Operating Hours during Peak Licencing Periods. WebMunroes Driving School exists to produce the most competent, confident and wise drivers in The Bahamas; trained by the most competent, patient, passionate and compassionate The topography of the Bahamas is mostly flat, with the highest elevation at 206feet (Mount Alvernia, Eleutheria). Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on October 22, 2014. With the continuously growing population and the number of road users, everyone must follow the guidelines. It will be like having a vacation every day, but you get to earn as well during that vacation. You also need to make sure that space behind you is clear of any obstruction, then signal that you are going to reverse drive even when there are no cars around. Before leaving your vehicle, make sure that all your important personal belongings are with you. You wont have a hard time explaining to the authorities if they need you to show identification documents. Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E If you drive on rural roads, you can amp up your speed between 30-45mph. When traveling to The Bahamas, dont forget to bring proof of your Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E Thomas A. Robinson Stadium There are so many options available to you when researching your next vacation. However, you will have to pay another BS$15.00 to take the practical examination. Unpaved roads are generally easy to drive in due to the flat terrains. Box N-1615 No rearview mirror and windshield wipers -$75, Driving without giving proper signals - $100, Driving in the wrong direction in a one-way, Reverse driving for unreasonable distance - $80, Turning improperly at an intersection - $80, Parking on the sidewalk, footpaths, etc. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. There is minimal to no traffic at all, and the roads are in decent condition. Well help you pick out the best one for you. Ten years later, the numbers have doubled. Public service drivers licence. Its pretty hard and we only recommend it if you have proper driving experience. Regulatory signs are in circular shape, warning signs are in triangular shapes, and directional signs are in rectangular shape. So as in other Bahamian Districts. However, if you hail from other countries outside the U.S.A and U.K., you will need to get an IDP to drive in the Bahamas. With this, when going to the Bahamas, your birth certificate has to match your driving license. Its a one on one experience that I wish everyone could have. No Rosetta Stone required youll be able to communicate with everyone! If your exit is on the left, then keep to the left-hand side of the road. Economizing a portion of your car rental budget may give you more opportunities to experience the islands. Open full screen to view more. If a stranger asks you for road payments like toll fees, make sure to remain calm. Between 2011-2010, the number of road accident mortalities fluctuated between 26-58 deaths per year. WebDriving Directions to Nassau, New Providence including road conditions, live traffic updates, and reviews of local businesses along the way. This island alone has more than 200 blue holes, a lot of which are unexplored. Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory to the driver, front-seat passenger, and back-seat passengers. Nevertheless, here are some other things you can do if this happens. Although I was fluent with driving, she school taught me a substantial amount of lesson that bettered me as a driver on the roads of Nassau. MyGateway applicants must be Bahamian citizens or legal residents, 18 years old or older, and applying for themselves. Food. It hosts multiple upscale resorts, marinas, local stores, and cafes that cater to different types of travelers. If you are on a road where there is less to no traffic, you will need to maintain your focus on driving in case there are road bumps and blocks. OK, I have been lurking around here for a couple of months (since my last visit to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The 365 cays and islands are mostly posh, serving only some of the most privileged. WebYou can book passage aboard these vessels to at least 17 different remote islands. If youre interested in taking on a driving job in the Bahamas, make sure to check first with the Bahamian Driving Authority. It also includes how you operate your car yourself, even without the presence of other road users. However, if you are not used to driving on the left in the Bahamas, practicing with a professional trainer will save you a ton of money and emotional stress. Fortunately, its not that difficult to drive yourself around the Bahamas. You wont have to apply for this since the responsibility is given to the car owner (meaning the car rental company). Nassau, The Bahamas, Tel. If you are looking to rent a car for your Bahamas vacation lets see what driving in Nassau and the surrounding area is like. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10705536', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nassau isn't that darn big to worry about getting around. If you have second thoughts about self-driving in the Bahamas the first time, you can join a tour at least for one or two days. The rates below are from the Rental Cover company, but again, the rates may vary per company. In some parts of the country, you may be able to observe signs that arent placed in the standard shape. Having a license means that you have reached the legal driving age of your home country, and you have mastered the basic driving rules. Here are some of our top travel tips for preparing for your Bahamas vacation, no matter when you choose to travel next. For more information, Do not be fooled by the size of Bimini. With so many places to visit and explore, you would want your itinerary to be infinite and flexible. Anyone who has obtained a domestic drivers license from their home country can apply for an IDP. According to Real Motor, people in the Bahamas prefer vehicles that have a high fuel efficiency and have parts that are readily available in the country. Nassau is on the north coast of New Providence, between Eleuthera and Andros Islands. Download our Smart TV App so you can get in a Bahamas state of mind and start getting inspired for your next beach getaway, Well see you in Nassau Paradise Island! But dont worry, there are plenty of alternative roads considering the improving road network in the country. Licence Plates beginning with AH are ready for pickup! Individuals who are qualified to apply for permanent residence permit in the Bahamas are the following: You can inquire about the current requirements at the Department of Immigration. Non-Bahamians should present Passport, Permit to Reside, issued by The Bahamas Immigration Department (Work Permit, Residency Permit, Spousal Permit or Permanent Resident Permit). There are more than same-day visitors in the country than overnight visitors. There is no traffic on Queens Highway, but there are potholes that you need to watch out for. Everything happens much slower than what you are used to. You may be required to show proof that you will be returning home, so make sure youre prepared to show your return plane ticket when entering The Bahamas. She is reliable and lenient and only wants the best for her students. I started from scratch. 2023 Toptravel Pte. If you indeed committed a violation, make sure to comply with the penalties within the given time. Expect also that they will ask questions and give reminders. The average flying time from Miami, Florida, to Bimini, Bahamas is about 40 minutes. You have an advantage over North Americans - you are used to driving on the LEFT. Likewise, you can save on costs because you wont really need to rent cars with big wheels and cars used for rugged terrain (although SUVs do provide a different level of comfort). Please note that the forms are PDF documents so you need to have Adobe Reader installed on your machine. WebTo better serve you here at the Road Traffic Department, we have assembled many of the application forms required to access our services. Avis, Herz, etc. Likewise, the rates that will be charged to you will be on a per-day basis. This is because the local companies can get quite sketchy. Drivers licence. Since the Bahamas has a flat terrain, you can rent cars with an automatic transmission. Applicant will return in 2 working days to receive their Drivers Licence. The driving may be erratic, I grant that, but take your time (let's face it you don't need to rush anywhere in Nassau) and keep your distance and you will have no worries. The driving time is approx.. If not, place them or any bag under the seats or away from sight. There are many driving schools in Nassau, Bahamas. You can also rent a plane from certified local and international carriers. Abide By 100% of the full standards of Road Traffics Driving Regulations. The fee of BS$15.00 covers the cost of the theory examination and the practical examination. Thomas A. Robinson Stadium 2 working days to process Drivers Licence application. Likewise, if a road obstruction is present on the right lane, the left lane users have the right of way. Since it is a popular tourism destination, premium cars and brands can also be found around. 1 . The work permit is renewable on an annual basis, and these are the requirements: The Bahamas is a perfect place to retire. Driving with Ms.Odigie has been a great experience that I have gone through. Andros is a wonderland for nature-adventure seekers. No vehicles are driving along on your adjacent lane. Bahamas. You can find major U.S. car-rental companies in Bahamas as well. Maintaining your speed below limits will help you achieve your ideal overall stopping distance. The best time to visit the Bahamas would be during the dry season from January to May. If you dont have your native driving license yet because your country has a higher minimum driving age, it is recommended that you hire a driver instead because you cannot apply for a local driving license in the Bahamas without a native driving license and an IDP. Applicants must be Bahamian citizens,18 years old or older, and applying for themselves. Clearly label and pack any prescription medication you may need during your stay. The current focus of the unit is to deal with surface transport readmore. Fifty-four people were killed in 2017 and 69 in 2018. If you want to master driving on the left in the Bahamas, you can kick off your practice at Eleuthera. However, this comes with a few disadvantages. This is apart from your fuel, oil, and water. We know this process can be expensive. Within Nassau, Bahamas, driving can be challenging and exhilarating at the same time. You will have to wait for them to give way. Do not leave your things unattended inside your car and this includes placing them at the sight of any passerby. Applicants must apply in person and must provide proof that they have successfully passed the theory portion of the driving test. WebDirections to Nassau - MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Nassau. These were among the most empowering years of Bahamian history. Once there, you can rent a car to drive around the island. Bookmark ourTravel Tips & What You Need To Know pagefor additional information about visiting The Bahamas. With this, youll need to be aware of any oncoming traffic and cross the bridge cautiously. You should drive carefully, calmly, and responsibly, especially if you're used to driving left-hand-drive cars. Younger people are presumed to be inexperienced, while senior citizens are presumed to have reduced physical reflexes already. The law-making body is bicameral, and it consists of the Senate and the House of Assembly. I own a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Along with teaching me how to drive supurbly I might add, she gave life long skills as well as astoundly represented our God and all hes done for us. WebAutomobile Rental If you decide to rent a car, please remember that driving in Nassau Paradise Island is on the left side of the road. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We cant leave you without some nice tips about renting a car in Nassau. When I first started, I had no previous driving history. If it isnt an immigration checkpoint or a security checkpoint, the police will less likely check your driving documents. Make sure the rental car has. eg NIB, Passport or Driving-Permit. You neither have to take a Bahamas written driving test nor a practical driving test. Guided tours are a preference for many first-time travelers. The learners permit can be provided within the same day of your visit to the Road Traffic Department once all required documents are presented and fees are paid. This is especially important if youre traveling with kidsand we recommend planning some in-flight activities, toobut is helpful for you no matter who youre vacationing with! Drive west along the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. If you fail the theory examination, you will be allowed to re-take the examination at no cost. There are some bigger roads and even some multi-lane roads but usually, its just two lanes or even fewer. Speed limits in the Bahamas vary depending on the area. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Stuart Cove/Runway Wall. If you feel safe in smaller cars then an Economy or Compact class car will get you around the island just fine. It is publicly accessible, or you can also stay at one of the upscale resorts fronting the beach. Having one or two activities or excursions planned adds a bit of structure to your vacation and gives you one more thing to look forward to. You can contact either of the following the Bahamas emergency hotlines right away, especially in extreme cases: Before driving out, make sure to check all the important parts of your car as much as you can. Nonetheless, the main rule here is to give way to traffic that is already on the roundabout. This article will walk you through the basic things to do and remember when traveling and driving in the Bahamas. Here are a few of the fixed penalties according to the Bahamian Highway Code: The importance of having a driving etiquette is for the safety of all road users, not just you. To promote driving in the Bahamas, the Government continues to expand and develop its roads leading to tourism destinations and develop incentives to allure more investors. When you think of the Bahamas, you think about boats, diving, snorkeling, sailing, and watersports. The Lucayan National Park is the 2nd-most visited park in the country, and it isnt just about underwater caves. WebWhen driving in the Bahamas, the government only requires your native license and an international drivers permit. (Yes, you do need to go homeeventually.). You can check out Bahamas.com for the complete list of carriers. The Bahamas has a lot of golf courses that also host driving ranges for practice drives. If you have a native drivers license from the United States of America and the United Kingdom, you dont need an IDP to experience driving in the Bahamas. I was an amazing experience and I would do it all over again., Below you will find our three most popular packages, 96% of Our Students Pass the Driving Test on, Once approved, kindly provide two forms of government-issued identification on the day of road testing. After photo has been taken, applicant will be issued the learners permit and can apply for the practical exam portion of the driving test. I suppose the fact is, if you are staying in any of the resort areas, you really do not need a car, but if you like to explore it can be fun to have one for a day or twoand it really need not be a big issue. For every 100,000 individuals, about nine (9) people die from road accidents. In result of her didactic lessons, my test went smoothly and if there were mistakes, they were fixable because she taught me the principal of maneuvering through and just correcting it. Fast forward 7-8 years later, the number of traffic mortalities continued to exist in that range, if not greater. Accommodation is sparse in the area, so visitors usually take a day-trip. WebNassau, The Bahamas Examination Unit: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E P.O. It was as if I had been driving for years before signing up. Roads are of acceptable quality in Nassau and on the island. Roundtrip transportation is provided from most major hotels or cruise port. An exception to the minimum age requirement to rent a car is that some car rental companies may require additional fees if the driver is between 21 - 24 years old. Apps like WhatsApp allow you to text, call and video chat with family and friends at home. What many people fail to recognize is that the Bahamas also has several historically-important land destinations that you can drive to. The 365 cays and islands are divided into three (3) main groups: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Likewise, traffic rules arent the only ones you see posted on physical signs, so be vigilant about recalling all the other laws. This sprawling park also hosts various natural ecosystems and historically significant sites. In addition, permit holders when driving any vehicle, must carry the prescribed L plates at the front and back of the vehicle. 2023 Cheap Flights, Hotels, Rentals & Travel Guides | TopFlightsNow. All 30 boats leave from Nassau, and the round-trip takes a full day. With this, it will be hard to get lost even with the districts area size. Lets take a look at all the basic rules that you need to know before you start driving in Nassau. The Bahamas follows a Constitutional Parliamentary Democracy. Although traffic management is generally good in the area, have a watchful eye for potentially unmarked road construction. WebDriving School with over 20 years experience, lessons available 6 days a week Nassau, Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas. The national park is about a 25-minute drive from the Grand Bahama Airport via the Grand Bahama Highway. Some credit card companies may charge small international transaction fees, so it's best to check with your provider before leaving home. Head and tail lights are in good condition (not dimmed? If you are caught driving illegally without a license or an IDP, you may be liable to a fine of $200-$800. Travel blogs, destination websites, forums like TripAdvisor, social media posts, and travel agents are all incredible resources for finding out things like hotel and resort amenities, restaurants, things to do, local shops, food to try, what weather to expect, transportation tips and more. Concierge Road Traffic Test, this service includes the use of a car. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Moreover, the use of a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. The Bahamas was first opened to the western world when Christopher Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on June 05, 2020. If an applicant fails the practical test there is a waiting period of 30 days before they can resume the process. RTD Launches New Computerized Transport Management System (TMS), Extended Hours at National Stadium Office, Operating Hours during Peak Licencing Periods, Valid Government issued identification (Passport, Voters Card or Birth Certificate), Non-Bahamians should present Passport, Permission to Reside (via Work Permit issued by The Bahamas Immigration Department), Residency, Spousal Permit or Permanent Resident. If your exit is on the right, stay on the right lane and slowly signal to the left when you are about to approach your exit. I highly recommend Munroes driving school for learners who are keen about learning the rules and regulations of the road. Traffic Police are mostly concentrated in busy road sections. Now some people advocate for scooter rentals while you are in the Bahamas. Surely, the locals carry this road etiquette too. Apart from experiencing the 36-minute scenic ride driving from Little Harbour to Crossing Rocks in Abaco, the Bahamas is a great place to become your home away from home. A sign with the letter L in red on a white background must be placed on the front windshield and the rear back glass. The countrys earliest settlers were collectively known as the Lucayans. WebOur most recommended Nassau Driving experiences 1. If you dont feel safe in such small cars then you can look at bigger sedans or SUVs. 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