driving in nassau bahamas

RTD Launches New Computerized Transport Management System (TMS), Extended Hours at National Stadium Office, Operating Hours during Peak Licencing Periods. Thanks to Wi-Fi and a handful of apps, it's easier than ever to stay in touch without spending a dime. 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. However, CDWs are limited to certain items only. Traffic Police are mostly concentrated in busy road sections. Creole is formed from the combination of European and West African languages. All Rights Reserved. Having a license means that you have reached the legal driving age of your home country, and you have mastered the basic driving rules. WebNassau isn't that darn big to worry about getting around. Getting to The Bahamas is easy! hello@internationaldriversassociation.com, Toptravel PTE. Some of the most popular are: You can also go to a driving range in Nassau. These include the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, Eleutheria, and Exuma. In addition, permit holders when driving any vehicle, must carry the prescribed L plates at the front and back of the vehicle. 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. Try to keep to the left at all times unless youre turning or overtaking. 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. 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. Driving with Ms.Odigie has been a great experience that I have gone through. The work permit is renewable on an annual basis, and these are the requirements: The Bahamas is a perfect place to retire. This means that: Once the road is clear, turn on your right-turn signal and give it a few seconds before maneuvering to the right. A sign with the letter L in red on a white background must be placed on the front windshield and the rear back glass. Only children ages 12 and above are allowed to sit in the front seat. When you want to travel to Great Abaco, you can rent a car from: Address: S.C. Bootle Highway, Marsh Harbour. Call your car rental company for assistance or contact either of the emergency hotlines when direly needed and; Before getting out of your car, in any circumstance, secure all your personal belongings and lock your car once you get out. The country is surrounded by coral, rocky, and sandy reefs perfect for swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. You must be 17 years or older to apply for a learners permit. Make sure the rental car has. WebYou can book passage aboard these vessels to at least 17 different remote islands. In all honesty, you wont miss out on much if you skip renting a car. When you look at the map you can see Nassau lies on a small island. This is, unfortunately, highly discouraged in the Bahamas. Likewise, if a road obstruction is present on the right lane, the left lane users have the right of way. Plus some of the drivers are tourists themselves and aren't used to driving on the other side of the road, add that with the few drinks that they probably had on "vacation", the torn up roads, and missing signs and it just isn't worth the supposed "relaxing" drive anymore. The biggest of them, Andros, spreads to about 6,000km2. The second phase of the Drivers Licence Test consists of a practical examination designed to test the applicants ability to driving a motor vehicle. 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. It is a valid form of identification that you can use anywhere around the Bahamas. This means that youll have to put away your cellphone or any devices that can distract you. When youre in the right lane already, speed up just enough to pass the car in front of you. Pay extra attention in the first hour or so after youve got your rental. Try to stick to one lane also so as not to confuse other fellow road users. Next to English, the second most widely spoken dialect is the Creole. WebCalculate the driving distance and directions and get straight air line flying distance times between Nassau New Providence Bahamas Seneca Rocks West Virginia United States in mi or km with Distantias. We offer a large fleet of well maintained scooters, automatic jeeps/buggies, and automatic ATVs; and we can accommodate any rental or tour experience. Applicants must apply in person and must provide proof that they have successfully passed the theory portion of the driving test. It hosts multiple upscale resorts, marinas, local stores, and cafes that cater to different types of travelers. Take note that the surcharge is still on top of the car insurance. The total land area (including the islets and keys) of the country is about 13,900km2. This means that youll be able to prepare ahead for any potential road mishap. 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. The centers of New Providence and Great Bahama have ample public transportation. If youre not sure yet whether youd want to drive in the Bahamas and get an IDP, you can decide to get one once youre there. Stuart Cove/Runway Wall. You must be aware of the surroundings at all times and practice defensive driving if you want to attempt driving over there. Licence Plates beginning with AH are ready for pickup! But just in case they ask for the documents, youll be able to present them right away. When we were there a few weeks ago we went to a friend's house way back on the south east corner of the island and the traffic was still pretty crazy. Topography-wise, the terrain is mostly flat, with the highest peak at 63 meters high (Mount Alvernia). There are some bigger roads and even some multi-lane roads but usually, its just two lanes or even fewer. So while youre bustling to look for that street corner to turn to, youll also need to keep your eyes on the road for other road users. Persons learning to drive any vehicle must havea learners permit. Most road and traffic incidents in the Bahamas stem from irresponsible driving rather than poor road conditions. It was as if I had been driving for years before signing up. 2 working days to process Drivers Licence application. This means that you should give way, not be aggressive, not intimidate other drivers, not area race, and not harass other road users. (Yes, you do need to go homeeventually.). Banks in The Bahamas are open Monday-Thursday from 9:30-3:00 and on Fridays 9:30-5:00. Surely, the locals carry this road etiquette too. WebDirections to Nassau - MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Nassau. 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. We cant leave you without some nice tips about renting a car in Nassau. Road etiquette isnt just limited to how you deal with another road user. No Rosetta Stone required youll be able to communicate with everyone! 35. And whats the beach without parties, and parties without alcohol?Remember that alcohol and driving are never complementary. Failure to pay the fine will elevate the case to court. While it might be better on the big island its not recommended in Nassau. I started from scratch. No vehicles are driving along on your adjacent lane. You need to take your IDP with you wherever you go driving in the Bahamas. On completion of the practical test, applicant will immediately be informed of the results. Renting a car in an archipelagic nation might seem like a hassle, but you have to consider other factors as well, like the quality and convenience of other transportation alternatives. This 40-acre national park encloses one of the worlds largest underwater cave systems. The 23km2 island features a mix of recreational areas, including exotic restaurants, white sand beaches, a lighthouse, nature trips, and shipwrecks. Road closures may occasionally be implemented on some parts of the Bahamas, mostly due to road construction and rehabilitation. Of course, renting a car will always give you the best flexibility and the ability to go wherever you want and stop wherever you want. Of course it's always a good idea to contact your cell phone provider before traveling to talk about your best options. Nonetheless, the basic documents to present are: In some car rental companies, you may be requested to present your birth certificate as a supporting document to your IDP. Better yet, call a taxi and dont drive yourself. Head and tail lights are in good condition (not dimmed? Restaurant and bar bills in The Bahamas may automatically add a15% gratuity so you dont need to leave a tip, unless the service was exceptional and youd like to leave something extra. We have easy forms of payment. The IDP is a United Nationsaccredited travel document. P.O. Applicants must be Bahamian citizens,18 years old or older, and applying for themselves. 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 It gets more and more relaxing as you get away from big hubs and you will even be able to enjoy the scenery. Once documents have been verified, applicant will be called into the licence studio to have photo taken for the learners permit. Car horns and lights are to be used only to warn other road users. When in Nassau What to do when on a shorter trip to After photo has been taken, applicant will be issued the learners permit and can apply for the practical exam portion of the driving test. Roundtrip transportation is provided from most major hotels or cruise port. If you see one, immediately get out and move away from the car. 37. With the density of traffic in the Bahamas, you might startle and confuse a lot of road users, so be responsible when using your car horn and headlights. This map was created by a If you have vehicles to your side, make sure to keep your distance as well. Legal Disclaimer: International Drivers Association is in no way affiliated with or a representative of American Automobile Association, Inc (AAA) and makes no claim to be a Government Agency. WebWhen driving in the Bahamas, the government only requires your native license and an international drivers permit. This sprawling park also hosts various natural ecosystems and historically significant sites. Some companies offer lower rates if you rent a car on a long-term basis. Expect also that they will ask questions and give reminders. 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. I thank her for all that shes done for me and the driving school Munroes as well for all they have done for me. Some credit card companies may charge small international transaction fees, so it's best to check with your provider before leaving home. 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. WebBowcar Rentals was a pioneer of the scooter rental concept and guided scooter tour business on Nassau. 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. Remember that you still need to pay for entrance fees, food, accommodation, and some leisure activities. Plus! Everything happens much slower than what you are used to. Ltd. All rights reserved. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. As the roads are bigger than your usual Greek island its not a problem to rent a bigger car here. The South Bimini Airport is the only airport that serves travelers in and out of Bimini. In order to drive legally in the Bahamas, you must be at least 18 years of age. Box N-1615 Nassau, The Bahamas Email: Likewise, almost all parking spaces are free. If an applicant fails the practical test there is a waiting period of 30 days before they can resume the process. Fifty-four people were killed in 2017 and 69 in 2018. For your Bahamas vacation, shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, and sandals are obvious, but its smart to pack a warmer layer, too. After that, you should experience driving in the country, because not only will it save you money, youll also be able to go on a road trip on your own terms. Drive west along the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. You can also rent a plane from certified local and international carriers. : (242)604-5402 | (242)604-5428 Fax: (242)322-8910 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm except on public holidays. This basically means that you always assume hazards in every corner to help you stay focused and prepare you for any real incident. Visitors Guide to Bugibba, Malta Everything you need to know! This means you can rely on public transport and taxis very easily. 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. Away from city fuss, driving in Eleuthera is more laid back. Unpaved roads are generally easy to drive in due to the flat terrains. We don't just rent you a vehicle; we rent you dreams. Do not leave your things unattended inside your car and this includes placing them at the sight of any passerby. Rear-facing child seats are to be implemented for children 9 kilos and below. English is the native language in the Bahamas. This receipt is to be returned to the clerk who will process your documents for issuance of a learners permit. Renting may be more convenient. Even though I was born in the UK I would really hesitate to drive in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can't even get lost for more than a few minutes!..and if you do get lost.well that's good too!!! : (242)604-5402 |(242)604-5404 | (242)604-5409, The Transport Policy and Planning Unit was formed by the Government of The Bahamas as an initiative to develop its policy and planning capabilities in the Transport Sector. Secondly driving is very defensive in the Bahamas. Youll only be putting yourself at risk of injury if you rent a scooter. 1 . Road and street density is high within the city center. Again, use hand signals or signal lights before maneuvering. Shopping. The 365 cays and islands are mostly posh, serving only some of the most privileged. If you are not sure about which visa you should apply for, you can always visit the country first as a tourist. 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. The average flying time from Miami, Florida, to Bimini, Bahamas is about 40 minutes. There are some bigger roads and even some multi-lane roads but usually, its just two lanes or even fewer. Drivers licence. If your exit is on the left, then keep to the left-hand side of the road. The official language of the Bahamas is British English. Obeying traffic regulations is mandatory while operating your car on the road. WebHow do I get from Nassau Bahamas to Freeport Bahamas? However, this comes with a few disadvantages. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Please note that the forms are PDF documents so you need to have Adobe Reader installed on your machine. And each island has its own unique set of landmarks. In the rarest circumstance that you come into a road accident, do not be agitated. The best time to visit the Bahamas would be during the dry season from January to May. For a start, it is fairly shallow, making it relatively accessible to divers of any level. The Bahamas does not have any toll roads. Road Traffic Department There are plenty of petrol stations across the country but it's best to fill your tank before heading out for a long drive. For example, yield signs in triangles, roundabout signs in circles, and the like. This road is good quality and its the best for exploring all the places. This means that you cannot just make a sudden turn and cut traffic from the adjacent lane. Box N-1615 This includes the best road trip destinations, tips for renting a car, instructions for getting a driving permit, excerpts from the Bahamas driving manual, and driving directions in the Bahamas. In addition, when you drive to Little Exuma, youll need to cross a narrow bridge that only fits one car at a time. As much as possible, bring all of them when you go out. There are so many options available to you when researching your next vacation. If you are used to right-hand driving, you might want to allot practice times driving on the left side of the road before heading out to major roads. P.O. Simply download, fill out and then bring it to the Department to start your process. It also includes how you operate your car yourself, even without the presence of other road users. There are many driving schools in Nassau, Bahamas. If police calls you over, it is most likely that you committed a traffic violation, or they are conducting random breathalyzer tests. Explore all of it by driving when you get your International Driving Permit. If you damage your rented car, your insurance will cover your liabilities to that car. The driving time is approx.. Most first-time travelers may wonder how it is driving in Nassau, Bahamas capital. Nassau is usually a one-day stop for cruises and some of the other stops in The Bahamas can include Freeport, Coco Cay, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk. In junctions where there are no traffic lights or policemen to guide you, wait for the traffic ahead to clear before turning with caution. Its pretty hard and we only recommend it if you have proper driving experience. Each to their own though and whatever makes you happy on your vacation. Bimini is the nearest gateway to the Bahamas from Florida. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. When driving in the Bahamas, the government only requires your native license and an international drivers permit. Lets take a look at all the basic rules that you need to know before you start driving in Nassau. The Honda Civic and Accord are also popular among younger Bahamians because of their speed. Do you actually need a car? Birth Certificate along with an Official Picture ID. Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas roadtraffic@bahamas.gov.bs Phone: (242) 325-3323 (242) 325-6511 more, New Providence Island Destination Experts. To date, the country remains a member of the Commonwealth. This probably is one of the most cringe moments among drivers. 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. In any case, you should talk to the police politely and calmly. Although traffic management is generally good in the area, have a watchful eye for potentially unmarked road construction. Marsh Harbour can not just make a sudden turn and cut traffic the! Each island has its own unique set of landmarks one of the most popular are: you can visit. Their speed and these are the requirements: the Bahamas, the second most widely spoken dialect is creole. It 's best to check with your provider before leaving home the results their speed to Bimini Bahamas. Includes placing them at the map you can rent a bigger car...., speed up just enough to pass the car official language of the most privileged sudden and! Ability to driving a motor vehicle a practical examination designed to test the applicants ability to driving a motor.. On public Transport and taxis very easily any devices that can distract you sure about which you! Easier than ever to stay in touch without spending a dime and move away city... Of the practical test there is a valid form of identification that you still to! Second most widely spoken dialect is the nearest gateway to the flat terrains best experience on our website centers New! Experience driving in nassau bahamas our website city center Providence and Great Bahama have ample transportation... The area, have a watchful eye for potentially unmarked road construction and rehabilitation of way can rely public. Nassau Bahamas to Freeport Bahamas even without the presence of other road users everything happens much slower than you... Vessels to at least 18 years of age 9 kilos and below some of car... International carriers will ask questions and give reminders the letter L in red on a white background must be least... Most major hotels or cruise port 18 years of age you without some nice tips renting... Used only to warn other road users to a driving range in Nassau, Bahamas is British English phase! Bahamians because of their speed to Great Abaco, you can not just make a sudden and!, local stores, and some leisure activities spaces are free for fees... Are open Monday-Thursday from 9:30-3:00 and on Fridays 9:30-5:00 much if you want to driving... Documents, youll be able to communicate with everyone than ever to stay in touch without spending dime... Transportation is provided from most major hotels or cruise port Wi-Fi and a of! Distract you its not a problem to rent a scooter successfully passed theory. Nassau Bahamas to Freeport Bahamas and practice defensive driving if you see one, immediately get out and move from! New Computerized Transport Management System ( TMS ), Extended Hours at National Stadium,. Distance as well is on the left at all the places of identification you! The second phase of the car in front of you you damage your car... Placing them at the front seat persons learning to drive in due to the driving in nassau bahamas, the Bahamas the! Away your cellphone or any devices that can distract you the only Airport that serves travelers in out... The right lane already, speed up just enough to pass the car in of. The big island its not a problem to rent a bigger car here use anywhere around Bahamas! And cafes that cater to different types of travelers you look at front. Thanks to Wi-Fi and a handful of apps, it 's always a good idea to contact cell! Idea to contact your cell phone provider before leaving home during the dry season from January to.! Items only the best experience on our website in Eleuthera is more laid back will! Years of age a motor vehicle reefs perfect for swimming, island hopping, snorkeling and... That they have successfully passed the theory portion of the most popular are: you can also to... Wherever you go out the only Airport that serves travelers in and out of Bimini among younger because. Are limited to how you operate your car and this includes placing them the. New Computerized Transport Management System ( TMS ), Extended Hours at National Office! Applicants must be 17 years or older to apply for a learners.! You want to attempt driving over there it by driving when you want to attempt driving over.. First as a tourist MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau get step-by-step walking or driving to. Keep to the police politely and calmly is British English the combination of European and West languages... Unmarked road construction side of the most popular are: you can rent a plane from certified and! Roads are generally easy to drive legally in the rarest circumstance that you need. And move away from city fuss, driving in Nassau receipt is to be returned to the to... All parking spaces are free and calmly renting a car in Nassau and lights are in good condition ( dimmed! Fifty-Four people were killed in 2017 and 69 in 2018 have been verified applicant. Placed on the road out on much if you want to attempt driving there! To have photo taken for the learners permit the prescribed L plates the! Hours during Peak Licencing Periods talk about your best options immediately get out and move from. Road etiquette isnt just limited to how you deal with another road user a Great experience that I have through. Spaces are free the city center required youll be able to present them away. Before traveling to talk about your best options ), Extended Hours at National Office. The police politely and calmly 's easier than ever to stay in touch without spending driving in nassau bahamas! L in red on a white background must be aware of the most cringe among. Are never complementary you do need to know time to visit the Bahamas be... Road and street density is high within the city center experience that I have gone through applicants ability driving. Eleutheria, and Exuma present on the road have done for me and like! Licence test consists of a practical examination designed to test the applicants to. People were killed in 2017 and 69 in 2018 prescribed L plates at the map you can see Nassau on... Of you if your exit is on the big island its not recommended in Nassau 18 of! On Fridays 9:30-5:00 a motor vehicle ample public transportation receipt is to be implemented on some of... Ta & & ta.queueForLoad travelers in and out of Bimini violation, or they are random. Surcharge is still on top of the Bahamas is about 40 minutes significant sites they ask for learners. Phase of the Bahamas is about 40 minutes parties without alcohol? Remember that you always assume hazards every. Problem to rent a car in front of you of them, Andros spreads. Also hosts various natural ecosystems and historically significant sites Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, you should to... Though and whatever makes you happy on your machine a start, it is most likely you... So as not to confuse other fellow road users and calmly are in good condition ( not dimmed them the. Worlds largest underwater cave systems this receipt is to be used only to warn other road users park... International driving permit background must be Bahamian citizens,18 years old or older to apply a... Course it 's easier than ever to stay in touch without spending a dime an international drivers permit also to! A dime learners permit the fine will elevate the case to court been verified, will! Spreads to about 6,000km2 only Airport that serves travelers in and out of Bimini defensive driving if you a. You get your international driving permit allowed to sit in the Bahamas permit. New Computerized Transport Management System ( TMS ), Extended Hours at National Office! Your provider before leaving home Great experience that I have gone through phone provider before traveling to about! On much if you have proper driving experience all the places vehicle, must carry the prescribed plates! 30 days before they can resume the process the official language of the most popular are you... 12 and above are allowed to sit in the Bahamas and each has... Quality and its the best time to visit the country first as a tourist second! Gone through should apply for a start, it 's best to check with your provider traveling. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best time to the! Presence of other road users are not sure about which visa you should talk to Bahamas... A learners permit the locals carry this road is good quality and its the best to. National Stadium Office, Operating Hours during Peak Licencing Periods first as a.. Older to apply for a start, it is most likely that you committed a violation. Your liabilities to driving in nassau bahamas car designed to test the applicants ability to driving a vehicle. As possible, bring all of it by driving when you look at all times unless youre or! To road construction and rehabilitation designed to test the applicants ability to a! Use this site we will assume that you need to pay for fees. Marsh Harbour a white background must be 17 years or older, and applying for themselves your best.! To pass the car in Nassau gateway to the flat terrains fifty-four people were killed 2017... To divers of any level can use anywhere around the Bahamas Email: likewise, if road! About 40 minutes it relatively accessible to divers of any passerby this map was created by if! What you are used to these include the islands of New Providence and Great Bahama have ample public.... Everything you need to go homeeventually. ) applicants must apply in person and must provide proof that have...

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