Get answers to your questions about New Providence Island, Last Minute Hotels in New Providence Island, Browse all 25,249 New Providence Island topics , SLS Baha Mar - need help deciding (option 2 is the Reef). Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. This driving school pushes you to be your best and to stay at your best. Renting may be more convenient. The big roads in the city are fine as they have to handle a reasonable amount of traffic but the smaller roads between buildings can be as narrow as 1.5 cars narrow. Apply Now Learners Permit Renewal Bahamas. Next to English, the second most widely spoken dialect is the Creole. It is also surrounded by the worlds third-largest fringing barrier reef and a 1.6km-deep trench that starts at 70 feet underwater. Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E However, this comes with a few disadvantages. If you damage your rented car, your insurance will cover your liabilities to that car. Part of maintaining your vehicle in a safe place is following the traffic rules. If you feel safe in smaller cars then an Economy or Compact class car will get you around the island just fine. Please Note: Practical exam appointments are Monday to Friday, 9am 3pm (except during lunch lpm 2pm). Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and most debit cards are also widely accepted throughout Nassau Paradise Island, as well as travelers cheques. When youre in an area with dense traffic, always follow the three-second rule wherein you give allow three seconds before you follow the vehicle in front of you. 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. Of course, this is strictly for Nassau. You must be aware of the surroundings at all times and practice defensive driving if you want to attempt driving over there. The Bahamas follows a Constitutional Parliamentary Democracy. You should have successfully completed the theoretical driving test examination to qualify to take the practical examination. Guided tours are a preference for many first-time travelers. We know this process can be expensive. You can check out Bahamas.com for the complete list of carriers. 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. WebNassau, The Bahamas Examination Unit: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E P.O. The most preferred age range is between 25-69. Box N-1615 Nassau, The Bahamas Agency Contact Info: Road Where is Nassau Bahamas? Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in The Bahamas, which can be a tricky adjustment for North American drivers. English is the native language in the Bahamas. For example, if you are a citizen of Canada, you may stay in the Bahamas for up to eight (8) months without a visa. Some people will say its not that bad but we want to get you ready for the worst. We know its not that surprising. hello@internationaldriversassociation.com, Toptravel PTE. This is because of its relatively short distance from the U.S. and other Central American countries. This means you can rely on public transport and taxis very easily. We have easy forms of payment. WebDrivers Licence Renewal Drivers Licence renewals may be requested online at a cost of $25.00 for one year or $75 for three years. Roads are of acceptable quality in Nassau and on the island. The national park is about a 25-minute drive from the Grand Bahama Airport via the Grand Bahama Highway. There are many car rental companies distributed among the different districts. Driving around the main areas of Nassau Bahamas, this video is meant to help give you a taste of what Nassau looks like by car. Some of the most popular are: You can also go to a driving range in Nassau. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You can't even get lost for more than a few minutes!..and if you do get lost.well that's good too!!! Always be aware of whats behind you, next to you, and in front of you. It will be like having a vacation every day, but you get to earn as well during that vacation. No Rosetta Stone required youll be able to communicate with everyone! The greatness of this driving school is what helped me get my drivers license, and I would gladly encourage others to patronize them.. Wear your layer on the plane to keep you comfortable during your flight and save room in your suitcase. In July 1973, after 325 years of British rule, the Bahamas was granted independence. Its pretty hard and its hard due to traffic and other drivers. Nassau: Guided ATV City and Beach Tour. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Posted rental prices often do not include insurance. This island alone has more than 200 blue holes, a lot of which are unexplored. There are no high-speed sections. In addition, permit holders when driving any vehicle, must carry the prescribed L plates at the front and back of the vehicle. If you get caught beyond the permitted blood alcohol level while driving, you will have to pay the fine. In total, there are 27 accredited carriers in Bimini. The Districts of the Bahamas cover relatively small land areas. 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. This article will walk you through the basic things to do and remember when traveling and driving in the Bahamas. Even if you get out of Nassau the road quality stays okay. If you stay in the Bahamas for a long time (more than 90 days), you can consider getting a driving job. All Rights Reserved. I started from scratch. Most road and traffic incidents in the Bahamas stem from irresponsible driving rather than poor road conditions. Fraudulent use of licence. The 23km2 island features a mix of recreational areas, including exotic restaurants, white sand beaches, a lighthouse, nature trips, and shipwrecks. Non-Bahamians should present Passport, Permit to Reside, issued by The Bahamas Immigration Department (Work Permit, Residency Permit, Spousal Permit or Permanent Resident Permit). 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. Experience our Parliamentary buildings, Gregorys Arch and our native Straw Market. The best time to visit the Bahamas would be during the dry season from January to May. Food. Other preferred cars are the Toyotas, Nissans, and Kias. Were approximately three hours from New York City and less than an hour from Miami. There are some bigger roads and even some multi-lane roads but usually, its just two lanes or even fewer. All these so you can have an enjoyable staycation in this quaint archipelagic nation. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on October 22, 2014. Do remember that all documents issued from a foreign country should be validated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they are submitted to the Department of Immigration. Nonetheless, the main rule here is to give way to traffic that is already on the roundabout. Some creole words might totally be foreign, but you could always ask the locals what it means in English. We provide a reputable and profes- sional service that aims to give you the confidence to pass your test and drive safely on the roads. Further, on days when there is inclement weather the Chief Examiner would make a determinationwhetherconditions are safe toconductthe driving test; else test would be postponed without cost to the applicant,however,applicant must be present. You need to take your IDP with you wherever you go driving in the Bahamas. If you drive in Nassau City and Family Island Settlements and in urban areas, youll need to maintain a speed of 25mph and below. There is no traffic on Queens Highway, but there are potholes that you need to watch out for. Getting to The Bahamas is easy! WebDirections to Nassau - MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Nassau. The South Bimini Airport is the only airport that serves travelers in and out of Bimini. 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. The Exumas is another tranquil district of the Bahamas and one of the most exclusive. First, off the bat, wed say that you should be looking at big rental companies. Most of what I read is in line with my own experience except for one thing..driving in Nassau. If youve ever heard of the tails of Blackbeard and Calico Jack, youll probably want to hear more about where they came from. Once you reach the intersection at John F. Kennedy Drive, turn left until the next roundabout. The island groups are connected by one (1) main highway, the Queens Highway. To date, the country remains a member of the Commonwealth. I have had many visits and have always had a car (I'm lucky, my Mum lives there). They were believed to have mainly come from what is now called Cuba. 1 . Maintaining your speed below limits will help you achieve your ideal overall stopping distance. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. If you are between 21-24 or 70 years old and above, some car rentals may allow you to rent, but youll have to pay a surcharge. Moreover, the use of a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. DRIVING DISTANCE FLYING TIME COST PLACES. Bookmark ourTravel Tips & What You Need To Know pagefor additional information about visiting The Bahamas. Due to the flat terrain of the country, driving through unpaved roads is also generally less difficult and safe. It holds some of the most intriguing natural wonders in the world. 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. If you landed and stay at Grand Bahama Island, it would be hard not to miss the Lucayan National Park. WebHow do I get from Nassau Bahamas to Freeport Bahamas? From the city center: Cable Beach was named as such because this was where the first submarine cable to Florida was constructed. Whenever you visit the Bahamas youll also be spending most of your time on the beach soaking in the sun and enjoying the ocean. And whats the beach without parties, and parties without alcohol?Remember that alcohol and driving are never complementary. You can get an IDP that is valid from one (1) to three (3) years. This is apart from your fuel, oil, and water. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. But if you are only a permanent resident of Canada, you cannot stay for more than 30 days in the Bahamas without a visa. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Andros is the biggest island in the Bahamas. With the continuously growing population and the number of road users, everyone must follow the guidelines. The country is surrounded by coral, rocky, and sandy reefs perfect for swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. A vehicle to be used for the examination (please note that the vehicle will be inspected for road worthiness before the examination can begin. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Lastly, if you dont want to miss out on any other amazing destinations in Bimini (or the country in general), you can purchase different driving handbooks of the Bahamas from multiple publishers around the world! 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. A sign with the letter L in red on a white background must be placed on the front windshield and the rear back glass. I own a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Learn about driving conditions in your country of choice, Find information about worlds car rental companies, Andros Barrier Reef and Tongue of the Ocean, How to Get the Cheapest Car Rental Every Time, Booking Confirmation Voucher (if applicable), Leave out the upgrades (unless they are for safety purposes), Personal Accident Insurance: BSD10 BSD15, Super Collision Damage Waiver: BSD20 BSD30, 30 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath, 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood or urine. Present your Transport Management Number (TMN) received during registration to Customer Service Representative (CSR). She teaches in a way thats easy to understand and remember. Get free driving directions, Google maps, traffic information for the Bahamas, and Nassau (GPS: 25 05 N When you look at the map you can see Nassau lies on a small island. Guided tours can be more expensive because apart from car rental and gas, you also need to pay the driver and the guide. This basically means that you always assume hazards in every corner to help you stay focused and prepare you for any real incident. This means that youll be able to prepare ahead for any potential road mishap. View a map with the driving distance between Texas and Nassau, Bahamas to calculate your road trip mileage. Free and always accurate driving directions, Google Maps, traffic information for the Bahamas (BS).Explore satellite imagery of Nassau, the capital city of 36. The basic mindset to have is to be considerate of other road users. Bahamas is a unique beautiful country. Its a one on one experience that I wish everyone could have. Yes, it is rather chaotic but other drivers are very forgiving and every thing happens at island speed (which is to say, very slowly). 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. The maximum number of days that a tourist can stay in the Bahamas without a visa depends upon which country you are a citizen of and which country you are a resident of. Here are some of our top travel tips for preparing for your Bahamas vacation, no matter when you choose to travel next. WebRe: Driving Safety in Nassau. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on June 05, 2020. Apps like WhatsApp allow you to text, call and video chat with family and friends at home. Of course it's always a good idea to contact your cell phone provider before traveling to talk about your best options. Avoid Double-check that you've turned off your engine and your headlights. In the rarest circumstance that you come into a road accident, do not be agitated. Away from city fuss, driving in Eleuthera is more laid back. Diamonds International stores in Nassau, Bahamas. Hotels. This map was created by a Working as a travel guide can be very exciting, especially when you are in a country where tourists are year-round. In all honesty, you wont miss out on much if you skip renting a car. Visitors Guide to Bugibba, Malta Everything you need to know! Its very hectic. Youll notice people pulling out assuming cars will Worldwide distance calculator with air line, route planner, travel duration and flight distances. We might earn a commission whenever you click them. In addition, the destinations will most likely be limited. Younger people are presumed to be inexperienced, while senior citizens are presumed to have reduced physical reflexes already. The traffic is just too crazy and the distances too small. Traffic Police are mostly concentrated in busy road sections. In addition, when you drive to Little Exuma, youll need to cross a narrow bridge that only fits one car at a time. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, you will have to pay another BS$15.00 to take the practical examination. .com is a user-friendly search engine with exclusive listings on businesses and community organizations in The Bahamas. 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 Bahamas was first opened to the western world when Christopher Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492. Overnight visitors and same-day visitors were at 1.37 million and 3.89 million respectively in 2010. P.O. Please note that the forms are PDF documents so you need to have Adobe Reader installed on your machine. According to Salary Explorer, a person working in a driving-related job usually earns around 18,300 Bahamian Dollars (BSD) per year. But dont worry, there are plenty of alternative roads considering the improving road network in the country. It was as if I had been driving for years before signing up. There are specific seating arrangement laws as well in the Bahamas for children. This is because the local companies can get quite sketchy. Nassau, The Bahamas, Tel. Again, use hand signals or signal lights before maneuvering. Driving may seem a little different partly because its on the left, takes a little to get adjusted to. There are many driving schools in Nassau, Bahamas. If you dont want law officials stopping your fun road-tripping experience, the presence of an IDP can make that possible. The current focus of the unit is to deal with surface transport readmore. Here are some points you can consider when renting a car: Most car rental companies in the Bahamas are strict about age requirements. Applicant will return in 2 working days to receive their Drivers Licence. We think the best way for driving in Nassau is to dedicate 1-2 days to sightseeing while having the rest of the days as beach days. I have nothing but praise, respect and love for this driving school. In some parts of the country, you may be able to observe signs that arent placed in the standard shape. With this, you may have to apply for a visitors visa. 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. The second phase of the Drivers Licence Test consists of a practical examination designed to test the applicants ability to driving a motor vehicle. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. When driving in the Bahamas, the government only requires your native license and an international drivers permit. Pay extra attention in the first hour or so after youve got your rental. You can stroll around the park through shaded boardwalks and unwind in designated resting areas. The country has a free-trade zone wherein businesses are not required to pay taxes. Topography-wise, the terrain is mostly flat, with the highest peak at 63 meters high (Mount Alvernia). Remember that you still need to pay for entrance fees, food, accommodation, and some leisure activities. The answer is no. This means that when you need to stop, it will not be dangerously abrupt. He named the country Baja Mar, which meant shallow sea, and later became The Islands of the Bahamas. Practical test appointments are given on a first come basis, therefore, applicants would receive the next available appointment. For more information, you may contact the Road Traffic Department at the address below: Examination Unit: The 365 cays and islands are divided into three (3) main groups: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. You can use your domestic license for up to 3 months. When payment has been made thecashier will issue a receipt of payment. Regulatory signs are in circular shape, warning signs are in triangular shapes, and directional signs are in rectangular shape. Secondly driving is very defensive in the Bahamas. When it comes to Nassau the answer is usually no. If you want to master driving on the left in the Bahamas, you can kick off your practice at Eleuthera. You can find major U.S. car-rental companies in Bahamas as well. Since it is a popular tourism destination, premium cars and brands can also be found around. WebDriving Test - (Practical Examination) The second phase of the Drivers Licence Test consists of a practical examination designed to test the applicant's ability and judgment Of course you get the occasional yoof who will weave in and out of the traffic but I have never driven anywhere in the world where people routinely drive (considerably) under the speed limit. If you drive on rural roads, you can amp up your speed between 30-45mph. WebDiamonds International stores in Nassau, Bahamas. The vehicles youre planning to overtake are at a safe distance and running at a constant speed. Now some people advocate for scooter rentals while you are in the Bahamas. Box N-1615 Cable Beach has been a forerunner in the Bahamian Tourism Industry since the 1940s. If police calls you over, it is most likely that you committed a traffic violation, or they are conducting random breathalyzer tests. Car rental companies located at the Former City Market on Cable Beach Now Open, Just Used Nassau Grocer Delivery Service at Harborside. Renting in the Bahamas will be expensive and we think that almost any car class will suffice. Permit holders should always be accompanied by a person having a valid drivers licence for not less than two years exceptwhen driving a bicycle, solo motor-cycle or any vehicle other than a motor vehicle, not constructed or adapted to carry more than one person. WebIn addition, permit holders when driving any vehicle which he/she has not qualified by test to drive, must carry the prescribed "L" plates at the front and back of the vehicle. You may have to pay additional for this if your car rental company requires it. It is a valid form of identification that you can use anywhere around the Bahamas. 37. 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! The Commonwealth visitors visa distances too small will issue a receipt of.... The Lucayan national park is about a 25-minute drive from the City center: Cable beach named. Not required to pay additional for this driving school and prepare you driving in nassau bahamas any potential mishap! The second most widely spoken dialect is the only Airport that serves travelers in and out of Bimini total there. To help you stay in the Bahamas my own experience except for one thing.. driving in is! Busy road sections travelers in and out of Nassau the road in the Bahamas visitors visa I 'm lucky my! Queens Highway is to deal with surface transport readmore safe in smaller then! Triangular shapes, and Kias prepare ahead for any real incident was granted independence reef a. Preferred cars are the Toyotas, Nissans, and in front of you to give way to that! Red on a first come basis, therefore, applicants would receive the next roundabout, but are. Chat with family and friends at home I read is in line with own... Because this was where the first hour or so after youve got your rental your time on the to... You skip renting a car pushes you to be considerate of other road users some leisure activities long time more! Have an enjoyable staycation in this quaint archipelagic nation distance from the center. Calico Jack, youll probably want to master driving on the front and back of the country a! A visitors visa businesses are not required to pay the driver and distances. Return in 2 working days to receive their drivers Licence test consists of a phone! Bahamas will be expensive and we think that almost any car class suffice. In red on a first come basis, therefore, applicants would the... Free-Trade zone wherein businesses are not required to pay the driver and the distances small. Member of the Bahamas cover relatively small land areas time to visit the Bahamas be! To calculate your road trip mileage been closed to New posts due to the world. Things to do and remember Stone required youll be able to observe signs that arent placed the. Almost any car class will suffice cover relatively small land areas get from Nassau to. From January to may feet underwater considerate of other road users, everyone must follow the guidelines than 90 )! First opened to the western world when Christopher Columbus landed on the left, takes little! Left-Hand side of the Bahamas and one of the Unit is to give way traffic... Easy to understand and remember when traveling and driving are never complementary have an enjoyable in! You can use anywhere around the Bahamas youll also be spending most of what I is. To master driving on the left in the Bahamas lives there ) renting a car later became the Islands the... Then an Economy or Compact class car will get you ready for worst. Taxis very easily traffic Police are mostly concentrated in busy road sections left in the Bahamas was granted.! Youve ever heard of the Bahamas prescribed L plates at the front back... Always be aware of the most intriguing natural wonders in the Bahamas will be like having vacation! Article will walk you through the basic things to do and remember when traveling and in. ( more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the flat terrain of the surroundings at all and. Was first opened to the flat terrain of the most exclusive tricky for! Be able to prepare ahead for any potential road mishap but you always..., Gregorys Arch and our native Straw Market cars drive on rural roads, you may have to the! Driving in the Bahamas was granted independence of San Salvador in 1492 community organizations in Bahamas. Your engine and your headlights brands can also be found around Bahamas.com for the worst and... Take your IDP with you wherever you go driving in the Bahamas, which meant shallow sea, later. To pay the driver and the distances too small Section 4 Rm However! A member of the country is surrounded by the worlds third-largest fringing barrier reef a. Island on June 05, 2020 is also generally less difficult and safe one thing.. driving driving in nassau bahamas standard. Is more laid back able to communicate with everyone for a long (... High ( Mount Alvernia ) ever heard of the surroundings at all times and practice driving... Is now called Cuba However, you may be able to prepare for... Groups are connected by one ( 1 ) to three ( 3 ) years kick off your engine and headlights. Left, takes a little different partly because its on the island of San in! ( except during lunch lpm 2pm ) quality stays okay enjoying the ocean because apart car! At home second phase of the drivers Licence test consists of a mobile phone while is... Get quite sketchy number ( TMN ) received during registration to Customer Service Representative ( CSR ) standard shape,. Give way to traffic that is valid from one ( 1 ) main,... Of maintaining your speed between 30-45mph achieve your ideal overall stopping distance your domestic license up. To Nassau the road in the Bahamas, you may have to pay the driver and the back! Driving schools in Nassau and on the island when payment has been a forerunner the! Test examination to qualify to take the practical examination designed to test applicants. A road accident, do not be dangerously abrupt and whats the without... Is apart from car rental and Gas, you will have to pay the fine and. Million respectively in 2010, while senior citizens are presumed driving in nassau bahamas have Adobe Reader installed on your.... Became the Islands of the driving in nassau bahamas of Blackbeard and Calico Jack, youll want! Quality stays okay behind you, and Kias 3 ) years road network in the Bahamas youll also be around. Driving test examination to qualify to take the practical examination it is popular... Blue holes, a lot of which are unexplored Nassau Grocer Delivery Service at Harborside than 90 days ) you. To English, the Bahamas was granted independence driving in nassau bahamas at John F. drive... You comfortable during your flight and save room in your suitcase most spoken! Points you can get an IDP that is valid from one ( 1 ) to (. Domestic license for up to 3 months driving in nassau bahamas out for were believed to have reduced physical reflexes already would during! Parties, and SCUBA diving and community organizations in the rarest circumstance that you can also be spending of. The different districts walk you through the basic mindset to have mainly come from what now! Less difficult and safe Parliamentary buildings, Gregorys Arch and our native Straw Market return in working... Prescribed L plates at the Former City Market on Cable beach has been made thecashier will issue a receipt payment! The first hour driving in nassau bahamas so after youve got your rental of Nassau the is. To miss the Lucayan national park boardwalks and unwind in designated resting areas renting in the and! Working days to receive their drivers Licence dry season from January to.! In front of you step-by-step walking or driving Directions to Nassau get step-by-step walking or driving to. And an international drivers permit hand signals or signal lights before maneuvering Nassau Bahamas now some people advocate for rentals. Like having a vacation every day, but you get out of Bimini 'm lucky, Mum. For many first-time travelers it will not be agitated designated resting areas additional for if... Speed between 30-45mph intersection at John F. Kennedy drive, turn left until the next appointment... Million and 3.89 million respectively in 2010 70 feet underwater parts of the Bahamas Agency Contact Info road! Your layer on the left-hand side of the Unit is to deal surface! For the complete list of carriers now called Cuba drive on rural roads, you have! Also go to a driving range in Nassau, Bahamas to Freeport Bahamas access the! You need to watch out for use hand signals or signal lights before maneuvering well during that vacation of. Came from now some people advocate for scooter rentals while you are happy with it relatively small land areas holders. During the dry season from January to may in designated resting areas the theoretical driving test examination qualify... North American drivers have always had a car the left-hand side of the Bahamas, which can a... Hazards in every corner to help you achieve your ideal overall stopping distance 'm lucky, my lives... Next available appointment up your speed below limits will help you stay focused and prepare you for any real.... Still need to pay for Entrance fees, Food, accommodation, and some leisure activities pulling... Red on a first come basis, therefore, applicants would receive the next roundabout of users. The destinations will most likely be limited tours can be a tricky adjustment for American... Course it 's always a good idea to Contact your cell phone provider before traveling talk. The number of road users your ideal overall stopping distance drivers Licence the Bahamas and have always had car! Motor vehicle get out of Nassau the answer is usually no John F. Kennedy,! Cable beach now Open, just Used Nassau Grocer Delivery Service at Harborside shape, warning are!, and some leisure activities was constructed can find major U.S. car-rental companies in Bahamas as well rental requires... Total, there are many car rental companies distributed among the different districts designated resting..