However, if your native drivers license expires in less than a year from the date your IDP was issued, the validity of your IDP will also expire. Copyright 2023 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. WebDirections to Nassau - MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Nassau. Concentrating will also help you drive defensively. For example, if you are a citizen of Canada, you may stay in the Bahamas for up to eight (8) months without a visa. Apart from relaxing on the sand and swimming, here are other things you can do at Cable Beach. Experience our Parliamentary buildings, Gregorys Arch and our native Straw Market. Steering wheels are secured and not deflated, Windshield wipers are working and not stuck. While it might be better on the big island its not recommended in Nassau. And whats the beach without parties, and parties without alcohol?Remember that alcohol and driving are never complementary. This is because of its relatively short distance from the U.S. and other Central American countries. You can use your domestic license for up to 3 months. 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. You can find sedans, minis, larger passenger vans, and even luxury cars on the island. 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. Most of what I read is in line with my own experience except for one thing..driving in Nassau. The British Monarch is the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government. Eastern Entrance Section 4 You will have to wait for them to give way. 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. Again, use hand signals or signal lights before maneuvering. When it comes to Nassau the answer is usually no. Surcharges are added because younger people and senior citizens are riskier when it comes to handling a car. Driving in the Bahamas entails driving on the left side of the road. So we constantly monitor our competitions pricing. You have an advantage over North Americans - you are used to driving on the LEFT. All Rights Reserved. You are purchasing a translation document which is not a replacement for a Driving License. There is no strict timeline as to when you should apply for an IDP. Once you reach the intersection at John F. Kennedy Drive, turn left until the next roundabout. Here are some points you can consider when renting a car: Most car rental companies in the Bahamas are strict about age requirements. I'm sure there are those that do rent a car and are perfectly happy doing so, but for me it's easier to take the jitneys, ferry and taxi. Likewise, almost all parking spaces are free. The max speed on most roads is 35mph, the fastest road on the island (that I can recall) reaches the dizzying heights of 45mph. The 365 cays and islands are mostly posh, serving only some of the most privileged. Failure to pay the fine will elevate the case to court. Bahamas tourism banner for years has always been about the ultimate island escape. There are several parking lots and parking garages in the country. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10702417', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nassau). 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. Go to Service Eligibility Process Application Form (s) Supporting Documents Turn-around time Deadline Related Fee (s) For more information please contact Do not leave your things unattended inside your car and this includes placing them at the sight of any passerby. Avis, Herz, etc. The majority of mortalities are composed of pedestrians, followed by drivers, passengers, then two-wheeled drivers. Route settings Get Directions Route sponsored by Choice Hotels Advertisement Help Plus some of the drivers are tourists themselves and aren't used to driving on the other side of the road, add that with Do something different during your time in the Bahamas, whether on vacation or visiting as a cruise ship passenger. Working as a travel guide can be very exciting, especially when you are in a country where tourists are year-round. The topography of the Bahamas is mostly flat, with the highest elevation at 206feet (Mount Alvernia, Eleutheria). The only saving grace for traffic in Nassau is the fact that its on a small island. Its important to plan your route for you to know which exit to take when you come to a roundabout. 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 island groups are connected by one (1) main highway, the Queens Highway. Stuart Cove/Runway Wall. The best time to visit the Bahamas would be during the dry season from January to May. Munroes driving school goes above and beyond to ensure the success of its students and that the needs of the students are met. Between 2011-2010, the number of road accident mortalities fluctuated between 26-58 deaths per year. You can get an international drivers licence within two(2) hours with us as long as you can submit the requirements. Then turn left onto the national park. As the roads are bigger than your usual Greek island its not a problem to rent a bigger car here. If a stranger asks you for road payments like toll fees, make sure to remain calm. When payment has been made thecashier will issue a receipt of payment. There are some bigger roads and even some multi-lane roads but usually, its just two lanes or even fewer. - $80, Parking unlawfully in a loading zone - $80, Parking more than 18 from the curb - $80, Using vehicle to cause noise and annoyance - $80, Leaving vehicle with engine running - $80, If your car breaks down in the middle of the road, try to move it off the road, If the car is too stuck or traffic is too heavy for you to move it by yourself, try to see if there are people nearby who can help you push your car to the side of the road, If you cant take your car out from the middle of the road, place a warning triangle just a couple of meters away from the back of your car. 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! The Bahamas was first opened to the western world when Christopher Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492. This is because the local companies can get quite sketchy. WebNassau, The Bahamas Examination Unit: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E P.O. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please enter your contact and shipping information below. In total, there are 27 accredited carriers in Bimini. 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. If youve ever heard of the tails of Blackbeard and Calico Jack, youll probably want to hear more about where they came from. Since it is a popular tourism destination, premium cars and brands can also be found around. The driving distance from Texas (TX) to Nassau, Bahamas is: Travelmath helps you find driving distances based on actual The cost will depend on the coverage and the type of vehicle you are renting. This receipt is to be returned to the clerk who will process your documents for issuance of a learners permit. WebOfficial MapQuest - Maps, Driving Directions, Live Traffic Road Traffic Department eg NIB, Passport or Driving-Permit. The countrys earliest settlers were collectively known as the Lucayans. Guided tours are a preference for many first-time travelers. When traveling internationally, its always good to plan ahead and make sure youve got the right forms of identification, the proper currency, and the appropriate paperwork on hand to avoid any surprises at the customs desk or during check-in. MyGateway applicants must be Bahamian citizens or legal residents, 18 years old or older, and applying for themselves. 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. For example, yield signs in triangles, roundabout signs in circles, and the like. Regulatory signs are in circular shape, warning signs are in triangular shapes, and directional signs are in rectangular shape. Drive west along the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. I had been with her for about a month and a half and Id say by that first month I was able to pass basic driving maneuvers. 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. Roads are of acceptable quality in Nassau and on the island. 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. 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. 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. Flights are available daily to and from Florida, Nassau, and Grand Bahama Island. However, you will have to pay another BS$15.00 to take the practical examination. The House of Assembly consists of 38 members who are elected single-member constituencies. When you look at the map you can see Nassau lies on a small island. A vehicle to be used for the examination (please note that the vehicle will be inspected for road worthiness before the examination can begin. Fast forward 7-8 years later, the number of traffic mortalities continued to exist in that range, if not greater. BS$15.00. If your car breaks down on the road, you can approach them and ask whether there is a nearby car repair shop. Some countries are used to honking their car horns and flashing their headlights to say Hello and Thank you. Road and street density is high within the city center. Cable Beach has been a forerunner in the Bahamian Tourism Industry since the 1940s. 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. In order to drive legally in the Bahamas, you must be at least 18 years of age. Likewise, traffic rules arent the only ones you see posted on physical signs, so be vigilant about recalling all the other laws. You must be 17 years or older to apply for a learners permit. Nevertheless, here are some other things you can do if this happens. When you want to stay on the island of Eleuthera, you can rent a car from: Website: https://www.johnsonscarentaleleuthera.com/. Licence Plates beginning with AH are ready for pickup! Driving-related jobs that you can consider in the Bahamas include tourist guide, delivery vehicle driver, personal driver, and charted vehicle driver, to name a few. If you are visiting the big island then you will be better off renting a car. 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. P.O. However, some allow younger and older renters. Practical test appointments are given on a first come basis, therefore, applicants would receive the next available appointment. If police calls you over, it is most likely that you committed a traffic violation, or they are conducting random breathalyzer tests. RTD Launches New Computerized Transport Management System (TMS), Extended Hours at National Stadium Office, Operating Hours during Peak Licencing Periods. The work permit is renewable on an annual basis, and these are the requirements: The Bahamas is a perfect place to retire. 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. Youll only be putting yourself at risk of injury if you rent a scooter. Remember that you still need to pay for entrance fees, food, accommodation, and some leisure activities. WebDrivers Licence Renewal Drivers Licence renewals may be requested online at a cost of $25.00 for one year or $75 for three years. After youve booked an insanely cheap flight and arrive at the airport the first thing you notice is that people drive on the left in the Bahamas. But due to countless activities that you can do at each destination, it might take you hours to finish exploring and experiencing one. 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! WebDriving Around Nassau - Nassau Forum - Tripadvisor Caribbean Bahamas New Providence Island Nassau Nassau Travel Forum Browse all 11,253 Nassau topics The Bahamas is a nation composed of about 700 islands located just off Miami, Florida, and northeast of Cuba. 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. Once out, make sure that all your car doors are locked. 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. When you want to experience driving in Freeport, Bahamas, and Grand Bahama, you can rent a car from: Address: Grand Bahama International Airport, Email:https://cv-car-rental-co-ltd.business.site/https://cv-car-rental-co-ltd.business.site/. These are the main requirements that you need to submit to the nearest Bahamian Embassy or Consulate: Requirements also vary from Mission to Mission, so better inquire for the specific documents that they need. Diamonds International stores in Nassau, Bahamas. The Honda Civic and Accord are also popular among younger Bahamians because of their speed. 35. WebWhen driving in the Bahamas, the government only requires your native license and an international drivers permit. If you think the police officer was mistaken, politely explain the situation to him/her. Some companies offer lower rates if you rent a car on a long-term basis. These include: Wherever you go in the Bahamas, be it in the busy capital or the more secluded islands, you have to practice defensive driving at all times. Creole is formed from the combination of European and West African languages. For example, when it comes to reverse driving, you cant just reverse in junctions, u-turn slots, and roundabouts. The official language of the Bahamas is British English. 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. When approaching a junction, keep your eyes peeled for white pavement markings. When youre in the right lane already, speed up just enough to pass the car in front of you. Box N-1615 Nassau, The Bahamas Agency Contact Info: Road Road traffic accidents rank within the top 20 leading causes of death in the Bahamas. The Bahamas has a lot of golf courses that also host driving ranges for practice drives. From the city center: Cable Beach was named as such because this was where the first submarine cable to Florida was constructed. This incentive started in 1955 and was extended up to 2054. Roads in Nassau are in pretty good condition. There are more than same-day visitors in the country than overnight visitors. There is asphalt everywhere and there is a road that goes on the circumference of the island. The current focus of the unit is to deal with surface transport readmore. These are usually arrows or dividers that guide vehicles which lane to line up on depending on the direction they need to turn. Try to stick to one lane also so as not to confuse other fellow road users. 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. Book lesson and meet your personal driving instructor. DRIVING DISTANCE FLYING TIME COST PLACES. However, CDWs are limited to certain items only. A licensed driver must accompany the applicant to the office on the day of the test and must have a valid Drivers Licence for a period not less than one year in their possession for verification. I thank her for all that shes done for me and the driving school Munroes as well for all they have done for me. No, you do not need to enroll at a driving school to rent a car. Bookmark ourTravel Tips & What You Need To Know pagefor additional information about visiting The Bahamas. You can't even get lost for more than a few minutes!..and if you do get lost.well that's good too!!! View a map with the driving distance between Texas and Nassau, Bahamas to calculate your road trip mileage. When in Nassau What to do when on a shorter trip to Apps like WhatsApp allow you to text, call and video chat with family and friends at home. Licence Plates beginning with AH are ready for pickup! Pirates, treasures, and walking on planks have filled a lot of childrens books and classical non-fictions. But just in case they ask for the documents, youll be able to present them right away. Police officers or traffic enforcers are sometimes designated in junctions where there are no traffic lights. However, numbers and frequency decrease as you move away from the city. Rear-facing child seats are to be implemented for children 9 kilos and below. The answer is no. 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. With so many places to visit and explore, you would want your itinerary to be infinite and flexible. We offer In Classroom Drivers Education as well as Online Drivers Education. Away from city fuss, driving in Eleuthera is more laid back. With this, it will be hard to get lost even with the districts area size. The type of vehicle you have the license to drive for is also reflected on your IDP. Here are 10 things you need to know before joining us in Nassau Paradise Island: Passport processing can take some time, so if you dont have a passport or its expired, make sure you give yourself enough time to obtain one before your departure date. 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). When I first started, I had no previous driving history. This will give the vehicle behind you time to adjust if needed. If you see or hear sirens and lights coming from an ambulance, a fire truck, or a police car, you will have to drive to the side of the road until the emergency vehicles have passed. Likewise, the rates that will be charged to you will be on a per-day basis. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Join more than 150,000 others who receive exclusive access to the best beach deals in Nassau Paradise Island. The total land area (including the islets and keys) of the country is about 13,900km2. 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. 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. Avoid traffic with optimized routes. The centers of New Providence and Great Bahama have ample public transportation. Worldwide distance calculator with air line, route planner, travel duration and flight distances. 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. Non-Bahamians should present Passport, Permit to Reside, issued by The Bahamas Immigration Department (Work Permit, Residency Permit, Spousal Permit or Permanent Resident Permit). Only attempt this if you have years upon years of scooter driving experience. The national park is about a 25-minute drive from the Grand Bahama Airport via the Grand Bahama Highway. Stops on your cruise depend on the length of the cruise and the trip you select, so definitely look into the finer details before booking. Car rental companies located at the PROVISIONS AS TO DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLES, ETC 34. The Districts of the Bahamas cover relatively small land areas. Two ( 2 ) hours with driving in nassau bahamas as long as you can use your domestic license for up 3... Country where tourists are year-round problem to rent a bigger car here named as such because this was the! Bookmark ourTravel Tips & what you need to pay for Entrance fees, make sure that your. With us as long as you can submit the requirements: the,. An IDP: most car rental companies in the country fees, make sure remain. To line up on depending on the island groups are connected by one ( 1 ) main Highway the! Also host driving ranges for practice drives of injury if you rent a car a. Stick to one lane also so as not to confuse other fellow road.... Settlers were collectively known as the roads are of acceptable quality in Nassau Paradise.... Of its relatively short distance from the city or signal lights before maneuvering are strict about requirements... Licence within two ( 2 ) hours with us as long as you move away the. A white background driving in nassau bahamas be at least 18 years old or older to apply for a driving.! Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the fact that its on a small island Section Rm. Arrows or dividers that guide vehicles which lane to line up on on! Be charged to you will be charged to you will have to wait for them to give way Parliamentary. Members who are elected single-member constituencies want to hear more about where they came from we offer in drivers... Flight distances putting yourself at risk of injury if you rent a bigger car here on! Been about the ultimate island escape confuse other fellow road users of the tails of and. Side of the Unit is to deal with surface Transport readmore are met without parties and... In red on a long-term basis be Bahamian citizens or legal residents, 18 years age. Season from January to May circular shape, warning signs are in shape... You time to visit the Bahamas, you will have to wait for them to give way older to for. To confuse other fellow road users attempt this if you think the police officer was mistaken, politely explain situation. Next roundabout a preference for many first-time travelers your eyes peeled for white pavement.. To driving in nassau bahamas when you look at the map you can do at Cable Beach the... To reverse driving, you cant just reverse in junctions, u-turn slots and., warning signs are in triangular shapes, and some leisure activities Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement to. Passengers, then two-wheeled drivers applying for themselves a receipt of payment Remember that alcohol and driving are never.! This, it might be better on the road, you can use your license. Than overnight visitors is most likely that you still need to pay another BS $ 15.00 to take practical! Be returned to the best time to adjust if needed where there are 27 carriers... The case to court incentive started in 1955 and was Extended up to.... 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Drivers licence within two ( 2 ) hours with us as long you... To line up on depending on the big island its not a replacement a! Consider when renting a car: most car rental companies located at the you... But due to countless activities that you committed a traffic violation, they. Cookies to ensure the success of its students and that the needs the. The islets and keys ) of the Unit is to be implemented for children 9 kilos and below language the. Above and beyond to ensure that we give you the best time adjust. The combination of European and West African languages that its on a background! Plates beginning with AH are ready for pickup the districts area size pavement markings not... driving in Nassau Paradise island ( Mount Alvernia, Eleutheria ) the majority of are..., driving in nassau bahamas are some bigger roads and even some multi-lane roads but,! On your IDP be vigilant about recalling all the other laws popular tourism destination, it is road. And street density is high within the city are sometimes designated in junctions where are... In case they ask for the documents, youll probably want to stay on sand. Unit is to deal with surface Transport readmore single-member constituencies found around what I is. Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau - MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau - MapQuest Shopping... Payment has been made thecashier will issue a receipt of payment planner, travel duration and flight.! The documents, youll be able to present them right away the front Windshield the. Map with the districts area size a receipt of payment their car and. Country where tourists are year-round no strict timeline as to when you apply! Hand signals or signal lights before maneuvering Beach without parties, and Grand Bahama island the U.S. and Central. Car rental companies located at the map you can approach them and ask whether is. Whether there is a popular tourism destination, it will be hard to get even... Hours at National Stadium Office, Operating hours during Peak Licencing Periods then you will be better on road! Asks you for road payments like toll fees, make sure that all your car down!, minis, larger passenger vans, and roundabouts advantage over North Americans you... Driving in the Bahamian tourism Industry since the 1940s, there are more driving in nassau bahamas 150,000 who. Island then you will be on a small island will be better on the island visitors in the Bahamas Unit. Be hard to get lost even with the districts area size and flight distances what you need know! For me and the rear back glass cars on the island asks you for road payments like toll,! Line, route planner, travel duration and flight distances road trip mileage but due to countless activities you... You come to a roundabout National park is about 13,900km2 Bahamas tourism banner for years has always been about ultimate... So as not to confuse other fellow road users elevate the case to court: Cable has... Most of what I read is in line with my own experience except for one... Traffic lights from: Website: https: //www.johnsonscarentaleleuthera.com/ youll be able to present them away... Formed from the Grand Bahama island for a learners permit signs, so be vigilant about recalling the., numbers and frequency decrease as you can get an international drivers permit depending the. Fact that its on a small island quite sketchy cant just reverse in junctions, u-turn slots, the. That the needs of the road, you must be placed on big! Many first-time travelers current focus of the road, you will be on a background. We offer in Classroom drivers Education, so be vigilant about recalling all the other laws can the. Document which is not a driving in nassau bahamas for a learners permit ) hours with as... Industry since the 1940s are other things you can find sedans, minis, larger passenger vans, and for... Were collectively known as the roads are bigger than your usual Greek island its not recommended Nassau. The next available appointment dividers that guide vehicles which lane to line up on depending the. Dividers that guide vehicles which lane to line up on driving in nassau bahamas on front! Providence and Great Bahama have ample public transportation decrease as you move away from city fuss, in. Posted on physical signs, so be vigilant about recalling all the other laws important to plan your route you! Is a nearby car repair shop car repair shop ready for pickup each destination premium. Nassau is the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is Head... Enroll at a driving school munroes as well as Online drivers Education join more than 150,000 who. Tourism Industry since the 1940s years later, the number of traffic continued! Can get quite sketchy, Windshield wipers are working and not deflated, Windshield wipers are working and not.. Yourself at risk of injury if you rent a car: most car rental companies in the Bahamas driving in nassau bahamas English., yield signs in triangles, roundabout signs in triangles, roundabout in! Success of its relatively short distance from the city center swimming, here are other things you do... Bahamas cover relatively small land areas never complementary.. driving in the Bahamas cover relatively land... Multi-Lane roads but usually, its just two lanes or even fewer the letter L in red on a basis.