The island groups are connected by one (1) main highway, the Queens Highway. There is no strict timeline as to when you should apply for an IDP. Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas [email protected] Phone: (242) 325-3323 (242) 325-6511 If other vehicles have started to line up ahead of you, join them at the back. Try to stick to one lane also so as not to confuse other fellow road users. Its fine to get around the city and island without a car. Avoid traffic with optimized routes. Getting to The Bahamas is easy! Former City Market on Cable Beach Now Open, Just Used Nassau Grocer Delivery Service at Harborside. 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. The average flying time from Miami, Florida, to Bimini, Bahamas is about 40 minutes. Driving may seem a little different partly because its on the left, takes a little to get adjusted to. The Lucayan National Park is the 2nd-most visited park in the country, and it isnt just about underwater caves. Here are some of our top travel tips for preparing for your Bahamas vacation, no matter when you choose to travel next. If you drank alcohol before driving, make sure that you fall below the following limits: If you have plans to drink alcohol, make sure to eat a lot of food before drinking and sober down first before driving. If you have vehicles to your side, make sure to keep your distance as well. [email protected], Toptravel PTE. Nassau: Guided ATV City and Beach Tour. Yes, it is rather chaotic but other drivers are very forgiving and every thing happens at island speed (which is to say, very slowly). PROVISIONS AS TO DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLES, ETC 34. Reviews and ratings. 37. When I first started, I had no previous driving history. The House of Assembly consists of 38 members who are elected single-member constituencies. The type of vehicle you have the license to drive for is also reflected on your IDP. A sign with the letter L in red on a white background must be placed on the front windshield and the rear back glass. 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. Cruising around the island you will see the locals drive like madmen and overtake at every possibility. With this, you may have to apply for a visitors visa. The law-making body is bicameral, and it consists of the Senate and the House of Assembly. Windscreens and other glass parts are clean and clear, Your valid drivers license must match the class of vehicle you are driving, Driving while under the influence of alcohol and other toxic psychoactive substances, Letter of Request to the Direction of Immigration, Duly accomplished First Schedule Application Form 1, Original Medical Certificate (taken within 30 days before application), Original Police Certificate (taken within the last six months), Labour Certificate with Notification of Vacancy, Two (2) written references from previous employers, Copy of employers business license, Certificate of Incumbency, or Certificate of Incorporation, Copy of employers National Insurance Card, Nurses, teachers, and police officers who have been employed in government service in the country for at least ten years with a valid work permit Spouse of a Bahamian citizen, Medical professionals and religion ministers who have been employed in the country for at least 20 years, Investors or businessmen who are legitimate owners of a residential house in the country, Children born outside the country to at least one (1) Bahamian parent, A valid passport thats not expiring within six months. The implementation of this regulation may be more lenient in some smaller, less crowded islands. What many people fail to recognize is that the Bahamas also has several historically-important land destinations that you can drive to. WebDirections to Nassau - MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Nassau. Please Note: In some instances further processing of some applicants may be necessary. This is because of its relatively short distance from the U.S. and other Central American countries. 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 Local and tourist populations are also concentrated in Nassau. Wear your layer on the plane to keep you comfortable during your flight and save room in your suitcase. 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. Ten years later, the numbers have doubled. You should drive carefully, calmly, and responsibly, especially if you're used to driving left-hand-drive cars. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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. 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. MyGateway applicants must be Bahamian citizens or legal residents, 18 years old or older, and applying for themselves. We cant leave you without some nice tips about renting a car in Nassau. Best Nassau Diving Sites. Bahamas tourism banner for years has always been about the ultimate island escape. Even if you get out of Nassau the road quality stays okay. However, some allow younger and older renters. This means that you cannot just make a sudden turn and cut traffic from the adjacent lane. There is asphalt everywhere and there is a road that goes on the circumference of the island. : (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. In total, there are 27 accredited carriers in Bimini. However, numbers and frequency decrease as you move away from the city. Drivers who commit minor offenses are often issued with fixed penalties. Motor vehicles are dangerous machines that can be fatal if they are not handled responsibly. In order to drive legally in the Bahamas, you must be at least 18 years of age. Finally, take the exit to the right. It holds some of the most intriguing natural wonders in the world. Some countries are used to honking their car horns and flashing their headlights to say Hello and Thank you. As much as possible, bring all of them when you go out. Drive west along the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. 10/10 would recommend, have recommended and will continue to recommend, I am student at the University of the Bahamas. Considered to be one of the worlds best scuba and snorkeling sites, Stuart Cove showcases some of the very best that the Bahamas has to offer. Stuart Cove/Runway Wall. Anyone who has obtained a domestic drivers license from their home country can apply for an IDP. You are purchasing a translation document which is not a replacement for a Driving License. Each to their own though and whatever makes you happy on your vacation. 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. If you are on the left lane and there is a road obstruction ahead on the same lane, the right of way is given to traffic on the right lane. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Clearly label and pack any prescription medication you may need during your stay. Latest Pictures / Photos. Be alert for any possible additional hazards like fire. Drivers licence. Of course, this is strictly for Nassau. Eastern Entrance Section 4 If youve ever heard of the tails of Blackbeard and Calico Jack, youll probably want to hear more about where they came from. Concerning driving directions, the Bahamas has put up adequate quantities of them throughout the islands, even in far less crowded districts. There is no traffic on Queens Highway, but there are potholes that you need to watch out for. As the roads are bigger than your usual Greek island its not a problem to rent a bigger car here. If you want to master driving on the left in the Bahamas, you can kick off your practice at Eleuthera. In the rarest circumstance that you come into a road accident, do not be agitated. The vehicles youre planning to overtake are at a safe distance and running at a constant speed. 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. To enhance the countrys traffic monitoring system, CCTVs and checkpoints are deployed in strategic locations around major islands. If your exit is on the left, then keep to the left-hand side of the road. And each island has its own unique set of landmarks. If your car breaks down on the road, you can approach them and ask whether there is a nearby car repair shop. 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. Non-Bahamians should present Passport, Permit to Reside, issued by The Bahamas Immigration Department (Work Permit, Residency Permit, Spousal Permit or Permanent Resident Permit). WebYou can book passage aboard these vessels to at least 17 different remote islands. Park only in designated parking areas. Diamonds International stores in Nassau, Bahamas. Bahamas. Avis, Herz, etc. Do you actually need a car? Overnight visitors and same-day visitors were at 1.37 million and 3.89 million respectively in 2010. With about 700 islands, its quite difficult to narrow down the best places to visit. Applicants must apply in person and must provide proof that they have successfully passed the theory portion of the driving test. It is also surrounded by the worlds third-largest fringing barrier reef and a 1.6km-deep trench that starts at 70 feet underwater. 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. WebDriving School with over 20 years experience, lessons available 6 days a week Nassau, Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas. Travel Tip of the Month: How to Prepare for Your Next Vacation, Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau, Bahamas, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, https://www.facebook.com/nassauparadiseisland, https://www.instagram.com/nassauparadiseisland/, https://www.tiktok.com/@nassauparadiseisland. (Yes, you do need to go homeeventually.). If you ask for driving directions, Bahamas locals can converse clearly with anyone. Banks in The Bahamas are open Monday-Thursday from 9:30-3:00 and on Fridays 9:30-5:00. Of course it's always a good idea to contact your cell phone provider before traveling to talk about your best options. No matter where you are, youre never far from Paradise. You can use your domestic license for up to 3 months. Do not leave your things unattended inside your car and this includes placing them at the sight of any passerby. This article will walk you through the basic things to do and remember when traveling and driving in the Bahamas. From the city center: Cable Beach was named as such because this was where the first submarine cable to Florida was constructed. Everyone must wear a seatbelt at all times. When you want to experience driving in Exuma, Bahamas, you can rent a car from: When you want to stay on the island of Andros, you can rent a car from: Contact Number: (242) 471-3386 / (242) 329-2080, Address: Queens Highway, Long Bay, South Andros, Contact Number: (242) 369-1702 / (242) 369-1704, Address: Queens Highway, Congo Town, South Andros. Everything happens much slower than what you are used to. 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. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The max speed on most roads is 35mph, the fastest road on the island (that I can recall) reaches the dizzying heights of 45mph. WebNassau, The Bahamas Examination Unit: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E P.O. 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. Away from city fuss, driving in Eleuthera is more laid back. The countrys earliest settlers were collectively known as the Lucayans. The majority of mortalities are composed of pedestrians, followed by drivers, passengers, then two-wheeled drivers. As a landmark, the left turn is just right across the Gold Rock Beach Trail. So if youre on the road, drive defensively and expect that there would be a lot of these kinds of drivers. If you dont speak English well, though, make sure to bring along with you a Bahamas map to assist you. Some companies offer lower rates if you rent a car on a long-term basis. This basically means that you always assume hazards in every corner to help you stay focused and prepare you for any real incident. With so many places to visit and explore, you would want your itinerary to be infinite and flexible. There are so many options available to you when researching your next vacation. The work permit is renewable on an annual basis, and these are the requirements: The Bahamas is a perfect place to retire. This is a cheaper alternative to applying for a hard copy too. 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. For example, if you are a citizen of Canada, you may stay in the Bahamas for up to eight (8) months without a visa. Road closures may occasionally be implemented on some parts of the Bahamas, mostly due to road construction and rehabilitation. 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/. Roads are of acceptable quality in Nassau and on the island. 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