From the city center: Cable Beach was named as such because this was where the first submarine cable to Florida was constructed. If you come across a checkpoint, reduce your speed and prepare your driving documents. Part of maintaining your vehicle in a safe place is following the traffic rules. Please Note: In some instances further processing of some applicants may be necessary. Younger people are presumed to be inexperienced, while senior citizens are presumed to have reduced physical reflexes already. Do not leave your things unattended inside your car and this includes placing them at the sight of any passerby. WebNassau, The Bahamas Examination Unit: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Eastern Entrance Section 4 Rm 81E P.O. Even though I was born in the UK I would really hesitate to drive in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Guided tours are a preference for many first-time travelers. Fifty-four people were killed in 2017 and 69 in 2018. That way you can rent for a small period, save money, and check out everything you need to check out in Nassau and on the island. The only saving grace for traffic in Nassau is the fact that its on a small island. Traffic Police are mostly concentrated in busy road sections. 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. 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. But due to countless activities that you can do at each destination, it might take you hours to finish exploring and experiencing one. 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. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in The Bahamas, which can be a tricky adjustment for North American drivers. First, off the bat, wed say that you should be looking at big rental companies. The official language of the Bahamas is British English. Driving in Nassa is on the left-hand side, You must keep your license and rental docs with yourself, Your domestic driving license is valid for up to 3 months, If you plan to stay longer youll need to get an International Driving License, Speed limits usually go up to 45 mph only, In cities and on small roads its even lower. The beach is about a 12-minute drive from Nassau via the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. The national park is about a 25-minute drive from the Grand Bahama Airport via the Grand Bahama Highway. Guided tours can be more expensive because apart from car rental and gas, you also need to pay the driver and the guide. The average flying time from Miami, Florida, to Bimini, Bahamas is about 40 minutes. In any case, you should talk to the police politely and calmly. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10702417', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nassau). Drivers licence. You neither have to take a Bahamas written driving test nor a practical driving test. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You will have to wait for them to give way. This article will walk you through the basic things to do and remember when traveling and driving in the Bahamas. 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. Applicant will return in 2 working days to receive their Drivers Licence. When in Nassau What to do when on a shorter trip to A sign with the letter L in red on a white background must be placed on the front windshield and the rear back glass. Running into an accident is mostly avoidable. Posted rental prices often do not include insurance. 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. This incentive started in 1955 and was extended up to 2054. From the airport, exit towards the Grand Bahama Highway and drive for about 31 kilometers. There are many driving schools in Nassau, Bahamas. You should have successfully completed the theoretical driving test examination to qualify to take the practical examination. 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. 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. Even before 2010, the country has been welcoming millions of inbound visitors. The topography of the Bahamas is mostly flat, with the highest elevation at 206feet (Mount Alvernia, Eleutheria). There are so many options available to you when researching your next vacation. Avis, Herz, etc. You can check out Bahamas.com for the complete list of carriers. 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 - $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. Between 2011-2010, the number of road accident mortalities fluctuated between 26-58 deaths per year. Fortunately, its not that difficult to drive yourself around the Bahamas. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Bahamas tourism banner for years has always been about the ultimate island escape. When traveling to The Bahamas, dont forget to bring proof of your The most highly bought brand is the Honda. Local and tourist populations are also concentrated in Nassau. This means that youll be able to prepare ahead for any potential road mishap. Double-check that you've turned off your engine and your headlights. If you dont speak English well, though, make sure to bring along with you a Bahamas map to assist you. 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. With this, do not be confused and just focus on the symbol or the words. WebOfficial MapQuest - Maps, Driving Directions, Live Traffic The minimum car insurance policy in the Bahamas is Third-Party Liability which covers your financial liability to another uninsured person in case of accidents. WebTo better serve you here at the Road Traffic Department, we have assembled many of the application forms required to access our services. (Yes, you do need to go homeeventually.). Just ask for his valid ID, tell him that you need to confirm it first with local officials, and contact the emergency hotline right away. P.O. The driving time is approx.. You need to take your IDP with you wherever you go driving in the Bahamas. Its fine to get around the city and island without a car. The law-making body is bicameral, and it consists of the Senate and the House of Assembly. Our Instructor is Highly Trained in the latest Safety Techniques & Rules of the Road. The implementation of this regulation may be more lenient in some smaller, less crowded islands. Examiner will perform an inspection of the vehicle provided for the test. As a landmark, the left turn is just right across the Gold Rock Beach Trail. 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. I have had many visits and have always had a car (I'm lucky, my Mum lives there). Nonetheless, caution is still to be exercised, especially during times of heavy downpour. If you see one, immediately get out and move away from the car. Wear your layer on the plane to keep you comfortable during your flight and save room in your suitcase. WebRe: Driving Safety in Nassau. Road and traffic violations in the Bahamas can be categorized as minor or a major offense. This means you can rely on public transport and taxis very easily. The surcharge will depend on the company. Choose to either start in the morning or afternoon. This island alone has more than 200 blue holes, a lot of which are unexplored. It holds some of the most intriguing natural wonders in the world. Only children ages 12 and above are allowed to sit in the front seat. If you are not accustomed to driving on the left then you will need to give your brain some time to accommodate. Before traveling to any destination, it is important to know a bit about the place, like where it is exactly, what the languages are, why it is a recommended destination, and more. Enjoy walking tours of Forts Fincastle and Charlotte, the Water Tower and Queens Staircase. You can get an international drivers licence within two(2) hours with us as long as you can submit the requirements. Cable Beach has been a forerunner in the Bahamian Tourism Industry since the 1940s. These were among the most empowering years of Bahamian history. Always wear your seatbelt, and as much as possible, rent a car that has a functional airbag. The fine is to be paid within a designated period. Likewise, traffic rules arent the only ones you see posted on physical signs, so be vigilant about recalling all the other laws. Hotels. Plus some of the drivers are tourists themselves and aren't used to driving on the other side of the road, add that with 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. Better yet, call a taxi and dont drive yourself. Copyright 2023 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. This is where you will see a lot of private properties owned by celebrities and other high-profile people. Likewise, all documents printed in the non-English language should be translated with a certificate. The traffic is just too crazy and the distances too small. The learners permit can be provided within the same day of your visit to the Road Traffic Department once all required documents are presented and fees are paid. When youre ready, safely maneuver to the left and maintain your speed. The Bahamas is well supported by an agriculture, fishing, and tourism-driven economy. View a map with the driving distance between Texas and Nassau, Bahamas to calculate your road trip mileage. 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. PROVISIONS AS TO DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLES, ETC 34. more, New Providence Island Destination Experts. 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. In addition, drivers within this age range may not be allowed to rent premium cars. 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. With this, youll need to be aware of any oncoming traffic and cross the bridge cautiously. Driving in Nassau is hectic and frustrating at times. 35. DRIVING DISTANCE FLYING TIME COST PLACES. Only attempt this if you have years upon years of scooter driving experience. With this, when going to the Bahamas, your birth certificate has to match your driving license. 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. You must be aware of the surroundings at all times and practice defensive driving if you want to attempt driving over there. The South Bimini Airport is the only airport that serves travelers in and out of Bimini. She teaches in a way thats easy to understand and remember. You need to take extra care when it comes to traffic in Nassau. Concentrating will also help you drive defensively. Also, you need not feel intimated if that doesnt suite your budget you may pay as you go. 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