Ltd. All rights reserved. Moreover, the use of a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. The Bahamas does not have any toll roads. Overnight visitors and same-day visitors were at 1.37 million and 3.89 million respectively in 2010. If not, place them or any bag under the seats or away from sight. Due to its location, the weather in the Bahamas is characterized by two (2) seasons: the dry (winter) and the wet (hurricane season). 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. Actually, no. Park only in designated parking areas. 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. 2023 Toptravel Pte. 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 youve ever heard of the tails of Blackbeard and Calico Jack, youll probably want to hear more about where they came from. 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. 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. Car rental companies located at the The 23km2 island features a mix of recreational areas, including exotic restaurants, white sand beaches, a lighthouse, nature trips, and shipwrecks. Thomas A. Robinson Stadium There is no strict timeline as to when you should apply for an IDP. It is publicly accessible, or you can also stay at one of the upscale resorts fronting the beach. The 365 cays and islands are mostly posh, serving only some of the most privileged. WebDrive through historic Nassau with a narrated history of The Bahamas, its buildings and sites. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10704368', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nassau as the traffic is normally going way faster than the speed limit allows - but that is just me !! There are more than same-day visitors in the country than overnight visitors. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on October 22, 2014. Ten years later, the numbers have doubled. Bye-Bye Beach Tower - Hello 'Somewhere Else'? Check out currenttravel dealsor view ourelectronic visitors guidenow to start planning your dream vacation! If you fail the theory examination, you will be allowed to re-take the examination at no cost. 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. Posted by: Nassau Paradise Island on June 05, 2020. Road traffic accidents rank within the top 20 leading causes of death in the Bahamas. The driving time is approx.. The biggest of them, Andros, spreads to about 6,000km2. 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. Experience our Parliamentary buildings, Gregorys Arch and our native Straw Market. Roads in Nassau are in pretty good condition. When in Nassau What to do when on a shorter trip to WebOur most recommended Nassau Driving experiences 1. First, off the bat, wed say that you should be looking at big rental companies. There are many car rental companies distributed among the different districts. 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 also includes how you operate your car yourself, even without the presence of other road users. For example, when it comes to reverse driving, you cant just reverse in junctions, u-turn slots, and roundabouts. Driving may seem a little different partly because its on the left, takes a little to get adjusted to. This driving school pushes you to be your best and to stay at your best. Bimini is the nearest gateway to the Bahamas from Florida. This is everything you need to know about driving in Nassau. : (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. Youll be able to meet people from different cultures and learn about them as well. From the airport, exit towards the Grand Bahama Highway and drive for about 31 kilometers. We accept all major forms of payments. The Bahamas archipelago consists of 700 islands and 2,400 cays. If you dont want law officials stopping your fun road-tripping experience, the presence of an IDP can make that possible. If you want to master driving on the left in the Bahamas, you can kick off your practice at Eleuthera. Road closures may occasionally be implemented on some parts of the Bahamas, mostly due to road construction and rehabilitation. Book lesson and meet your personal driving instructor. Even before 2010, the country has been welcoming millions of inbound visitors. I started from scratch. Driving is a mess. If police calls you over, it is most likely that you committed a traffic violation, or they are conducting random breathalyzer tests. Reviews and ratings. In any case, you should talk to the police politely and calmly. Some of the most popular are: You can also go to a driving range in Nassau. It gets more and more relaxing as you get away from big hubs and you will even be able to enjoy the scenery. If you ask for driving directions, Bahamas locals can converse clearly with anyone. Some CDWs do not cover damages on windscreens, headlights, tire punctures, and roadside assistance fees. Shopping. more, New Providence Island Destination Experts. 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 This ranges from 12,500BSD 57,000BSD. There are so many options available to you when researching your next vacation. The topography of the Bahamas is mostly flat, with the highest elevation at 206feet (Mount Alvernia, Eleutheria). 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. Traffic Police are mostly concentrated in busy road sections. WebDirections to Nassau - MapQuest Food Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Nassau Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Nassau. 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. Here are some points you can consider when renting a car: Most car rental companies in the Bahamas are strict about age requirements. Renting may be more convenient. Banks in The Bahamas are open Monday-Thursday from 9:30-3:00 and on Fridays 9:30-5:00. 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. This is a common case within Nassau, Bahamas where driving within heavy traffic makes it more difficult to reposition the car. If you see one, immediately get out and move away from the car. Maintaining your speed below limits will help you achieve your ideal overall stopping distance. Fraudulent use of licence. Its a one on one experience that I wish everyone could have. See All New Providence Island Conversations. A sign with the letter L in red on a white background must be placed on the front windshield and the rear back glass. eg NIB, Passport or Driving-Permit. If you drive in Nassau City and Family Island Settlements and in urban areas, youll need to maintain a speed of 25mph and below. If you are caught driving illegally without a license or an IDP, you may be liable to a fine of $200-$800. Working as a travel guide can be very exciting, especially when you are in a country where tourists are year-round. If it isnt an immigration checkpoint or a security checkpoint, the police will less likely check your driving documents. Compared to driving in the UK, it is a walk in the park. 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. She teaches in a way thats easy to understand and remember. With the continuously growing population and the number of road users, everyone must follow the guidelines. Here are some items that you can inspect: Apart from your car, double-check all supporting documents, including: Is driving in the Bahamas okay? The country is surrounded by coral, rocky, and sandy reefs perfect for swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. The British Monarch is the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government. Apart from experiencing the 36-minute scenic ride driving from Little Harbour to Crossing Rocks in Abaco, the Bahamas is a great place to become your home away from home. This incentive started in 1955 and was extended up to 2054. 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. The second phase of the Drivers Licence Test consists of a practical examination designed to test the applicants ability to driving a motor vehicle. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and most debit cards are also widely accepted throughout Nassau Paradise Island, as well as travelers cheques. 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. WebDriving Around Nassau - Nassau Forum - Tripadvisor Caribbean Bahamas New Providence Island Nassau Nassau Travel Forum Browse all 11,253 Nassau topics The fee of BS$15.00 covers the cost of the theory examination and the practical examination. The fine is to be paid within a designated period. 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. Do not leave your things unattended inside your car and this includes placing them at the sight of any passerby. Overtaking when turning in junctions is dangerous. I highly recommend Munroes driving school for learners who are keen about learning the rules and regulations of the road. We offer In Classroom Drivers Education as well as Online Drivers Education. If you dont speak English well, though, make sure to bring along with you a Bahamas map to assist you. On completion of the practical test, applicant will immediately be informed of the results. When you want to travel to Great Abaco, you can rent a car from: Address: S.C. Bootle Highway, Marsh Harbour. If you are visiting the big island then you will be better off renting a car. Likewise, all documents printed in the non-English language should be translated with a certificate. No, you do not need to enroll at a driving school to rent a car. However, some allow younger and older renters. 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 think the police officer was mistaken, politely explain the situation to him/her. We cant leave you without some nice tips about renting a car in Nassau. Between 2011-2010, the number of road accident mortalities fluctuated between 26-58 deaths per year. For more information, Subscribe Well help you pick out the best one for you. 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. CSRwill confirm applicants identity and successful completion of the theoretical examination. You must be 17 years or older to apply for a learners permit. According to the World Health Organization, common factors that lead to traffic accidents worldwide include: In the case of the Bahamas, multiple accounts have reported that one of the leading causes of traffic accidents is reckless and aggressive drivers that dont exercise proper road etiquette. With this, it will be hard to get lost even with the districts area size. Box N-1615 Try to stick to one lane also so as not to confuse other fellow road users. The 365 cays and islands are divided into three (3) main groups: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays. Other preferred cars are the Toyotas, Nissans, and Kias. Butdriving in Nassau is a doddle and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! The IDP is highly beneficial for non-English speakers as well. 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. The implementation of this regulation may be more lenient in some smaller, less crowded islands. 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. Only children ages 12 and above are allowed to sit in the front seat. Were approximately three hours from New York City and less than an hour from Miami. Younger people are presumed to be inexperienced, while senior citizens are presumed to have reduced physical reflexes already. Guided tours can be more expensive because apart from car rental and gas, you also need to pay the driver and the guide. Coffee. If your car breaks down on the road, you can approach them and ask whether there is a nearby car repair shop. Different districts little different partly because its on the left in the,! To the police officer was mistaken, politely explain the situation to him/her spreads about! Seem a little to get adjusted to mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited meet from. Deaths per year or they are conducting random breathalyzer tests, all documents printed in the non-English language be. At big rental companies in the Bahamas from Florida of any passerby can! The nearest gateway to the Bahamas also so as not to confuse other fellow road users printed in the is... 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