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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn to Drive
 Practical Examinations
What is the required age for taking the driving examination?
The required age for taking the driving examination is 17 years or over.
How long is the time period for the practical examination?
The time period for the practical examination is approximately 1 hour in duration.
Is it mandatory to apply through a driving school?
Applying through a driving school is not mandatory.
What must I present if I’m taking the examination without applying through a school?
Individuals should ensure the learner symbols (L) are placed on the front and rear windshield of the vehicle, also they must be accompanied by a person who possess a valid Bahamian driver’s Licence and ensure that the vehicle is capable of passing inspection by the Road Traffic Dept.
What documents do I need to apply for a practical examination?
Individuals applying for a practical examination should present a valid learner’s permit, National Insurance card, and proof of citizenship (passport/voter’s card/birth certificate along with an official picture ID).
What documents does a Non-Bahamian need to apply for a practical examination?
Non-Bahamians applying for a practical examination should present a valid learner’s permit, National Insurance card, passport and valid proof of residency.
Where should I go to take the driving examination?
The Road Traffic Department sub-office on John. F. Kennedy Drive.
Is it necessary to make an appointment for the driving examination?
Yes, this service is provided by appointment only.
Is there a fee to take the driving examination?
Yes, the fee for the examination is $10.00; however the first practical examination fee is waived, upon successful completion of the theoretical examination.
Theory Driving Test
What is the required age for taking the theory driving examination?
The required age for the theory examination is 17 years.
How long is the theory driving examination?
The duration of the examination is 1 hour.
Where is the location for the theory examination?
The Road Traffic Department sub-office, John F. Kennedy Drive.
When is the theory examination conducted?
The theory examination is conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The times are 12:00pm and 4:00pm.
Is there a fee for the theory examination?
Yes, the fee for the theory examination is $10.00. This fee also covers the first practical examination and an opportunity for the candidate to retake the theory exam if they were unsuccessful in passing the exam on the first attempt.
What are the requirements for Non-Bahamians to take the theory examination?
Non-Bahamians applying for the theory examination should present a National Insurance card, passport and valid proof of residency.
Is it necessary to make an appointment to take the examination?
Yes, it is mandatory to make an appointment for the examination.
 Learners Permit/Provisional Licence
New Drivers Licence
Obtaining a Bahamian Drivers License
What are the fees for a first time Bahamian Drivers Licence?
The fees for a first time Bahamian Drivers Licence is calculated at $1.66 per month.
What is the maximum length of time that I can have my Bahamian Drivers Licence valid for?
There is an option of having your Bahamian Drivers Licence valid for 1year or 3 years. However, persons obtaining a Bahamian Drivers Licence for the first time can only have their licence for a period of 1 year.
Can I provide the Drivers Licence Unit with a photograph, instead of having the photo taken at the department?
No. It is mandatory to have the Photograph taken at the Drivers Licence Department.
Drivers License Transfers
Family Island Transfers
How long can I drive in Nassau using my Family Island Driver’s Licence?
Persons can drive in Nassau, for a period up to 3 months using their Family Island Drivers Licence.
When transferring a Family Island Drivers Licence, will a Theory or Practical test be conducted?
When transferring a Family Island Drivers Licence, the Chief Examiner will conduct an interview testing your knowledge of the Highway Code in the Bahamas thus determining whether a theory or practical test should be conducted.
International Drivers Licence Transfer
International Drivers License
What are the fees for an International Drivers Licence?
The fee for an International Drivers Licence is $50.00 per year.
What is the maximum length of time I can have my International Drivers Licence renewed for?
Your International Drivers Licence can be renewed for a period of 1 year.
How soon can I get an International Drivers Licence after obtaining a Bahamian Drivers Licence?
It is mandatory to have a Bahamian Driver’s Licence for a year or more.
Is it mandatory to get an International Drivers Licence to drive in Florida?
While you can use your International Driver’s Licence to drive in Florida, it is not mandatory. You could still use your regular Bahamian Drivers Licence to rent a car.
Where can I drive with my International Drivers Licence?
You can drive in countries all over the world.
Renewal Drivers Licence
Drivers License Renewal
What is the maximum length of time can my Bahamian Drivers Licence be validated for?
The maximum time length of time a Bahamian Drivers Licence can be renewed for is 3 years.
Do I have to retake my photograph when renewing my Drivers Licence?
Renewal of a Drivers Licence does not require you to retake your photograph.
What are the fees when applying for a Drivers Licence renewal?
The fees to renew your Drivers Licence are $20.00 per annum or $50.00 for three (3) years.
Lost Drivers Licence
Lost or Stolen Drivers License
How far back can Road Traffic research for my lost Drivers Licence records?
Some records go as far back as 1980. Finding some records depends on how constant you renewed your Drivers Licence
Are all Drivers Licences records on the computer?
Once you have had a new photographic Drivers Licence (after 2001), your Drivers Licence should be on the computer. Otherwise, your Drivers Licence has to be researched manually
Is there a Drivers Licence research fee?
No. There are no fees for having your Drivers Licence researched
What is required if my Licence is accidentally Lost, misplaced or stolen?
In the event of your Licence being lost, misplaced or stolen, the licensing department requires a police report
Vehicle Inspection & Registration
New/First-time Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Registration Renewal
Public Transportation
Public Schedule (Jitney) Franchise
Do I pay a franchise fee for a Public Schedule (Jitney) Franchise?
Yes.
Is there a form that I can fill out to obtain a Public Schedule (Jitney) Franchise?
Yes.
Which month do I license my Public Service vehicle?
May is Public Service month, all public service vehicles must be licensed then.
Which month do I inspect my vehicle?
Public Service vehicles are inspected twice per year at May and October.
Taxi Franchise
Do I pay a franchise fee for a Taxi Franchise?
No, Taxi-cab Franchise fees are not charged by the Road Traffic Department
Is there a form that I can fill out to obtain a Taxi-cab Franchise?
No, there is no standard form to apply for a taxi-cab franchise. Applicant must apply in writing to the Controller.
Which month do I license my Public Service vehicle?
May is Public Service month, all public service vehicles must be licensed then.
Which month do I inspect my vehicle?
Public Service vehicles are inspected twice per year at May and October.
Livery Franchise
Do I pay a franchise fee for a Livery Franchise?
No, Livery Franchise fees are not charged by the Road Traffic Department
Is there a form that I can fill out to obtain a Livery Franchise?
No, there is no standard form to apply for a Livery franchise. Applicant must apply in writing to the Controller.
Which month do I license my Public Service vehicle?
May is Public Service month, all public service vehicles must be licensed then.
Which month do I inspect my vehicle?
Public Service vehicles are inspected twice per year at May and October.
Tour Car Franchise
Do I pay a franchise fee for a Tour Car Franchise?
No, Tour Car Franchise fees are not charged by the Road Traffic Department.
Is there a form that I can fill out to obtain a Tour Car Franchise?
No, there is no standard form to apply for a Tour Car franchise. Applicant must apply in writing to the Controller.
Which month do I license my Public Service vehicle?
May is Public Service month, all public service vehicles must be licensed then.
Which month do I inspect my vehicle?
Public Service vehicles are inspected twice per year at May and October.
Private Charter Franchise
Do I pay a franchise fee for a Private Charter Franchise?
Yes
Is there a form that I can fill out to obtain a Private Charter Franchise?
Yes.
Which month do I license my Public Service vehicle?
May is Public Service month, all public service vehicles must be licensed then.
Which month do I inspect my vehicle?
Public Service vehicles are inspected twice per year at May and October.
Public Schedule Franchise
Do I pay a franchise fee for a Public Schedule Franchise?
No.
Is there a form that I can fill out to obtain a Public Schedule Franchise?
Yes.
Which month do I license my Public Service vehicle?
May is Public Service month, all public service vehicles must be licensed then.
Which month do I inspect my vehicle?
Public Service vehicles are inspected twice per year at May and October.
Self Drive Franchise
Do I pay a franchise fee for a Self Drive Franchise?
Yes.
Is there a form that I can fill out to obtain a Self Drive Franchise?
Yes.
Which month do I license my Public Service vehicle?
May is Public Service month, all public service vehicles must be licensed then.
Which month do I inspect my vehicle?
Public Service vehicles are inspected twice per year at May and October.
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