Traffic Laws and Their Everyday Application
What you must know
Bahrain drives on the right, and the core duties are straightforward: obey signals and signs, keep left except when overtaking, give way as directed, and never drive in a way that endangers others. Candidates should be clear on speed limits and the difference between the general limit and limits posted for specific roads, plus the rules for junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, overtaking, parking and prohibitions such as using a hand-held phone.
Traps in questions
Questions often test priority rather than memory. At an uncontrolled junction the driver who must give way is the one facing the give-way line or approaching from the road that is not the priority road; do not assume the larger vehicle has right of way. Roundabouts: traffic already circulating has priority unless signs or markings say otherwise. Overtaking is prohibited where visibility is limited, at crossings and near junctions. Remember that a police officer's directions override signs and lights.
Penalties and documents
Know that driving requires a valid licence for the class of vehicle, valid registration and insurance, and that heavy vehicles carry additional operator obligations. Questions about penalty points and fines are best answered from the principle: serious or repeated offences escalate.
Rule of thumb
When a question describes a conflict, ask three questions in order: what do the signs and markings say, what is the general rule, and what is safest? The safest answer is rarely wrong, but never choose it if a sign gives a specific instruction.
Worked example
You approach a roundabout with a give-way line and a vehicle already circulating from your right. The correct action is to slow, stop if needed at the line, and enter only when there is a safe gap. Choosing to enter because you arrived first is a classic wrong answer.