Bahrain Driving Theory cheat sheet

Bahrain drives on the right; overtaking is normally done on the left, and traffic keeps right except when passing or turning left.

A valid Bahrain driving licence must be carried while driving; foreign visitors may drive on a recognised foreign licence for short visits, subject to conditions.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers; children must be restrained in an approved child seat appropriate to their size.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited; only hands-free use is permitted.

Drivers must stop for pedestrians at marked crossings and must not block a crossing when queuing in traffic.

A red traffic light means stop before the stop line; a flashing amber signal on a vehicle means proceed with caution.

Motor third-party liability insurance is compulsory for all registered vehicles.

Traffic signals override signs and markings; a police officer's directions override all signals.

Red circles give prohibitions or restrictions (for example, a speed limit or a no-entry sign); blue circles give mandatory instructions.

Triangular signs with red borders are warnings of hazards ahead, such as bends, junctions, or pedestrian crossings.

Rectangular signs give information, directions, or services; green signs typically indicate routes or destinations.

A continuous (solid) white line at the centre must not be crossed; a broken line may be crossed when safe to overtake or turn.

A continuous yellow line at the kerb means no parking at any time; a broken yellow line means no parking during stated hours.

A stop sign requires a complete stop at the line; a give-way (yield) sign requires yielding to traffic on the priority road.

Zebra crossings are marked by broad white stripes; drivers must give way to pedestrians on or entering the crossing.

Chevron or hatch markings bordered by solid lines are prohibited areas and must not be entered except in an emergency.

The two-second rule gives a minimum following gap in dry conditions; double it in rain, and increase it further at night or when visibility is poor.

Scanning far ahead and checking mirrors every few seconds allows hazards to be identified early, before a reaction is needed.

In Bahrain, sudden sandstorms, heavy rain, and standing water reduce grip; reduce speed and avoid harsh braking or steering.

Tyres need adequate tread depth and correct pressure; worn tyres increase stopping distance, especially on wet roads.

Blind spots must be checked by a shoulder glance before changing lanes, because mirrors do not show vehicles beside the rear quarter.

Vulnerable road users - pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children near schools - require extra space and reduced speed.

Fatigue, glare, and distraction are major hazard sources; a driver who cannot concentrate should stop safely rather than continue.

At an uncontrolled T-junction, traffic on the through road has priority over traffic emerging from the side road.

At a give-way line, the driver must yield to traffic already on the priority road and must not enter unless the way is clear.

At roundabouts in Bahrain, traffic already circulating has priority; entering drivers yield and give way to the right where applicable.

Enter a roundabout only when a safe gap exists; indicate left on approach if turning left, and signal right before exiting.

When turning right at a junction, yield to oncoming traffic going straight ahead and to pedestrians crossing the road being entered.

When turning left, keep close to the left edge of the road and yield to pedestrians at the corner crossing.

At a four-way stop or uncontrolled crossroads, yield to traffic approaching from the right where no signs or signals give priority.

Never enter a junction or box junction unless the exit is clear, even on a green light.

Urban roads in Bahrain are generally limited to 50 km/h; major highways and expressways commonly have limits of 100–120 km/h, as posted.

A speed limit is the maximum in ideal conditions; drivers must reduce speed for rain, sand, night, or heavy traffic.

Overtake on the left, only when the road ahead is clear, the line markings permit it, and no vehicle is already overtaking.

Do not overtake at pedestrian crossings, junctions, bends, or hill crests where visibility is restricted.

After overtaking, return to the right-hand lane only when the overtaken vehicle is visible in the interior mirror.

On multi-lane roads, keep to the rightmost lane unless overtaking; do not hog the left lane or weave between lanes.

Speed cameras and radar enforce limits; fines apply and repeat offences can lead to licence points or suspension.

Vehicles must pass periodic technical inspection (roadworthiness testing) at an approved centre; a valid inspection certificate is required.

Compulsory documents include a valid driving licence, vehicle registration, and third-party liability insurance.

Check tyre pressure and tread regularly; the legal minimum tread depth in Bahrain is generally 1.6 mm across the central tread.

Brakes, lights, indicators, horn, wipers, and mirrors must be in working order before driving.

A warning triangle and a fire extinguisher are recommended safety equipment; use the triangle when stopped on a road.

Registration must be renewed annually; driving an unregistered or uninsured vehicle is an offence.

Loads must be secure and must not obstruct lights, plates, or the driver's view; passengers must not ride unsecured.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in Bahrain; there is no safe drinking-and-driving level.

Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time, judgement, and coordination; penalties include fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness; drivers must check labels and avoid driving if affected.

Fatigue is a major cause of crashes; symptoms include yawning, heavy eyelids, and drifting; stop and rest rather than push on.

A driver must be medically fit; certain conditions and medications must be declared to the licensing authority.

Minimum driving age in Bahrain is 18; learner drivers must hold a valid learner permit and be supervised by a qualified driver.

Drivers must not drive while ill or injured if their ability to control the vehicle is impaired.

If a tyre bursts, hold the steering firmly, ease off the accelerator, and avoid sudden braking; steer to a safe stop.

If brakes fail, pump the pedal, use engine braking by shifting to a lower gear, and apply the handbrake gradually.

In a collision, stop, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle behind the vehicle, and call emergency services (999).

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire; keep them warm and still until help arrives.

Exchange names, licence, registration, and insurance details with other drivers after a collision; report the incident to police.

If the vehicle catches fire, stop, switch off the engine, evacuate all occupants, and move well clear before calling for help.

If you become drowsy at the wheel, stop at a safe place and rest; opening a window or drinking coffee is not a substitute for sleep.

Traffic offences carry fines and, for serious or repeat offences, demerit points, licence suspension, or imprisonment.

Driving without a valid licence, without insurance, or while disqualified is a serious offence with heavy penalties.

Demerit points accumulate for offences; reaching the threshold can lead to suspension of the driving licence.

Learner drivers must display learner plates, be accompanied by a qualified driver, and comply with learner conditions.

The driving licence must be renewed before expiry; driving on an expired licence is an offence.

Reckless or dangerous driving, racing, and excessive speeding carry severe penalties, including vehicle impoundment.

Drivers must obey police directions and produce documents when requested by an authorised officer.

Assume other road users may make mistakes; keep a space cushion around the vehicle so there is room to react.

When sharing the road with heavy vehicles, avoid lingering in their blind spots and allow extra time when overtaking them.

Motorcyclists and cyclists are harder to see; check mirrors and blind spots carefully before turning or changing lanes.

At night, dip headlights for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle to avoid dazzling other drivers.

In parking areas and near schools, drive slowly and be prepared for pedestrians stepping out unexpectedly.

Use the horn only to warn of danger, not to express frustration; aggressive driving increases crash risk.

Regular rest breaks on long journeys and route planning reduce stress and fatigue on the road.

Park only in permitted areas; do not park on yellow lines, at bus stops, on pedestrian crossings, or blocking driveways.

When parking on a slope, apply the handbrake, engage a low gear or park position, and turn the wheels toward the kerb.

Before opening a car door, check mirrors and look over the shoulder for approaching traffic, especially cyclists.

Stop as close as practicable to the right-hand kerb, unless one-way signs or markings direct otherwise.

Do not stop on a motorway or highway except in an emergency; use the hard shoulder and hazard lights.

Reverse parking should be done slowly with all-round observation; use mirrors and, if available, a reversing camera.

Double parking and blocking traffic flow are offences and create hazards for other road users.

Join a motorway using the acceleration lane; match the speed of traffic and merge only when a safe gap is available.

Keep right except when overtaking; the left lane is for passing, not for cruising.

If you miss an exit, continue to the next exit; never reverse or stop on the carriageway.

Maintain a safe following distance; at high speed the two-second rule is a minimum and should be increased in poor conditions.

Breakdowns: move to the hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights, exit on the safe side, and stand behind the barrier.

Obey variable speed limits and lane-control signals; they indicate hazards ahead or lane closures.

Avoid distractions and fatigue on long high-speed journeys; plan rest stops.

Give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and when they are already crossing the road you are turning into.

Reduce speed near schools, hospitals, and residential areas where children and pedestrians are likely.

When overtaking cyclists, leave a safe lateral gap and do not cut back in front of them.

Motorcyclists are less stable and harder to see; check mirrors twice before changing lanes.

At night or in poor visibility, be extra alert for pedestrians in dark clothing.

Do not sound the horn aggressively at pedestrians or cyclists; use it only to warn of danger.

When reversing, check all around for small children and pedestrians before moving.

A steady red light means stop before the stop line; do not proceed until the light turns green and the way is clear.

A flashing amber light at a pedestrian crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing.

A green arrow permits movement only in the direction shown, provided it is safe.

At a green light, do not enter a junction unless the exit is clear; blocking the box is an offence.

Yellow (amber) means stop unless it is unsafe to do so; do not accelerate to beat the light.

At police-controlled junctions, follow the officer's signals over the traffic lights.

Flashing red lights at a railway crossing mean stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the barrier lifts.

Use dipped headlights at night, in rain, fog, or sandstorms, and whenever visibility is reduced.

Use full-beam headlights only when there is no oncoming traffic and no vehicle close ahead.

Front fog lights should be used only in fog or very poor visibility, not in clear conditions.

Ensure all lights, indicators, and brake lights are working; a faulty light is a safety hazard and an offence.

Keep the windscreen, mirrors, and lights clean; dirt and sand reduce visibility significantly in Bahrain.

Switch on hazard lights when stopped in an emergency, but not while driving normally.

In bright desert sun, use sunglasses and the sun visor to reduce glare.

Learner drivers must hold a valid learner permit and be accompanied by a qualified, licensed driver.

Learner plates must be displayed clearly on the vehicle while learning.

Learners must obey all traffic laws and speed limits; violations can lead to loss of the learner permit.

Practice should include different conditions - night, rain, and busy junctions - to build hazard perception.

New drivers should avoid distractions such as loud music or mobile phones and focus on observation.

The driving test assesses vehicle control, observation, signalling, and compliance with traffic rules.

After passing, new drivers should continue to build experience gradually and avoid risky manoeuvres.

Warning signs (red-bordered triangles) alert drivers to hazards such as bends, junctions, or pedestrians ahead.

Regulatory signs (red circles) impose prohibitions or restrictions, such as speed limits or no entry.

Mandatory signs (blue circles) require a specific action, such as turning left or keeping right.

Information signs (rectangles) give directions, distances, or services.

Stop signs are octagonal and red; give-way signs are inverted triangles.

Temporary signs (often yellow or orange) warn of roadworks or changed conditions.

Road markings reinforce signs: solid lines prohibit crossing, broken lines permit it when safe.

In rain, reduce speed and increase following distance; wet roads lengthen stopping distances.

In fog or sandstorms, use dipped headlights and fog lights, reduce speed, and avoid sudden braking.

In strong crosswinds, hold the steering firmly and reduce speed, especially when passing large vehicles.

On wet roads, avoid harsh acceleration and braking to prevent skidding.

If the vehicle skids, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go.

At night, reduce speed so you can stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.

In extreme weather, consider postponing the journey if conditions are unsafe.

Third-party liability insurance is compulsory and covers damage or injury caused to others.

Vehicle registration must be renewed annually and kept up to date.

The vehicle must pass periodic technical inspection to remain roadworthy.

Driving without insurance or with expired registration is an offence with significant penalties.

Report collisions to the police and to your insurer as required.

Keep the vehicle registration document and insurance certificate available for inspection.

Selling or transferring a vehicle requires proper transfer of registration and insurance.

Emergency services in Bahrain can be reached on 999.

In a collision, stop, secure the scene with hazard lights and a warning triangle, and check for injuries.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger; keep them still and warm.

Provide first aid only within your training; call for professional help as soon as possible.

Exchange details with other parties and report the incident to the police.

If the vehicle is a hazard, move it off the road if safe to do so.

Keep a basic first-aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle.

Courteous driving reduces conflict and crash risk; yield when it is safe and appropriate.

Avoid aggressive behaviours such as tailgating, horn abuse, and cutting in.

Signal intentions early and clearly so other road users can anticipate your actions.

Be patient with learners, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Do not retaliate against aggressive drivers; keep a safe distance and let them pass.

Use headlights and horn only as warning devices, not to intimidate.

Respect lane discipline and give way at merges when safe.

Loads must be secure and must not obstruct lights, plates, or the driver's view.

Do not exceed the vehicle's maximum load or passenger capacity.

Towing requires appropriate equipment and adherence to speed and weight limits.

Passengers must not ride unsecured in the back of a vehicle.

Roof loads must be properly tied down to prevent them falling onto the road.

Overloading affects braking, steering, and tyre safety.

Check tyre pressures and vehicle stability when carrying heavy loads.

Give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and when turning into a road they are crossing.

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop near schools and residential areas.

Do not park on or near pedestrian crossings.

Watch for children stepping out between parked cars.

At school zones, obey reduced speed limits and crossing patrols.

Use the horn only to warn pedestrians of danger, not to hurry them.

At night, be extra alert for pedestrians in dark clothing.

Approach roundabouts at a speed that allows you to stop if necessary.

Yield to traffic already circulating; enter only when there is a safe gap.

Signal left when intending to take the first exit (in right-hand traffic, signal right before exiting).

For exits beyond the first, signal right before your exit to indicate intention to leave.

Stay in the correct lane for your exit; do not change lanes within the roundabout without checking.

Do not stop inside the roundabout unless traffic conditions require it.

Be aware of large vehicles that may need extra space and may straddle lanes.

Obey posted speed limits; they are maximums for ideal conditions.

Reduce speed in rain, fog, sandstorms, and at night.

Use the two-second rule as a minimum following gap in dry conditions; double it in wet conditions.

At high speeds, increase following distance further to allow for longer stopping distances.

Do not tailgate; it reduces reaction time and increases crash risk.

Adjust speed for traffic, roadworks, and weather.

Speed cameras enforce limits; fines and points apply for violations.

Keep right except when overtaking; the left lane is for passing.

Overtake only when the road ahead is clear and markings permit.

Do not overtake at junctions, bends, or pedestrian crossings.

Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

Signal early and clearly before manoeuvres.

Return to the right lane after overtaking when safe.

Do not weave between lanes or undertake.

Carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration, and insurance certificate while driving.

Renew your driving licence before it expires; driving on an expired licence is an offence.

Learner permits have conditions, including supervision and display of learner plates.

Demerit points accumulate for offences and can lead to suspension.

Report changes of address or medical conditions to the licensing authority.

Foreign licences may be used for short visits under specified conditions.

Keep records of vehicle inspections and insurance renewals.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited; there is no safe limit.

Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time, judgement, and coordination.

Prescription medicines can cause drowsiness; check labels and avoid driving if affected.

Penalties include fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment.

Do not drive if you feel impaired by any substance.

Plan ahead: use a designated driver or public transport if you have been drinking.

Report any medical conditions or medications that may affect driving to the licensing authority.

Fatigue impairs reaction time and judgement; symptoms include yawning, heavy eyelids, and drifting.

Stop and rest at a safe place if you feel drowsy; do not rely on coffee or fresh air.

Plan rest breaks on long journeys.

Avoid driving during hours when you would normally sleep.

Certain medical conditions must be declared to the licensing authority.

Do not drive while ill or injured if it affects your ability to control the vehicle.

Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.

Stop after a collision, switch on hazard lights, and check for injuries.

Place a warning triangle behind the vehicle to warn other traffic.

Call emergency services on 999 if there are injuries or significant damage.

Exchange names, licence, registration, and insurance details with other parties.

Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger.

Report the incident to the police and your insurer.

Move the vehicle off the road if it is safe to do so.

Check tyre pressure and tread regularly; minimum tread depth is generally 1.6 mm.

Ensure brakes, lights, indicators, horn, wipers, and mirrors work.

Check engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid levels.

Keep the windscreen and mirrors clean for visibility.

Replace worn wiper blades to maintain clear vision in rain.

Check the spare tyre and tools are in good condition.

Address warning lights promptly; do not ignore them.

Scan far ahead and check mirrors frequently to identify hazards early.

Keep a space cushion around the vehicle to allow room to react.

Anticipate the actions of other road users; assume they may make mistakes.

Avoid distractions such as mobile phones and loud music.

Adjust speed to conditions and visibility.

Be extra alert near schools, junctions, and pedestrian crossings.

Plan journeys to avoid fatigue and stress.