Traffic Laws and Licensing Requirements
Driving in The Bahamas requires a valid licence for the class of vehicle you drive. Learner drivers must hold a learner's permit, display L plates, and drive only with a qualified licensed driver supervising. A provisional or full licence carries conditions, and driving outside those conditions is an offence. You must carry your licence and vehicle documents, including insurance and road licence, and produce them when required by police.
Vehicles must be registered and insured, with third-party cover as a minimum. Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and passengers where fitted, and children must be properly restrained. Driving without due care, careless or dangerous driving, failing to stop after a collision, and driving an uninsured or unroadworthy vehicle are serious offences. Penalties can include fines, endorsement points, disqualification and, for serious matters, imprisonment.
Rules of the road include keeping left, obeying signals and signs, and not using a hand-held phone while driving. Overtaking is permitted only when it is safe, the line markings allow it, and you can see far enough ahead to complete the manoeuvre. You must not overtake at pedestrian crossings, on bends, or where a solid line prohibits it.
Common traps include thinking a learner may drive alone, or that insurance is optional if the car is not used daily. Questions also test whether you know that a police officer may require documents, and that failing to stop after a collision is an offence even if damage seems minor.
Rule of thumb: valid licence, valid insurance, valid road licence, seat belt on, phone down. If any one is missing, do not drive.