Driving In Bahrain: On Which Side Of The Road?

Driving in Bahrain is not for the faint-hearted. Roads can be congested, and the driving erratic and aggressive. If you're planning on renting a car and driving it around Bahrain, there are a few things you should know. First of all, Bahrain drives on the right-hand side of the road. You'll need to carry your driver's license with you at all times, and you may also need an international driving permit. It's important to be aware of the road regulations before you set off.

Driving licences in Bahrain

To obtain a driving licence in Bahrain, you must be over 18 and pass an eyesight test. If you have resided in Bahrain for a minimum of three months or possess Bahraini nationality, you need a GCC or International Driving Licence. If you are only in Bahrain for a short stay, as a visitor or tourist, you can drive on an International Driving Permit, or for some countries, your home country's licence will suffice.

If you are an expat who has been in Bahrain for more than twelve months, you will need to obtain a Bahraini licence. If you have a valid driving licence from your home country, you may be able to exchange it for a local one by visiting Traffic Services. A list of countries for which a licence is issued without a test is available from the Traffic Directorate.

If you do not have a licence from your home country, or your country's licence is not recognised, you will need to pass all standard driving, educational, and medical tests. The driving lessons can be undertaken in driving schools on payment of a certain fee on an hourly basis. You should possess an International Driving Permit, endorsed by the Directorate before use. You need to possess a Bahraini ID card before applying for a driving licence in Bahrain. Once you have completed the official procedures at the Directorate, you can choose your driving instructor.

For UK and US licences and licences from other recognised countries, refer to the Ministry of Interior in Bahrain. The Bahraini driving licence will be given on applying personally to the Traffic & Licensing Directorate.

Temporary Driving Licences

To obtain a temporary learning driving licence, you should be over 18, pass an eyesight test, have no disabilities that could hamper your ability to drive, and possess a private car driving licence (if required by law) for a specific duration. You will need to submit your latest photographs (full face, size 4x6 cm) and a private licence (if the law requires it). On completing the eyesight test successfully and meeting all the specified conditions, the licence is issued on the attached form on payment of the fee due. This should be endorsed by the Traffic and Licensing Directorate, Bahrain.

The temporary learning driving licence is valid for one year from the date of issue. It can be renewed for the same duration before its expiry date, upon payment of the required fees.

Driving Licence Renewal

Driving licence renewal can be done at your nearest post office outlet in the Kingdom of Bahrain. You need to submit your expired driving licence along with two personal photographs, fill in the required details (including your address) on a registered envelope, pay the required service fee, and collect the receipt. This receipt permits you to continue driving until you receive your renewed licence, which will be submitted at the address you provided on the envelope.

Road rules in Bahrain

If you're driving in Bahrain, here are the road rules you need to know:

• Bahrain drives on the right-hand side of the road.
• The minimum driving age is 18, and you must carry your driver's licence with you at all times.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to your own licence. However, some countries are exempt from this rule for short-term stays.
• Speed limits are generally 50-70 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h in rural areas, and 100-120 km/h on highways.
• Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and front-seat passengers. It is recommended that all passengers wear a seat belt.
• Children under the age of 10 must sit in the rear seats.
• Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free set attached.
• Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden in Bahrain. There is a zero-tolerance policy, and any level of alcohol in your bloodstream will result in steep penalties.
• Eating and smoking are also prohibited while driving.
• When approaching a roundabout, give the right of way to vehicles already inside it. If you want to turn left, stay in the left lane. It is not permitted to turn right at a red traffic light.
• Parking is only allowed in marked bays.
• Traffic lights use a flashing green system to give drivers adequate warning before switching to yellow and then red.
• Road signs are posted in both English and Arabic.
• Overtaking is permitted on both sides of the road when one lane is moving slower than the other.
• Military convoys may ignore red lights.

Driving in Bahrain can be challenging due to congested traffic and aggressive drivers. Always drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected situations.

Driving conditions in Bahrain

Driving in Bahrain is not for the faint-hearted. The roads themselves are generally of high quality, but other drivers can be aggressive and erratic. It's important to drive defensively and always expect the unexpected.

Road Conditions

Bahrain's four main islands and all urban areas are connected by a well-maintained and efficient road system comprising 3500km of mostly paved routes. The highways and major roads in the northern third of the country are four to six lanes wide and well-maintained. Roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting but are generally reasonably well-maintained.

Traffic

Traffic congestion is a significant problem, especially during rush hours, around school drop-off and pick-up times, and midday when many workers go home for lunch. Traffic is considerably lighter when schools are on holiday, particularly during the summer break when many people leave the island for their annual holiday.

Driving Standards

Most drivers abide by the road rules, but some drive fast and aggressively, especially on the multi-lane highways. Lane discipline is poor, and vehicles often change lanes without signalling. Queue jumping is common, as is the use of the safety lane to pass slow-moving traffic on the highways.

Historically, Bahrain has had a very high rate of road fatalities, but a tightening of rules and more stringent penalties have reduced the death toll in recent years.

Rules of the Road

Bahrain drives on the right-hand side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18, and seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and front-seat passenger. Children under ten must sit in the rear, and babies and small children must be seated in the back of the vehicle.

The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free set attached. Eating, drinking, and smoking are also prohibited while driving.

At roundabouts, drivers must give way to vehicles already inside the roundabout. If a driver wants to turn left at a roundabout or go back the way they came, they must stay in the left lane. It is not permitted to turn right at a red traffic light.

Drivers should always stop their cars behind the white line at red traffic lights, as most traffic lights on main roads and highways have road sensors behind the line.

Road Safety

Bahrain has a high standard of road safety, with street lighting on all highways. Directional and advisory signs are written in both Arabic and English, and road markings are clear.

Driving on highways in Bahrain

Driving on the highways of Bahrain is not for the faint-hearted. The country's highways are often congested, and fast-flowing traffic can come to a sudden halt without warning. It is not uncommon for vehicles to change lanes without signalling, so it is important to drive defensively and always be prepared for the unexpected.

Bahrain's highways are generally well-maintained and efficiently designed. The four main islands and all urban areas are connected by a network of mostly paved roads, including causeways linking Manama with Muharraq Island and Bahrain Island with Sitra. The highways are well-lit and feature clear signage in both English and Arabic, making navigation easier for expat drivers.

When driving on Bahrain's highways, it is crucial to follow the rules and be mindful of other drivers. Aggressive and erratic driving is common, with queue jumping and the use of the safety lane to pass slow-moving traffic being frequent occurrences. It is illegal to make rude gestures to other drivers, and this offence carries strict penalties.

The speed limits on highways in Bahrain typically range from 100 to 120 km/h, but these are often disregarded by local drivers. However, speeding can result in steep fines, especially when detected by the smart cameras installed at regular intervals. These cameras also monitor red-light infringements, so it is important to obey traffic signals.

While driving on Bahrain's highways, it is essential to wear a seatbelt and refrain from drinking, eating, or smoking. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless it is hands-free. It is also important to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and be cautious when changing lanes, as other drivers may switch lanes without warning.

In addition to the regular traffic police, you may encounter the Ministry of Interior Police and Military Police on Bahrain's highways. While the Ministry of Interior Police rarely stop traffic for minor offences, they will provide assistance in the event of a breakdown or accident. It is mandatory to comply with the directions of any police officer.

In conclusion, driving on Bahrain's highways requires a combination of caution, defensive driving skills, and adherence to the rules of the road. With its efficient highway system, Bahrain offers a convenient way to get around, but it is important to be prepared for unpredictable traffic behaviour and remain vigilant at all times.

Driving on village roads in Bahrain

• Village streets in Bahrain tend to be narrow, and you may encounter poorly parked vehicles, making navigation difficult.
• Minor roads often experience congested traffic, which can bring fast-flowing major highways to a sudden halt.
• It is common for vehicles to change lanes without signalling, so stay alert and drive defensively.
• While roads in Bahrain are generally well-maintained, village roads in older parts of towns like Manama and Muharraq can be twisting and narrow but are usually kept in reasonable condition.
• Bahrain has a reputation for aggressive driving, so be prepared to encounter fast and erratic drivers, especially on multi-lane highways.
• Always follow the rules of the road, including using turn signals and stopping at traffic lights.
• Be mindful of pedestrian crossings and crowded areas, and use your horn to alert pedestrians when approaching a crossing.
• Bahrain has strict traffic regulations, and fines are imposed for various offences, including speeding, drink driving, and using a mobile phone while driving.
• Always wear your seatbelt, and ensure children under 10 sit in the rear seats with appropriate restraints.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited, with a minimum fine of BHD500 and potential imprisonment.
• If you are renting a car, ensure you have the necessary documents, including a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and a government-issued ID.
• When asking for directions, be courteous and use simple phrases like "uz ran" (excuse me) and "shuk ran" (thank you).
• Plan your travel to avoid peak hours, as rush hour and weekend driving in Bahrain tend to be aggressive.

Frequently asked questions