Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bahamas?

Bahamas and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Bahamas

Bahamas applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Bahamas

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Bahamas

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Bahamas, for stays of up to 90 days.

Traffic drives on

The left

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Bahamas, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Bahamas

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Bahamas?

Up to 3 years. Bahamas joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 14 May 1991 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Bahamas on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in The Bahamas for up to 3 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Bahamas's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Bahamas drive on?

The left. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts for the first few days, and consider an automatic hire car so you are not also changing gear with the other hand.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Bahamas?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.