After relocating to Bahrain, and getting settled, the next
step for majority of expats is ‘getting a driving license’. While hundreds of
scary stories are already in the market, about the difficulties linked with obtaining
driving license in Middle East, the process is actually very simple and
streamlined. Here is how you go about it:
Get Registered
The first step is getting registered. Get your essential
documents, including your CPR, Passport and passport size pictures, and head towards
General Directorate of Traffic (Driving School, A’ Ali). You would be handed
over a form and ticket number and taken for an eye test. You can just fill and
submit then and there, if you have the documents mentioned above with you.
Once the form is submitted and the fee is paid (34.5 BD),
you would receive your instructions booklet, date for the theory class,
attendance booklet and the learner’s license.
Attend the Theory Class
The classes take place every day, and you might get a seat
on the very next day (I got mine for the next day). This lecture is mandatory,
and the instructor provides detailed account of all the do’s and don’t, basic
rules of driving and also some useful tips regarding the driving test.
Find an Instructor
This step is definitely the most important one- you have to
look for a driving instructor to get ready for the test. While there is a list
of instructors available online and at
the driving school, you can also find many of them standing with their cars in
the parking area reserved for instructors, within school. While the fee per
hour is officially same (7 BD/ hour), other factors are negotiable. Each
applicant is supposed to take at least 22 hours of driving classes, which is
generally divided into 11 classes of 2 hours each.
Classes schedule is totally flexible, and is decided by the
mutual understanding of the instructor and the student. Some instructors also
agree to pick the student up from their place, which proves to be an additional
benefit.
Apply for Test Date
The next step is booking a test date. While the instructors
and some other individuals also offer their services, the procedure is very
simple indeed, and the student can easily apply online through the official website. All
the details are available on the website, and you just need your CPR and the
instructor’s code to apply for the test date (the code would be provided by the
instructor). Choose from the available test dates and timings available online,
pay the test fee (10 BD) and don’t forget to print the online test voucher. Moreover,
the test dates can be changed online, the option is available only once, and
the alteration must be made at least 24 hours before the test.
The Test Day
On the test day, you are required to reach at least 30
minutes before the test time. Take your attendance booklet (signed by the
instructor as well as student) with you, along with your learner license and
the CPR, and wait for your turn.
If the test is cleared, you would be asked to collect your
driving license from the front desk, after paying the fees, and you are all set
to hit the road.
On the contrary, if you do not clear the test, the examiner
would highlight your faults and would recommend more learning hours (the
learning hours are determined by the examiner, and must be completed before
taking the second test).
