Muharraq General Directorate of Traffic Motorcycle Theory Test

The step‑by‑step journey

1. 1

   Enrol at a GDT-Approved Driving Institute

   Visit a driving institute authorised by the General Directorate of Traffic (the main government driving school is located in A'Ali) or use the eGovernment portal at services.bahrain.bh to begin an online application for a Learner's Licence. You will need your CPR (Central Population Registration) card, passport, and a valid residence permit if you are a non-Bahraini. Ensure that all outstanding traffic fines or violations linked to your CPR number are settled before applying, as unresolved fines can block the process. The institute will verify that you meet the minimum age requirement (typically 18 years for a private-car licence; confirm the current age rule with the GDT) and that there are no legal restrictions on your personal number.

2. 2

   Undergo the Vision (Eye) Test

   A vision and colour-differentiation test is required before a Learner's Licence is issued. This is conducted at a GDT-approved medical centre. The examination is brief and same-day certificates are typically available. A fee applies for the medical examination; as a guide, sources have reported a figure in the range of BHD 5, but confirm the current fee with the GDT or the approved centre. Applicants who do not meet the minimum vision standard may need corrective lenses or may be referred to an ophthalmologist before proceeding.

3. 3

   Obtain the Learner's Licence

   After the vision test is passed and documents are verified, the GDT issues a Learner's Licence (temporary driving licence). This licence authorises you to take lessons under the supervision of a certified instructor. It is valid for approximately one year and can be renewed if you have not yet completed the process within that period. You must hold the Learner's Licence throughout the training and testing stages.

4. 4

   Attend Theory Lectures and Pass the Theory Test

   Registered applicants attend a series of theory lectures at the driving institute covering Bahraini traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe-driving practices. Study materials are provided by the institute. The written theory test is taken at the institute or a designated GDT facility. As reported by multiple sources, the test consists of approximately 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 30 minutes, with a reported pass mark of around 24 out of 30 (approximately 80%); however, confirm the current format and pass mark with the GDT or your institute, as these details may change. The test is available in Arabic and English. Applicants who do not pass may be permitted to retake the test after a waiting period; fees may apply for retakes.

5. 5

   Complete Mandatory Practical Driving Lessons

   Once the theory test is passed, applicants must complete a set number of practical driving hours with a certified instructor. Multiple sources indicate a requirement of 22 hours of mandatory lessons; confirm the current minimum with your driving institute and the GDT, as this figure may be adjusted. Lessons are conducted in the institute's vehicles on training circuits and public roads. Additional hours beyond the minimum may be purchased if the instructor or applicant believes more practice is needed before the road test. Each lesson carries a fee; as a guide, sources have cited figures in the range of BHD 6 to BHD 8 per hour, but confirm current rates directly with your chosen institute.

6. 6

   Sit the Road Test with a GDT Examiner

   After completing the required practical hours, the applicant is booked for a road test (practical driving test) conducted by an official GDT examiner, not the private instructor. The test typically includes manoeuvres such as parking, reversing, lane discipline, following road signs, and general road behaviour. Common reasons for failure include not checking mirrors consistently, improper lane changes, failure to give way correctly, stalling, and errors during parking exercises. A fee applies per attempt; sources have cited a figure in the range of BHD 10, but confirm the current fee with the GDT. If the applicant fails, a waiting period is required before retaking; additional lessons are usually recommended.

7. 7

   Collect the Issued Driving Licence

   Upon passing the road test, the applicant pays the licence issuance fee and the full driving licence is produced. Sources have cited an issuance fee in the range of BHD 20, but confirm the current amount with the GDT. The standard private-car driving licence is valid for five years from the date of issuance. The licence can be collected from the GDT office or, in some cases, delivered through the eGovernment portal's service channels. Keep the licence on your person whenever driving.