Bahrain Driving Licence (GDT) in Bahrain
Driving in Bahrain runs through the GDT - convert if your country qualifies, or train and test if it doesn't.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
Driving licences in Bahrain are issued by the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) under the Ministry of Interior. Most services - renewal, fine payment, eye test booking, and licence printing - are accessed through the Traffic services on bahrain.bh using eKey.
Holders of licences from a list of approved countries (most GCC, several Western and Asian countries) can convert directly after an eye test and theory verification. Everyone else must enrol at an approved driving school, complete the lecture and practical hours, and pass the GDT theory and road tests.
Documents required
- Valid CPR card
- Valid passport with residence page
- Existing foreign driving licence (for conversion)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor if required
- Eye test certificate from an approved optician
- Blood group certificate (if not on CPR)
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18
- Valid Bahrain residence (CPR)
- Foreign licence held for at least 1 year (for conversion route)
- No active traffic court cases
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence issuance (10 years) | 20 BHD | Standard car licence; confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
| Driving licence renewal | 20 BHD | Confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
| Theory test | 10 BHD | Per attempt; confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
| Road test | 20 BHD | Per attempt; confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
| Driving school package (manual or automatic) | 250-450 BHD | Varies by school and category. |
Step by step
- 1
Eye test
Visit any approved optician for a vision certificate. The result is uploaded electronically to GDT.
30 minutes · center
- 2
Open a file on bahrain.bh
Log in via eKey, open 'Traffic Services' and start a new driving licence file. Upload CPR, passport and any foreign licence.
15 minutes · online
- 3
Conversion or training
If your country is on the conversion list, book the GDT signature/theory verification. Otherwise, enrol at an approved driving school and complete the mandatory lectures and practical hours.
1 day - 3 months · either
- 4
Theory and road tests
Sit the GDT computerised theory test and then the road test at the GDT yard. Conversions usually skip these depending on the country.
1-2 days · center
- 5
Pay and print licence
Once cleared, pay the licence fee on bahrain.bh and collect the printed card from the GDT centre.
Same day · either
Processing time: Conversion: 1-2 weeks. Full training route: 1-3 months depending on school and test slots.
Where to do it online
- Bahrain.bh
GDT traffic services, licence renewal, eye test bookings, and fine payment
Not typically required. Approved driving schools handle the school-route paperwork end-to-end.
Renewal
Driving licences are issued for up to 10 years and renewed online via bahrain.bh after a fresh eye test. Apply within 6 months of expiry to avoid extra steps; an expired licence cannot be used to drive.
Fines & penalties
- Driving with an expired licence: BHD fine and potential vehicle impound (confirm current amount on GDT)
- Driving without ever holding a licence: criminal offence with court referral
- Unpaid traffic fines block licence renewal and CPR services
Common pitfalls
- Assuming your country is on the conversion list - check the GDT list before booking
- Forgetting to pay outstanding fines before renewal - the system silently blocks
- Letting the licence expire by more than 1 year - you may have to retest
- Using a tourist or visitor permit beyond its validity
FAQs
Yes, if you hold a licence from a GDT-approved country (most GCC, UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan and several others). You still need an eye test and may need a signature verification at GDT.
Standard private car licences are issued for up to 10 years for residents, after which they renew on bahrain.bh with a new eye test.
Some sponsors require an NOC for driving school enrolment, especially for domestic workers. The GDT itself focuses on your CPR status.
You can drive on your home-country or international licence for a short grace period after taking residence, but you must start the conversion or training process promptly.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
Get help with Bahrain Driving Licence (GDT)