Another DL Question

The US-issued-license should theoretically be enough to rent a car and convert your license to a Bahraini one. I don't think anyone would cause any problem because you don't have an international license. If you end up hitting one car rental causing a problem because of this, just try another one.

I was a little more concerned about the license conversion than the renting, but I now understand that the traffic directorate requires just the original US license and not an accompanying international permit. I hope this is right!

Thanks.

It really depends on how they feel to be honest. Ideally you should have your international permit, but if you don't, it's not gonna be a problem because you have a license issued in the USA.

There are strict rules to be followed and not just how they feel I'm afraid.

I know you only need a UK licence and not an international one to convert (once you have CPR) but I can't comment on the US one.

Hopefully a US citizen who has gone through this process can advise you better. Alternatively call/visit the directorate and ask them. Also phone a few hire companies. I got a lot of my information from them initially.

I personally try not to comment on posts unless I'm absolutely certain, but I'm not on this one. US visit visa's are very different to UK ones and so may the DL be.

Brightonguy passed his test here (poor man!!) so has a Bahrain licence and as I said I'm UK.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that someone has been through the same issue you are facing and can give you step by step guidelines

I'd agree with you Jo but two of my friends from the USA have gone through this and while one of them was asked to provide an international license (luckily he had), the other one was just asked for a license and the one he's got was not an international one. He's managed to convert his without a problem. That's why I commented.

brightonguy wrote:

I'd agree with you Jo but two of my friends from the USA have gone through this and while one of them was asked to provide an international license (luckily he had), the other one was just asked for a license and the one he's got was not an international one. He's managed to convert his without a problem. That's why I commented.

Perfect

It might be easier to say why we know the answers with complicated ones like these so that the person asking is 100% sure they are getting the right information. It hadn't occurred to me before now to do that.

I think I have found a way to ensure the US license will be all I need!

I jumped through some hoops and paid a hefty fee, but I found a way to have have an official international permit issued in the US (I am not physically there) and sent to me in Bahrain next week.

That should pretty much ensure no one asks for it!
Better safe than sorry, right?!

Definitely. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.