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Transferring a Sri Lankan driving licence to Bahrain — is the theory/practical test still required?

Legal

I've been in Bahrain for 2 years on Sri Lankan driving licence (with IDP). Now I'm getting a proper Bahraini work permit and want to convert to a Bahraini driving licence.

I heard Sri Lanka is NOT on the direct conversion list for Bahrain unlike UAE or Qatar. Does that mean I have to do the full theory test + practical? Any recent experience (2024/2025)? How long does the process take and approximately how much does it cost?

Asela Wijesekara 27 days ago 403 views 5 answers

5 Answers

Accepted Answer

You're correct that Sri Lanka is NOT on Bahrain's direct conversion list (unlike UAE which added SL in 2022). So in Bahrain you do need to go through the full process:

**Step 1:** Register at Traffic Directorate (Riffa or Isa Town)
**Step 2:** Theory test (computer-based, ~40 questions, English available) — can study via the iGA Bahrain app
**Step 3:** Parking test
**Step 4:** Road test (with examiner)

Costs: approximately BHD 30–45 total (licence fee + test fees). Processing time once you pass everything: 2–3 weeks.

Pass rate for Sri Lankans is actually quite good because our driving style is... let's say 'adaptive' 😅. Theory test is the main thing to prepare for — there are some Bahrain road-rule specifics.

Priya Rathnayake 26 days ago

Done! Got my Bahrain licence last week. Theory and parking test passed first attempt, road test second attempt (parallel parking got me the first time 😂). Total cost: BHD 38. The examiner was very fair. Thanks everyone!

Asela Wijesekara 10 days ago

Good question. Your original SL licence + the IDP (International Driving Permit) which is already in multiple languages including Arabic is sufficient. No separate translation needed if you have the IDP. If your IDP is expired, get it renewed at AA in Colombo before you go to the Traffic Directorate.

Priya Rathnayake 24 days ago

Also download the 'iGA' app from Bahrain government. It has the official theory question bank for practice. I helped a colleague prepare — she passed first attempt with just a week of studying on the app. The questions are very straightforward if you know basic road rules.

Ruwan Gunasekara 22 days ago

Thanks Priya! Do you know if I need to get my SL licence officially translated to Arabic? Or is the English version fine?

Asela Wijesekara 25 days ago