Bermuda TCD 2026: Written Test, Licence Services, Appointments and Current Fees
Use current Bermuda TCD guidance for the written test, learner permits, driver licence services, appointments, fees, online vehicle services and the October 2026 e-bike deadline.
The Transport Control Department (TCD) handles Bermuda driver examinations and licensing, vehicle inspections and registration, and licence plates. A first-time applicant normally completes the application and medical section, passes the theory test, buys a learner's permit, practises under the permit restrictions, and passes the practical road test. Driver testing is not the same as booking a vehicle inspection through eTCD.
| Bermuda TCD task | Current starting point |
|---|---|
| Written theory test | Weekday TCD service; confirm the live format because the current TCD page contains conflicting question counts |
| Practical driver test | Arrange with TCD in person; online vehicle inspection booking is a different service |
| Driver licence renewal | TCD counter service |
| Eligible vehicle renewal | eTCD online service |
| Main TCD contact | 11 North Street, Hamilton; (441) 292-1271 |
This guide uses current TCD pages first where they conflict with older Government of Bermuda pages. ExamReady is an independent study platform. It is not affiliated with TCD or the Government of Bermuda. The free Bermuda practice test is practice-only. It does not reproduce or predict the official test format.
2026 e-bike compliance window: act by 31 October
Bermuda e-bike owners who want to use their machines on public roads have until 31 October 2026 to complete the required compliance steps. The Government of Bermuda says this is an implementation window for the existing Auxiliary Bicycles Act, not a new law and not temporary permission to operate an illegal vehicle.
- The e-bike must be registered and licensed with TCD.
- The rider must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle.
- The e-bike must carry at least valid third-party insurance.
- The rider must wear a proper certified helmet every time.
During the compliance window, TCD is offering e-bike inspections and registration on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., starting 26 September 2026. Check the Government of Bermuda announcement and the TCD electric-bicycle page before visiting, because service details may change.
Key Takeaways
- E-bike road users have a compliance deadline of 31 October 2026; registration, the appropriate rider licence, third-party insurance and a certified helmet are required.
- Current TCD guidance presents the theory test as a weekday walk-in service. Its dedicated test page says driver tests are arranged at TCD in person and online booking is not available.
- TCD's current test page contradicts itself about the number of theory questions. It consistently gives an 80% pass mark and 45 minutes, but applicants should confirm the live format with TCD.
- A learner's permit is valid for six months. A learner needs a licensed supervisor and front and rear L plates, and cannot drive from midnight to 5:00 a.m.
- Visitors may use a valid foreign or international licence temporarily for a limited period. Residents must obtain a Bermuda licence. TCD should confirm the rule for each person's status and vehicle category.
- Driver-licence renewal is an in-person TCD counter service. Vehicle-licence renewal is a separate annual process that may be available through eTCD.
Which Bermuda TCD service should you use?
| Task | Official starting point | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for or renew a driver's licence | TCD driver licensing | Use this for the current application, learner, test and renewal guidance. |
| Check theory or practical test details | TCD driving tests | Read the booking, format and fee cautions below because this page contains conflicting question counts. |
| Renew an eligible vehicle licence | eTCD | This is vehicle licensing, not driver-licence renewal. |
| Book a supported vehicle inspection | Vehicle licence renewal service | The government page says car, truck and cycle test appointments can be booked online. That statement concerns vehicle tests, not first-time driver tests. |
| Check current fees | TCD fee structure | Match the fee label to the exact transaction and confirm the total before paying. |
| Ask about a conflict or exception | Contact TCD | Use the main office for driver licensing and examinations. |
How do you get a first Bermuda driver's licence?
1. Complete the application and medical section
Complete the driver's licence application before testing. The Government of Bermuda application page says a doctor must complete the medical examination section and that the completed medical form is valid for three months. It gives minimum ages of 16 for an auxiliary cycle and 18 for a motorcycle or other vehicle.
Bring original identity and residence documents. TCD's current licensing page lists accepted identity and address evidence. The older government guide also says a new resident must show an intention to live in Bermuda for at least 30 days. Ask TCD which documents fit your circumstances before travelling.
2. Take the theory test
TCD says the theory test covers road rules, traffic signs and safe driving knowledge. Its current licensing page describes the test as a walk-in service from Monday to Friday, starting at 8:30 a.m., with the last walk-in at 4:00 p.m. Take your completed application and the original documents TCD requires.
The dedicated driving-tests page says tests must be scheduled at TCD in person and that online booking is not currently available. It also says a theory test may take place the same day. Because those descriptions are not perfectly aligned, visit or contact TCD if you need certainty before making the trip.
3. Buy a learner's permit and practise
After passing the theory test, apply for the learner's permit. TCD's current licensing page says the permit is valid for six months. While driving, the learner must be supervised by a fully licensed driver and display L plates at the front and rear of the vehicle. Learners may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Use the permit period for supervised practice in safe conditions. A local instructor can help with Bermuda road position, junctions, one-way streets, parking and test preparation. Follow the conditions printed on the permit and any direct instructions from TCD.
4. Arrange and pass the practical road test
The current TCD driving-tests page says to schedule the road test in person at TCD. It says online booking is not available. Bring a valid learner's permit, photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The test vehicle must be properly registered, insured and roadworthy.
An older gov.bm guide instead tells applicants to phone during business hours to book the practical test. Follow the newer TCD instructions first, but call the main office if you cannot attend solely to arrange a date. For a four-wheel vehicle, the older guide identifies parallel parking, reversing and supervised driving as test components.
What is the current theory-test format?
TCD's own driving-tests page contains conflicting question counts. Its journey section says 27 multiple-choice questions, then describes a pass as 21 correct out of 26. Its detailed format section says 40 questions and 32 correct. A later note again says 21 out of 26.
Because those figures cannot all describe one test, this guide does not give a definitive question count. The same current TCD page consistently shows an 80% pass mark and a 45-minute time allowance. Confirm the format when you attend, since TCD can correct or change the page and test. ExamReady questions are practice-only and should not be treated as an official test replica.
What fees should a new driver expect?
Current TCD material lists a $27 learner's permit, a $121.20 driver's licence and a separate $50 item labelled "Plus Examination." TCD's driving-tests page separately lists no charge for the theory test and $75 for the practical road test. These are separate service labels, not a promise that every applicant's total is the same. Ask TCD to identify the charges for your transaction before paying.
Older gov.bm pages still show conflicting figures. The first-licence guide lists $38 auxiliary-cycle and motorcycle examinations, a $54 four-wheel examination and a $50 under-65 driver-licence examination. The application page shows $27 for the permit and $121 for a ten-year licence in a table marked effective 1 April 2018. Those legacy tables should not be treated as the current schedule where they conflict with TCD's newer site.
How do you renew a driver's licence?
Driver-licence renewal is handled in person at the TCD counter. TCD says to bring the current or recently expired driver's licence, valid identification, proof of address and payment for the renewal. Renewal is described as an immediate counter service when the documents and requirements are complete.
Age, medical circumstances and a public-service endorsement can change the renewal requirements. TCD's current page says a licence expired for more than 12 months does not normally require retesting, except for a private-licence applicant aged 70 or older or a person with a public-service endorsement. Senior drivers and people with relevant medical conditions may receive shorter validity periods or need medical review. Confirm the documents, medical evidence, fee and any retest before visiting.
This is different from renewing a vehicle licence. A vehicle licence is generally annual. Eligible private cars, auxiliary cycles and motorcycles may be renewed through eTCD if the vehicle examination, insurance, assessment and account requirements are satisfied. Other vehicles must be re-licensed through TCD.
Can visitors or residents drive on a foreign licence?
TCD says visitors may use a valid foreign or international driver's licence temporarily for limited periods. It also says Bermuda residents must obtain a Bermuda driver's licence. This is a visitor-versus-resident distinction, not a general promise that every foreign licence can be exchanged.
TCD's public pages do not give enough detail to establish one universal conversion rule for every country, immigration status or vehicle class. Before driving or applying, ask TCD how long your licence is valid in Bermuda, whether your status makes you a resident for licensing purposes, and whether testing or other steps apply to your vehicle category.
What can you do through eTCD?
eTCD supports eligible vehicle services. The government vehicle-renewal page limits online renewal to private cars, auxiliary cycles and motorcycles. It requires a valid vehicle examination, current insurance information, a payment card, an email address, a Bermudian driver's licence or learner's permit, and a valid assessment number.
The same government page says online appointments are available for car, truck and cycle tests. In that context, "test" refers to a vehicle inspection or examination connected with vehicle licensing. It does not override TCD's statement that theory and practical driver tests are not booked online.
How should you prepare?
Start with TCD's official driver information and the current road rules. Revise signs, road markings, speed limits, safe driving, driver responsibilities, keep-left positioning, junctions and roundabouts. Then practise applying the rules to short scenarios rather than memorising answer patterns.
- Use the Bermuda road signs study page as a revision aid, while checking official TCD material for the governing rule.
- Use the free Bermuda practice test for practice-only question drills, not as evidence of the official question count, timing or wording.
- For the road test, practise observation, signalling, lane position, controlled reversing and parking with a qualified supervisor or instructor.
Contact TCD
- Main office: 11 North Street, Hamilton HM 17, Bermuda
- Phone: (441) 292-1271
- Email: [email protected]
- Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding public holidays
Check the current TCD contact page for closures or temporary service changes before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a driver test through eTCD?
No online route is currently published for theory or practical driver tests. TCD presents theory testing as a weekday walk-in and says road tests are scheduled in person. eTCD appointment language applies to supported vehicle inspections or examinations.
How many questions are on the Bermuda theory test?
TCD's current page gives conflicting counts, so there is no reliable definitive number to repeat. It shows an 80% pass mark and 45 minutes. Confirm the live format with TCD.
Is ExamReady part of TCD?
No. ExamReady is independent. TCD handles official applications, appointments, payments, tests, permits and licences.
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