Driving in South Africa
International Driving Document · drives on the left

Driving in South Africa: International Driving Document Guide for visitors

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Visitors to South Africa need an International Driving Document if their licence is not in English. South Africa is a party to both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. South Africa drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 60 km/h; highways up to 120 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

South Africa at a glance

Permit type
International Driving Document
Side of road
Left (Overtake on the right)
How long it is valid
1 year (Geneva) or up to 3 years (Vienna)
Minimum driving age
18
Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency number
10111
How it works

How to get your permit for South Africa

You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.

  1. Tell us your destination

    South Africa + your nationality. ~30 seconds.

  2. We confirm what you need

    The right convention for South Africa — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.

  3. We handle the paperwork

    Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.

  4. Review by a real person

    A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.

  5. Track every step

    Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.

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South Africa driving rules at a glance

Side of road
Left (Overtake on the right)
Minimum driving age
18
Speed limit — urban
60 km/h
Speed limit — rural
100 km/h
Speed limit — motorway
120 km/h
Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Seatbelts
Mandatory for all passengers
Helmet
Mandatory for motorcycle riders
Mobile phone
Hands-free only
Emergency number
10111
What you need

Documents required to drive in South Africa

What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.

  • Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
  • International Driving Document(only if it applies to you)Backup translation for non-English licences
  • PassportRequired for identification at all times
  • Valid visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities need one
  • Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
  • Third-party insuranceMandatory — rental cars include this
Do you need one?

When you need a permit in South Africa

How the requirement plays out, case by case.

  • English-language foreign licence

    No — Accepted for the duration of your visa/stay

  • Non-English foreign licence

    Recommended / backup — Needed as a translation if police or rental company ask

  • Licence not in English + rental

    Yes — carry one — Rental companies may require it

  • Staying longer than Check current rule with authorities — exact foreign-licence validity not confirmed

    Check local rules — Some authorities require conversion after extended stays

Check what your licence needs
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Driving in South Africa with a foreign licence, answered.

Keep exploring

More for your South Africa trip

How we reviewed this page

Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review

About this service

Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.