International Driving Permit for South Africa

Do you need an IDP to drive in South Africa?

English licences are widely accepted; an IDP is recommended and required if your licence is not in English with a photo. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.

What to carry when driving in South Africa

• Your valid national driver's licence
• Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Your passport and rental documents

How to get your IDP for South Africa

You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.

Which permit South Africa recognises

South Africa is party to both the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so an International Driving Permit issued under either treaty is recognised there.

Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention

Driving on the Left-hand side in South Africa

South Africa drives on the LEFT. If you normally drive on the right, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your left.

The legal minimum driving age in South Africa is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.