If a foreigner wants to drive in South Africa, you should obtain an International Driver’s license which can help you drive vehicles in South Africa or any of the approved countries legally. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on how to get an International Driving Licence in South Africa.
What is international driving permit (IDP)
The International Driver’s Permit (also known as the International Driving Permit) is an international travel document that allows you to drive legally in a foreign country. With this license, you can translate your domestic driver’s license to rental agencies and local authorities, so you can rent and drive vehicles around the world without the need for further testing or applications.
Does South African require an international driving license
Yes, South Africa requires an International Driving Permit. South Africa is one of 175+ countries that require the International Driving License as a legal document to drive.
Requirements for International driving permit
Before you submit your International Driving Permit, you must prepare all the necessary documents in advance. Here you can check the list of International Driving Limits:
- Complete the online application form.
- Copy of the South African identity document or valid passport
- Copy of a valid South African driver’s licence
- Your postal code
- 1 Glossy passport size photo per type of International Driving Permit
- Credit card with payment details
It is required to submit all necessary documents to avoid rejection of the International Driver’s Permit application.
How to get international driving license from South Africa
Once you have prepared all the necessary documents, you can follow these ways to submit the application, such as an online application or at an AA outlet.
Online application
If you don’t want to go outside to apply, you can apply for your International Driving Licence online. Here you can follow the instructions of your national association.
- You can visit the national IDP provider’s website and click “Buy your IDP now.”
- Select “Apply Now” and you will access the application form page.
- You need to fill out the online application form, such as contact details, personal details and answer a few questions.
- Then you need to choose the validity of the license (1-3 years) and destination. You can choose the validity period of your IDP based on your travel period.
- After that, you will see the total cost of applying for an international driving licence.
- Once completed, you can confirm the application information and complete the payment of your application.
Apply in store
Applying in-store will be a good idea to get your IDP. You must bring all your required documents and walk to the AA outlet and submit the application. Here is the list of AA-certified sales agents.
| Outlet | Address | Contact Number | Opening Hours |
| AA HEAD OFFICE FOREIGN TRAVEL | 4 Hyperion Road Denis Paxton House Barbeque Downs Kyalami | Odette Pombo OPombo@aasa.co.za Tel:(011) 799 1042 Bokang Seroka bseroka@aasa.co.za Tel: (011) 799 1040 Junior Setsiba Junior.Setsiba@aasa.co.za Tel:(011) 799 1038 | MON-FRI: 08:30 – 16:00 SAT-SUN: Closed Public Holiday: Closed |
| VOETSPORE 4X4 MENLYN SQUARE | Menlyn Square Office Park North Block C/O Lois & Aramist Ave Menlyn 0181 Pretoria | Tel: (012) 940 8999 | MON-FRI: 08:00 – 17:00 SAT: 08:00 – 13:00 SUN: Closed Public Holiday: Closed |
| TRAVEL EXPERIENCE BENMORE | Shop G02 Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre Cnr. Grayston & Benmore Rd Benmore | Tel: (011) 884 4104 | MON-FRI: 09h00 – 17h00 SAT: 09h00 – 13h00 SUN: Closed Public Holiday: 09h00 – 13h00 |
| TRAVEL EXPERIENCEBEDFORD CENTRE | Shop L26 A Bedford Centre Van Der Linde Rd Bedfordview 2007 | Tel: (011) 615 7946 Phone lines may experience weak to no signal during loadshedding | MON-FRI: 09h00 – 18h00 SAT: 09h00 – 17h00 SUN: 09h00 – 15h00 Public Holiday: 09h00 – 15h00 |
| AA CRESTA | Shop L17 Cresta Regional Shopping Centre Beyers Naude Drive Cresta | Mpho Mahlatji Mpho.Mahlatji@aasa.co.za Tel: (011) 478 5312 | MON-SAT: 09h00 – 19h00 SUN: 09h00 – 17h00 Public Holiday: 09h00 – 17h00 Month End Stock Take: 13h00 – 18h00 NOTE:Wednesday 25 Sep 2024 store closed from 16h00 due to staff trainingMonday 30 Sep 2024 store closed from 16h00 due to stock taking |
| TRAVEL EXPERIENCE BOKSBURG | Opposite Pick n Pay Towers Towers Shopping Centre 136 North Rand Road (93 North Rand Road for GPS) Jansen Park, Boksburg 1459 | Tel: 074 175 2709 | MON-FRI: 09h00 – 17h00 SAT–SUN: 09h00 – 13h00 Public Holiday: Closed |
| TRAVEL EXPERIENCE CENTURION | Shop F6 Centurion Lifestyle Centre Cnr Lenchen Ave & Old Jhb Road Centurion | Tel: (012) 653 5513 | MON-FRI: 09h00 – 17h00 SAT: 09h00 – 13h00 SUN: Closed Public Holiday: Closed |
| CLUB TRAVEL TYGER VALLEY | Shop 579F Entrance 8, Tyger Valley Shopping Centre Willie van Schoor Avenue Bellville | Tel:(021) 914 2265 | MON-FRI: 09h00 – 16h30 SAT: 09h00 – 14h00 SUN: Closed Public Holiday: 09h00 – 14h00 |
| HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL SHELLY BEACH | Shop 5 Shelly Boulevard Corner Marine and East Street Shelly Beach 4265 | Tel: (039) 315 6330 | MON-FRI: 08h00 – 16h30 SAT: 08h30 – 12h00 SUN: Closed Public Holiday: Closed |
| TRAVEL EXPERIENCE PORT ELIZABETH | Shop 19A Walmer Park Shopping Centre Main Road Walmer | Tel: (041) 368-6452\ | MON-FRI: 09h00 – 18h00 SAT: 09h00 – 17h00 SUN: 09h00 – 14h00 Public Holiday: 09h00 – 17h00 |
| DANA TRAVEL AGENCY NELSPRUIT | Shop 13 Crossings Centre Cnr N4 & Madiba Drive Nelspruit | Tel: (013) 753-3571 | MON-FRI: 08h30– 15h00 SAT:09h00 – 11h30 SUN: Closed Public Holiday: Closed |
How long does it take to get international driving license
The timing of processing your international driving licence will depend on the administration issuing the AA IDP and the application process established by the authorities. It may take about 10 to 30 minutes to process your application when you apply at AA outlets. However, it can take weeks if you submit the application online.
How much does IDP cost in South Africa
In South Africa, IDP will cost you about $60. You can pay in cash or by credit card. The IDP payment is not refundable, so you must ensure that you have prepared all the necessary documents to make your application go smoothly.
Key driving rules in South Africa
If you want to drive in South Africa and visit the beautiful scenery on the roads, you need to follow these South African driving rules. Here you can check the list of driving rules to make sure you have a smooth journey.
- You should carry your driver’s license, passport and International Driving Permit through South Africa. You are not allowed to drive on roads without an IDP in South Africa.
- You should avoid driving at night in South Africa to avoid the risk of accidents. In addition, you should keep doors and windows closed to reduce the risk of carjackings and robberies in remote areas.
- You should avoid speeding in South Africa depending on the location and type of road. In cities, the speed limit is often 60 km/h, about 100 km/h on secondary roads, and about 120 km/h on highways. You may risk a fine and potential legal action if you are caught speeding.
- You are allowed to drive on the road if you drink. You will face fines for drunk drivers of about $8,000 and up to six years in prison. Sometimes, you will have a breathalyzer or blood test to check for alcohol consumption.
- When driving on the road, you must drive on the left side of the road. Otherwise, you will face a fine for driving on the wrong side.
- If you want to drive a car on the road in South Africa, the minimum age to drive a car is 17. However, the minimum age to rent a car is 21.
- When in South Africa, you must wear a seat belt. It is not allowed to use a mobile phone while driving.
FAQ
Can you drive in Europe with a South African driver’s license?
Yes, you can drive in Europe with your South African driver’s license. Your South African driver’s licence is valid for driving in 34 countries.
Can I get an IDP if I only have a temporary license?
No, you can’t get an IDP if you only have a temporary license. You must have a valid and indefinite driver license when applying for an international drivers license south africa.
How long an IDP is valid for?
If you wish to apply for a 1949 Convention IDP, it is valid for up to one year from the date of issue. If you apply for a 1968 model IDP, it is valid for up to 3 years. However, the validity of AA International driving permit may vary from weeks to months depending on the validity of tourist visas.
Conclusion
All in all, it is necessary for you to apply for an AA International Driver’s License before you travel to foreign countries. You can decide the validity of the IDP according to your travel needs. Follow our detailed guide above and get your International Driving Permit now and start your road trip to other countries.