Destinations / South Africa
Driving in South Africa as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is recommended if your licence is not in English; most rental desks ask for one.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What South Africa expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 10111 (police), 10177 (ambulance), 112 from mobiles |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h national highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in ZAR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Toll roads (e-tolls) on major routes. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Four-way stops are common. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit, strictly enforced. |
On the road in South Africa
At the pump
All stations are attended - an attendant pumps petrol (93/95 unleaded) or diesel, checks tyres and cleans the windscreen for a small tip; many older pumps are cash-only, so carry rand as Gauteng prices run 60-75c/litre above the coast.
After a crash
Phone 10111 (police) or 112 from a mobile for injuries; you must stop, exchange details and, even with no injuries, report the crash in person at the nearest SAPS police station within 24 hours to get a case number.
Sources: expatica.com · aa.co.za · topauto.co.za · globalpetrolprices.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in South Africa?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is recommended if your licence is not in English; most rental desks ask for one.
Which translation format is used for South Africa?
South Africa uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in South Africa ask for a translation?
Requested for non-English licences at Hertz, Europcar and local chains.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for South Africa?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.