This permit is used alongside your everyday drivers license and makes things much easier in many different instances. With that said, you cannot hire a car without an international drivers permit idp for any traveller who intends driving in a foreign country it is an imperative to apply for your international drivers permit idp, according to the south african automobile association. Disclosure leaf group is a usa today content partner providing. Any valid drivers licence is accepted in south africa, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed or authenticated in english. The permit is issued in addition to an ordinary driving licence. To drive a motor vehicle in south africa it requires a valid international driving license and the valid foreign driving license from your home country must also be carried. The holder of a valid foreign driving licence or international driving permit as described above may at any time, during the one year of validity thereof after the person obtained permanent residence, apply for a rsa driving licence in substitution of hisher foreign driving licence or international driving permit. As car rental specialists with over 60 years of experience assisting drivers around the world we know all there is to know about how to safely and legally drive in a foreign country. While germany does not require foreign citizens to acquire international driver s permits, the neighboring country of austria and many other european countries do. We will show you why you need an international driving permit for south africa. Here is the extract from budget south africas terms and conditions. I have three questions to ask,if i get international driving permit from india.
You may need an international driving permit idp to drive in some countries. International drivers permit information for the usa. You need to renew your drivers licence in south africa every year, or you could face significant penalties. Although americans are allowed to drive in ireland for up to 12 months with their us license, having an international driving permit in ireland can be beneficial. It is also a united nations regulated travel document for your safety and ease of travel. If you have a paper licence, you should also get an international driving permit idp before you travel. International drivers license south africa king shaka. However, as a permanent resident, you must have a south african driving licence.
How to get a drivers license in south africa expatica. Sep 25, 2019 with an international drivers license permit, you can rent a car or motorcycle in all sorts of exotic locations with the freedom to stop anytime, and anywhere, traveling at your own pace. With high vehicle crime rates and erratic driving, driving in south africa can appear difficult at first, but being aware of south african road rules can take some. Get your international drivers license same day shipping. Luckily, tourists are allowed to drive in mauritius with their domestic licence for up to 4 weeks.
South africa highly recommends an international driving permit. It explains what is written on it better than the photocards, which for uk licenses use a lot of abbreviations and codes on. In south africa you must carry this with you when driving. South africa car hire driving information driveaway. Since 1998, the driving licence has been issued in a credit card format. When you are stopped you need to supply both to a law enforcement officer.
You are still required to produce your own licence for inspection when hiring a vehicle overseas. South africans drive on the left hand side of the road, and all signposts are written in english. Check the rules for using your driving licence abroad. To be allowed to drive in south africa you have to know many important facts concerning south african driving licenses. This document contains a translation booklet, translate your national driver license in 9 languages which are english, arabic, russian, japanese, portuguese, chinese, german, spanish and french. Used it to drive in a couple countries in africa and mauritius. Foreign citizens in south africa are allowed to drive as long as they have a valid licence from their own country of residence and its translated in to one of the official south african languages. The idp is used in conjunction with your south african drivers license. An international driving permit is a translation of your regular driving licence that works alongside it. Safety and security south africa travel advice gov. International driving permits must be obtained prior to leaving the u. Without the permit, you might not be able to rent a car in certain countries, or you could get in trouble with the police if youre pulled over for. International drivers license required for namibia.
The only document, in south africa and nearly every other country in the world, which is a signatory of the vienna convention, that proves current authority to drive, is a national driving licence. The international driving permit idp is a document that provides important information from your driver s license in eleven different languages, including english. It translates your identification information into 12 languages so it speaks the language even if you dont. Simple and easy to be used for any language speakers. To get an international driving permit in south africa, visit aa south africa. Be careful, however, japan only recognises international driving permits based on the 1949 geneva convention. You only need to fill out the application form and attach a copy of current valid driver license, and color photo. To drive in south africa, youll need to be at least 18 years old even if you hold a licence in your home country, although you can drive a motorcycle 125cc at the age of 17. Although it is not compulsory, drive south africa strongly recommends you should get an international driving permit. Get an international drivers license to drive in south africa. A drivers license issued in any country other than south africa rsa, is valid to drive within the rsa if the foreign drivers license was issued on a date on which the holder thereof has not been permanently or ordinarily resident in. No test required just your driver s license, id and i think 2 or 4. To avoid trouble with the south african traffic police, make sure that your driving license is valid.
If you dont have a licence, youll need to sit both a written and a practical driving test at a registered testing centre. This includes people who are on vacation, students, business travelers, and more. Check if you need an international driving permit idp. Driving in south africa safety road conditions buying. It certifies that you are the holder of a valid drivers license in your country of origin. If a south african road trip is on top of your bucket list car rental south africa will help immensely with getting you from a to b. Do tourists need an international driving permit for. Contact the motor vehicle department of each state you will drive in for its requirements. International driving permit south africa king shaka. Hi pam the international driving permit is not an alternative license it is actually a translation of your existing drivers license for international purposes. It provides a translation of the existing driver s license into different languages and provides some identifying information, such as a photo, address, birth date, and more.
If you have an older, paper uk driving licence, you must. Jun 30, 2015 if you are a south african citizen planning on driving a car overseas then you would need to apply for an international driving license in south africa. The licence must also have a signature and a photograph of the holder, and must be valid beyond the point of returning the vehicle. As explained above, the international driver document is intended to overcome the difficulties you might have while driving a vehicle in another country that may have different language than your own. An international driver s permit is a travel document that certifies you are a holder of a valid driver s license in your country of origin. You will need to have a drivers license in order to get an idp. International drivers licence in south africa africa. Shortterm visitors do not need an international driving permit. The international driving permit south africa booklet does not only need to be used for driving purposes.
Which countries do i need an international drivers permit idp for. Please refer to the road safety page for more information. An international driving permit is a translation of your national driving license. So, if youre planning to stay within germanys borders on your drive, all youll need is your valid united states license to rent a car, but if youre planning to travel elsewhere. International driving permit automobile association of. The permission to drive a car in south africa with a foreign. In addition, if you have a european license, you can drive in most eu countries without the need for an additional permit. Section 15 1 e of the national road traffic act, act no 93 of 1996 stipulates. Driving licences are issued by authorised driving licence testing centres, which are run by the municipalities under the supervision of the provincial and national departments of transport.
Oct 30, 20 the permission to drive a car in south africa with a foreign driving license if you are coming as an international to south africa you definitely need a car to explore the beautiful country. If your drivers license doesnt include a photo, you must carry your passport with you also. An international driving permit idp is a legal document that endorses your south african drivers licence. The permission to drive a car in south africa with a. Check if you need an international driving permit idp gov. Why do you need an idl when in south africa and other countries. How to apply for an international drivers permit traveller24. For example, if you have a valid us drivers license or a valid license that is written in english, you do not need an idp in the following countries. An international driving license idl is a legal requirement to drive in several foreign countries. South africa international drivers license travel idd. Many international tourists intending to rent a car in mauritius ask themselves if their driver s licence is valid in mauritius or if they need to obtain an international driving permit. You must always have your idp along with your national license at all times. Crossing the border from south africa do i need an. Idps can be helpful if you find yourself in need of identification or assistance while travelling.
You can drive in south africa with a valid uk photocard driving licence for up to 12 months. International driver s license translate your official driver s license in multiple languages. Do south africans need an international driving permit for. An international driving license is a legal document that is recognized in over 150 countries worldwide. Find out if you need an international driving permit to drive abroad if youre from the uk. You will need to have a drivers license in order to get. Do i need an international driver s license in ireland. Some states require an international driving permit idp from foreign nationals, in addition to a valid license from your own country. When hiring a car in south africa, most car rental companies, including first car rental, require foreign drivers to hold an international driving permit idp as well as their foreign driver s licence. However, vehicle hire companies may also require an international drivers licence. What the international driving license is actually an official translation of your driving license into a language that can be understood by the local police etc, in addition it will match the license to something they can understand i. You will not be required to take a driving test when you renew your driving licence. Find out when you need an international driving permit to drive abroad if youre from the uk. Apply for a professional driving permit south african.
To drive in south africa, youll need to have a valid driving licence from your country of residence. It is used in conjunction with your south african drivers license to help legalize it. If driver s license is nonroman alphabet, an international driver s license is required. South africa is one of the long sought after travel jewels of the african continent. There is no such thing as an international driving license. Possession of one can help identify yourself also in local languages. Driving in south africa is generally safe and enjoyable, and it is easy see the major highlights in a 2 or 3 week driving holiday. All countries in the eu benefit from a mutual recognition agreement in respect of driving licences. If you carry one on its own it legally means nothing. International driving permit faq learn with auto europe. An international driving permit idp is a legal travel document regulated by the united nations, and it is for your protection and safety. The idp is an internationally recognised document for use, together with your licence, in countries who do not understand the language that your licence is written in. According to the us state dept website, to drive legally while in namibia, visitors staying more than a few weeks need an international driving permit.
In south africa, the driving licence is the official document which authorises the holder to drive a motor vehicle on a public road. An international driving permit idp is a legal document that endorses your south african driver s licence. For any traveller who intends driving in a foreign country it is an imperative to apply for your international drivers permit idp, according to the south african automobile association. Do south africans need an international driving permit for driving in spain. You may need an international driving permit idp if youre going to drive outside the eu. The idp allows motorists to drive vehicles in foreign countries. The idd, without a currently valid driving permit is not a useful or valid document to present to any authority. Although south africa is not as well known for extreme winter, such conditions may be extremely hazardous and many drivers might need to consider driving in situations where they do not feel confident. However, as a permanent resident, you must have a south african driving licence the information below on converting a foreign driving licence in south africa is thus for you if youre on the brink of becoming a permanent resident or have recently become one. It is law to wear a seat belt at all times, and using a mobile phone when driving is prohibited. What you should know about converting a foreign driving licence in south africa when you first arrive in south africa, you are allowed to drive using your foreign drivers licence. Renters and additional drivers must be in possession of a valid unendorsed driver s license of country of residence and an avisaccepted method of payment. Converting a foreign driving licence in south africa. Worldwide express shipping our international drivers permit is not valid in mainland china, japan, south korea and north korea.
Hi, travelling to rsa for 45 months work in feb 2010 and i will be provided with a car. International driving permits conforming to the model of the vienna convention or other conventions are not valid. Your idp is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information. To drive on a public road in south africa transporting goods, dangerous goods or passengers for an income you must have a professional driving permit prdp. International driving license online apply drivers license.
For security reasons, renters need to produce a valid form of identification and a valid unendorsed drivers licence at time of rental. Do i need an international driving permit in ireland. Visitor visas will be issued at the port of entry in south africa. Driving in germany and international driving permits. An international driving permit idp is a legal document, valid for 1 year or until the expiry of your drivers licence, whichever comes first. The international driving license can be applied for at any police station in your home country. International drivers license south africa if you are seeing a blank page, please wait a few seconds till our booking engine loads if you are a south african citizen planning on driving a car overseas then you would need to apply for an international driving license in south africa. The international driver s permit is great for all travelers who plan to enjoy a shortterm stay in portugal. When you first arrive in south africa, you are allowed to drive using your foreign drivers licence.
I am in south africa but have a namibian drivers license. Using australian drivers licence to drive in south africa. Recognized in 174 countries around the world when accompanied by a valid u. If your license is not written in english, youll need to apply for an international driver s permit idp ahead of your trip.
If the language on your current driving licence is not english, you will need an international drivers permit idp in south africa. You must renew your driving licence card four weeks before its expiry date. South africans can obtain an idp at an aa office closest to them for the country they intend travelling to. This document came into existence by virtue of a treaty signed in 1949 by the united states and other foreign countries. This process can be easily entered online, with scanned images of photo, driver license and signature, by regular post mail, or applying in person at the miami headquarters offices. You need to produce your drivers license obviously. However hire companies and their insurers may have their own rules and it would be wise to check with them before arrival. International driving permits 1949, 1968 how to get an international driving permit in zimbabwe.
South african law does not require an international driver s license. Cost me something like 600800, somewhere round there 2 years ago, cant remember. An international drivers permit needs to be used in conjunction with a valid license from the driver s home country. If your license is not written in english, youll need to apply for an international drivers permit idp ahead of your trip. You dont need a international license to drive legally in norway as long as your licence is in english and you are hiring a car under 3500kg and are visiting for less than 3 months over 75 then you would also need a doctors certificate. I have heard that the police have targetted drivers re licences with the view to bribes if all is not in order. How to apply for international driving permit south africa. If you travel to south africa for any other purpose e. It is an additional source of identification which is much needed during international travel. You can drive in south africa on a british licence or any other licence that is printed in english however, if the licence is not printed in english, then you will need to obtain an international drivers licence. If you renew it after the expiry date, you will have to apply for a temporary driving licence at an additional cost while waiting for your driving licence to be issued note. The license ensures that you have less of a hassle while in the country, because you most certainly do not want a headache when youre in a foreign.
Can i drive in japan with an international driving permit. The international driving permit is a translation of your valid u. How to apply for international driving permit south. However, driving in winter conditions may be hazardous for the unprepared driver. It may be possible to drive in japan with an international driving permit for a period of up to one year after this period, you must obtain a japanese driving licence. How to get an international drivers permit afar media. Call ahead to find out if youll need an appointment. Do i need to take both my south african drivers license and international driving permit. Its fast and easy to apply for your international driving permit in person at the nearest aaa office.