Africa
Driving in South Africa
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what South Africa expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
South Africa
Africa · drives on the left
- Drives on the
- Left
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in South Africa?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. A permit is expected whenever your licence is not in English or lacks a photograph.
Which side of the road does South Africa drive on?
South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in South Africa?
Rental desks in South Africa generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by South Africa and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If South Africa refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.