Do you need an International Driving Permit in South Africa?

Yes. South Africa is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to
3 years
In force since
1 November 1977

South Africa and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded1 November 19773 years
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded9 July 19521 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in South Africa

South Africa applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The English page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The English page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in South Africa would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in South Africa

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. South Africa appears on it.

What the road rules say in South Africa

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted in South Africa.

Emergency services
police 10111, ambulance 10177

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for South Africa, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in South Africa

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in South Africa?
Up to 3 years. South Africa joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 1 November 1977 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in South Africa on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in South Africa for up 12 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with South Africa's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in South Africa?
Reach police on 10111, ambulance on 10177. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for South Africa. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in South Africa?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.