Countries you can drive in with your South African licence

If you are travelling overseas there are several countries to choose from that will allow you to drive on their roads with your normal South African driver’s licence, including those who are part of the Southern African Development Community, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States

However, their terms and conditions vary. Some countries only grant you the freedom to use your local licence for a few months at a time, while others will let you use it until it expires.

While you are not always required to do so, it is recommended to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling out of South Africa if you intend to drive in another country.

In nations where English is not an official language, your IDP will provide a translation of your driver’s licence into several languages as well as the five official UN languages.

Additionally, it serves as validation of your domestic licence and an alternative proof of identification. It is also essential if you must rent a car or get insurance in another country.

An IDP is available online from the Automobile Association (AA) or in-store from AA-accredited sales agents.

Suppose you are planning to leave Mzansi behind and make your new home on another continent. In that case, you must also get a driver’s licence confirmation letter, otherwise known as a driver’s licence certificate, which constitutes proof of a valid driver’s licence in South Africa.

This confirmation is required for individuals planning to drive permanently in another country as it allows them to convert their South African driver’s licence into the corresponding licence of the destination.

However, not all countries accept these confirmations. In such cases, you will have to apply for that specific country’s licence upon arrival or obtain an International Driver’s Licence.

Where you can drive with your South African licence

According to document concierge company Apostil.co.za, the countries that have struck agreements with South Africa over long-term visitors and immigrants driving on their roads, and the specific regulations pertaining thereto, are shown in the table below.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be finer terms and conditions that apply and other countries that accept local licences. Before travelling, ensure that you have researched the particular traffic laws of the country you are visiting to ensure you are not driving illegally.