A South African driver’s licence has global recognition and can be used in developed countries, like those within the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.
Its validity also spans across the Southern African Development Community region.
Some countries allow South Africans to use their licences for a limited duration, while others extend this privilege until the licence expires.
While it is always advisable for South Africans to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling outside of SA, this document is not a requirement in some countries.
What is very useful about an IDP however is that it translates the driver’s licence into several languages. This includes the five official UN languages.
An IDP validates a South African licence and also serves as a form of identification.
Renting a car
IDPs are also necessary for drivers with South African licences if they plan to rent a car or take up insurance in a foreign country.
IDPs can be obtained online from the Automobile Association (AA) or in person from AA-accredited sales agents.
Some more driver’s licence fine print
Individuals intending to relocate from South Africa to another continent require a licence confirmation letter/ certificate.
This document legitimises a South African driver’s licence, which is essential for those looking to drive permanently in a new country.
Drivers can also use this certificate to convert their South African driver’s licences into the equivalent licence of that country.
Though not all countries recognise these letters and in some cases drivers will need to apply for that country’s licence, or obtain an international driving permit.
According to BusinessTech, the following countries recognise South African driver’s licences (while the respective agreements, IDP and/ or licence letter requirements can be found here):
- Andorra
- Angola
- Australia
- Botswana
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Lesotho
- Luxembourg
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Poland
- Portugal
- Russia
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
While South Africans’ driver’s licences are recognised in many emigration hotspots (like the UK, Australia and the US), working and/ or residence visas are still required.