Get your international driving license for South Africa

An International Driver's License in South Africa is an essential document you need to have before you can drive freely and explore the spectacular country of South Africa. Your International Driver’s License in South Africa serves as the translation of your license to any other language to help traffic officers or authorities understand your documents.

There are 11 official languages in South Africa with Afrikaans and English included. Regardless whether your driver's license is in english or in a different language that's not recognized by the local of this foreign country, you will need to get an IDP for the country. This will serve as a legal document that translates your main identity document which is your National Driver's License.

To get it, you only need to do the following:

1. A completed idp application form with the foreign driver's accurate details.
2. Your valid home country or foreign driving licence with an expiry date not less than six months.
3. Passport size photo.
4. credit card for payment details.

If you want to self-drive in South Africa in less than three months without the need of getting a South African driver's license an IDP is better. The price of an IDP on average is around $100, but our IDP cost is at $69. the only thing you need ot make sure of is to prepare your valid driver's license or US driver's license and follow the steps provided above.

To have a trouble-free and hassle-free adventure when driving to South Africa’s top destinations, you need to rigorously follow the driving rules and regulations. Most of the driving rules imposed by the South African authorities are the same as the other countries that are easier for you to understand. Written below are the essential driving directions in South Africa.

Carry your driver’s license and International Driver's Permit

Before heading into the road, always remember to bring your important documents like passports, driver’s license, and international driving permit in South Africa. If you don’t have an IDP yet and are asking yourself the question of “Do I need an International Driver’s License in South Africa?” and “Is getting an International Driver’s License in South Africa necessary?” the answer is yes!

Suppose you’re driving without an International Driver’s License in South Africa. In that case, it will be a hassle and inconvenient for you because of the International Driver’s License requirements South Africa needs for you to have to drive on their roads and the necessity for car rental companies for you to rent a car.

Drunk driving is against the law

Like in other countries, Drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited in South Africa. Authorities in South Africa have the right to demand you to take a breathalyzer or a blood test to check if you're drunk driving. If you're caught drunk driving, you'll be liable to pay drunk driving penalties up to ZAR 120,000 or 8,000 USD and punishable up to six years in jail.

Avoid driving at night

In South Africa, it is highly recommended to avoid driving at night because of the short street and road lighting accidents and unfortunate events. If on your way back to your host house or hotel at night, keep your doors and windows closed. Carjacking and robberies are rampant in South Africa, especially in secluded areas and at night.

Animals often roam at night without the streetlights; you might get into an accident when these animals showed up unexpectedly. Don't drive at night and as much as possible avoid driving at night, especially if it's not essential.

Follow the speed limit

The speed limits in South Africa often changes depending on the place and the road you're driving. Generally, cities' speed limit is 60 kilometers per hour (37 miles per hour), on the secondary roads are 100kph (62 mph). On the highways, the speed limits are 120kph (75 mph). Keeping an eye to speed limits will help you avoid getting in trouble and breaking the law.

If you're caught speeding, you'll be charged for violation and will pay a fine. The amount of fine depends on what area you Overspeed that you may pay full and dispute.

Cape Town

When you ask someone what place you should visit when you travel to Africa, Cape Town is often included in the top destination's list! It's a spot you don't want to miss when you're traveling in the country. It is blessed with natural beauty, a lively city, and fascinating cultural attractions!

When is the best time to go?

The best time to visit the place is from the months of March to May and from September to November. The weather during this time is right. Visiting Cape Town in summer is the most popular time to visit, yet it is also the most expensive trip.

What can you do in each spot?

• Hiking
• Road trip 
• Watch movies and picnic on the lawns at Cape Town's popular venues.
• Visit and listen to live music at the bay harbor market.
• Shop for books, clothes, baked goods, and more at Cape Town's mini-market
• Learn about Nelson Mandela
• Check the Cape of Good Hope

What makes these spots famous?

Cape Town is one of the world's best cities. It is known as the "Mother City," and it's famous for its outstanding natural beauty, an abundance of scenic drive, and panoramic views that you will surely enjoy. The regions are also known for their seafood delicacies!

The Garden Route

Being one of the top destinations, the Garden Route is highly visited by tourists in the country. It is known as one of the most popular driving routes in the country and the world. It is a fun-filled destination that has the best temperature for scenic driving and outdoor activities.

When is the best time to go?

The Garden Route has a perfect temperature all year round that is best for outdoor activities and scenic drives. The months November to April (Summer Months) have the highest temperature. The best time to go for a beach holiday is with less or with crowds in February to April but remember that you can experience rain at any time of the year in Garden Route Holiday.

What makes these spots famous?

The Garden Route gained popularity due to its breathtaking scenic drive and one of the most popular routes to drive not only in this country, but also in the world. The cage dive with the great white sharks and the whale watching attracts tourists into extreme adventure and adds to its popularity.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park has nearly 2 million hectares of unrivaled life forms blending with the historical and archaeological sites in the country. This tourist destination offers a memorable vacation experience that ranks together with the best parks in Africa.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to visit the park is during the autumn or winter months in the country, which is from May to August. During the dry seasons, it will be easier for you to spot animals. While in the spring or early summer, you will be greeted with flowers, sight migratory birds, and the birth of different wildlife.

What makes these spots famous?

Kruger National gained popularity due to its broad scope of land and diversity of life forms than any other park in Africa. It is the crown jewel of Southern African national parks. The national park has the so-called Big 5: elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and the leopard that lives together with the other wildlife you might see in your visit to this country.

Johannesburg

Morocco is the country's gateway for traveler's safari adventure in the city of Johannesburg. It is the largest city by population, a town of an economic engine, and named the "City of Gold" for the Johannesburg abundant deposits of precious metals.

When is the best time to go?

The months September to April are the best time to visit and go to Johannesburg. Some other months are okay too for a vacation. But, this depends on what you prefer. If you like to visit when the weather is relatively cooler, you can visit in the months of autumn and spring.

What makes these spots famous?

Johannesburg is famous due to its abundance of different Safari adventures and beautiful national parks to visit. The city's gold rush from the 19th Century earned the name of "City of Gold" and became known worldwide.

Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon, or also called Motlatse River Canyon, is a spectacular nature reserve that you will find in the country. It is a destination between the drive of Johannesburg and Kruger Park. It is the home of the second-largest canyon in the continent of Africa, residing in South Africa. It is a destination blessed with beauty and adventures.

When is the best time to go?

Between May and August is the best time to visit the spot since the vegetation on the place is less dense. With this, you'll get a better view of the animals and the attraction’s sceneries. In the winter months, June and August, rock-related adventures and activities are most suitable to enjoy.

What makes these spots famous?

Blyde River Canyon is famous for its scenic driving routes, breathtaking panoramic views of God's Window. It is renowned because it is the second-largest canyon in Africa and supports a large diversity of life on its lands. Including the varieties of fishes, hippos, antelopes, and primate species that you may encounter traveling in South Africa.