A driver’s license is an official document permitting a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, or bus on a public road.
You need a driving licence to drive legally on South African roads. Before applying for a driving licence, you must have a learner’s licence. Find how to obtain your South African Driving Licence.
Applying For A New Driving Licence In South Africa
Driving Licence Codes In South Africa
How To Apply For South African Driving Licence
How Long Does It Take To Get You SA Driving Licence?
- Your driving licence should be ready within four to six weeks.
- A temporary driving licence is issued immediately.
How much does it cost
Contact your local licensing office to find out the cost.
Forms to complete
The Application for driving licence form (DL1) is available at any driving licence testing centre
Replacing A Lost South African Driving Licence
Renewing A South African Driving Licence
Apply For Learner’s Drivers Licence
Temporary Driving Licence In South Africa
How To Renew A Driving Licence In South Africa
Apply For A Professional Driving Permit In South Africa
How To Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence To SA Driving Licence
Types Of Driving Licence In South Africa
How To Obtain an International Driving Permit
FAQs
How will I benefit by carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
The IDP is an official document recognised in over 150 countries. It provides important information to validate your SA driver’s licence in many different languages, including English. The document is accepted as an additional source of identification and helps to break down language barriers when travelling in non-English speaking countries.
Am I required to have an IDP when driving in other countries?
Some countries will not recognise your SA driver’s licence, but will officially recognise an IDP.
Some countries will honour your valid SA driver’s licence but will require a local language translation to be supplied by your embassy or consulate.
Your IDP will satisfy both of these requirements. Also keep in mind, where the local government may not require an IDP for legal driving, car rental companies often request that you produce a valid IDP for rental purposes.
Furthermore, if you are involved in an accident in a foreign country your SA driver’s licence may be disputed. Your IDP will then serve as an official document, constituting proof that you possess a valid SA driver’s licence. Your IDP will be invaluable in these situations, so obtaining one before travelling is highly recommended.
Do I still need to take my South African driver’s licence with me when I purchase an IDP?
Yes, your IDP can only be issued if we are able to validate your SA driver’s licence since both documents must be carried and presented to law enforcement officials if you are stopped.
I am in South Africa but have a Spanish driver’s licence. Can I obtain an IDP?
Your IDP must be issued in the same country that issued your original driver’s licence. The AA in South Africa cannot issue an IDP if you are not in possession of a valid SA driver’s licence.
The AA in South Africa can assist applicants in possession of a valid driver’s licence issued in the USA by sending your documents back to the issuing authority. They will issue your IDP and returned it directly to you or, if preferred, to the AA in South Africa. Contact your local AA Accredited Sales Agent store for details.
I am working in South Africa and have a French licence. I obtained my IDP in France and it is now about to expire, can the AA help me to renew it?
Your IDP must be issued in the same country that issued your original driver’s licence. The AA in South Africa cannot issue an IDP if you are not in possession of a valid SA driver’s licence.
I obtained my IDP in South Africa; can I use it to drive in South Africa?
By law your IDP cannot be used in the country in which it was issued. So, if your IDP was issued in South Africa, you cannot use it when driving in South Africa, and will have to produce your valid SA driver’s licence if you are stopped by a law enforcement official.
Do my photos have to be black and white, or can they be in colour?
Both colour and black and white photos are acceptable. You may purchase ID/Passport-size photographs in-store.
I would like to visit the UK twice this year, but my licence expires in a month’s time. Can I apply for an IDP that is valid for one year?
If your South African driver’s licence is due to expire in less than 12 months, your IDP will be issued with the same expiry date. Once you obtain a new valid SA driver’s licence, we can issue a new IDP valid for one (1) year.
I am currently overseas and will be travelling to Austria very soon. I am in possession of an expired IDP issued in South Africa. How can I renew my IDP?
An IDP cannot be renewed, so you need to apply for a new one.
These are the documents required when applying an IDP:
A Valid South African drivers licence card / certified copy of a valid South African drivers licence card.
A South African ID book / certified copy of South African ID book.
A clear, certified copy of the front and back of your valid SA driver’s licence.
2x identical passport-sized photographs.
Certified copies may not be more than two months old
The cost of the IDP is R268.00.
SA IDP Application form (Application form in PDF)
Please note: Once the permit has been issued you will be notified via email, in order for you to arrange your courier to collect. Scanned, e-mailed or faxed copies of documents or photographs are not acceptable.
Please airmail your completed documents, along with your proof of payment, to:
AA Travel Services, PO Box 596, Johannesburg, 2000
AA South Africa: Bank account details
Banking Details
Bank Name: First National Bank
Account Name: The Automobile Association of South Africa NPC
Account Type: Business Cheque Account
Account Number: 6248 5608 031
Branch Code: 250117
Reference: Please use your Surname