Do I need an international driving license?

Travelling to a different country? You'll only need an international driver's license if you plan on driving there. Here's how to get one.

Ané Albertse

6 Apr 2022 · 22:06Buying a Car3 min read

If you're going abroad and plan on driving there, will you really be needing an international driving license?

Yes. An IDP is a legal document that endorses your SA license. If you can already imagine yourself driving a little Fiat Panda Cross across the Italian Alps, you'll probably want to know whether you'll be needing one.

Read all Fiat Panda news and advice here

So, what's the deal? Do I need to spend money on an international driving license, or can I get by without one?

There are variables - while some countries specify that you absolutely must have one, others aren't fussy, unless you plan on renting a car - in which case you have no choice in the matter. An IDP not only validates your SA license, it also allows you to take out much-needed insurance cover.

Photo: Quintin Gellar

But what if I'm not renting a car, but driving a family member's?

We suggest that you still get one, just to be on the safe side. In countries where English is not an official language, an IDP will enable officials to understand the information on your local license - unless your Hindi or Arabic is so good that you can convince the angry traffic cop that you are, in fact, licensed to drive.

Is it a timely process?

Not at all. All you need to do is pop into your nearest AA (Automobile Association of SA) shop and spend R265 to get yourself one. The shopkeeper will ask you which countries you are visiting, and issue your IDP according to that information. You will need to bring two ID photos as well as your current driver's license, and your ID or passport. It is done on the spot, while you wait. Some stores offer the service of having photographs taken, but rather call beforehand to make sure. The process itself takes about 15 minutes, depending on how busy the shop is, of course!

Reckon local is 'lekker'? Read about some highly recommended weekend getaways in the Western Cape.

Click here to locate your closest AA retail outlet.

Or apply online here.

Let's recap

Cost: R295 (ID photos excluded)

What to bring:

Your South African Identity Document
A valid South African driver's license
AA membership card (if you are an AA Member)
2 glossy passport size photographs (per IDP)

ENDS

Written by Ané Albertse

Ané was bitten by the motoring bug at a very young age. Her mom recalls her sitting in her stroller as a 3-year old, naming every car that came past. She was creating content for various publications within Media24 when AutoTrader nabbed her for good, and is one of the longest-standing members of the AutoTrader team. She prefers dirt roads to tar and SUVs/bakkies to sports cars, but her greatest passion is helping people find the perfect car for their budget, lifestyle, and personality.Read more