Australians in South Africa 2026: Left Side, English Licence
Australia
South Africa
Yes. South Africa accepts a foreign licence in English with your photo, and traffic keeps left as at home. Canada still advises an IDP for insurers. Limits: 60 town, 120 freeway; 0.05%.
Australians land in Johannesburg or Cape Town with an advantage most long-haul drivers lack: traffic keeps left, signs are in English and the cars are set up the way you know. What needs planning is a document question for the insurer and a security routine in the cities.
Licence and permit
South Africa accepts a foreign licence printed in English that carries the holder’s photograph and signature, and an Australian card meets that. Global Affairs Canada nevertheless strongly recommends an IDP, because insurers may insist on one, and it cannot be issued once you arrive. It is cheap to get before you fly. Keep the licence, IDP and passport together. The Driving Permit Checker covers neighbouring countries.
Security in town
GOV.UK warns of carjacking and smash-and-grab theft, most often at junctions, traffic lights and when arriving home. Keep doors locked and windows up, valuables out of sight, and leave a gap to the car in front at lights. Avoid rural driving after dark, when livestock, pedestrians and unlit vehicles share the road.
Limits and alcohol
Towns are 60 km/h, open roads 100 km/h and freeways 120 km/h. The alcohol limit is 0.05%, the same as most of Australia, and roadblocks with breath tests are common. Use the Speeding Fine Calculator for a rough idea of a ticket.
For emergencies, call the police on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. The South Africa driving guide covers tolls and rules in more depth.
Sources
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, South Africa, safety and security (carjacking and smash-and-grab; rural roads at night; police 10111, 112 from a mobile): gov.uk
- Government of Canada travel advice, South Africa (IDP strongly recommended for insurance; unavailable locally): travel.gc.ca
- Arrive Alive (South African road safety portal), foreign licences in English with photograph and signature under the National Road Traffic Act: arrivealive.mobi
- WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, South Africa profile (60/100/120 km/h; 0.05 g/dl): who.int
- WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Australia profile (0.05 g/dl): who.int
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. South Africa accepts a foreign licence printed in English with the holder's photograph and signature, which an Australian card has. Global Affairs Canada still strongly recommends an IDP because insurers may ask for it, and it cannot be obtained in South Africa.
Yes, both keep left, so there is no side switch. Roads and signs will feel familiar; the differences are security and night driving.
Main routes are generally good, but GOV.UK warns of carjacking and smash-and-grab theft at junctions and traffic lights. Keep doors locked and windows up, leave space ahead at lights, and avoid driving in rural areas after dark.