South Africa on a Norwegian Licence — IDP, and the Switch to the Left

South Africa is a superb country to drive across — the national routes through the Karoo, the Garden Route and up into the Drakensberg are made for it. For a Norwegian, the trip asks two real adjustments and a permit, and the permit is the least of them.

Verdict: licence accepted, carry the IDP

You can drive in South Africa on your Norwegian licence as long as you carry an International Driving Permit with it. The IDP is what rental desks and roadside police expect to see, so pack it as standard. Arrange it in Norway before you travel, because it isn’t available on arrival.

The biggest change: driving on the left

Norway drives on the right; South Africa drives on the left. This is the single adjustment most likely to trip you up, and the danger window is your first day — easing out of a petrol station, a roundabout now flowing clockwise, the wrong-way glance at a junction. Take the first hour on quiet roads, be deliberate at every turn, and give yourself time before tackling city traffic.

What really matters: city security

Above any speed sign, the issue to plan for is carjacking in urban areas — a recognised risk at city junctions and traffic lights. In town keep doors locked and windows up, leave room ahead at lights so you can pull away, and avoid unfamiliar areas after dark. On the inter-city national routes this concern eases right off and the driving becomes a genuine pleasure.

The numbers

Limits are 60 km/h in towns, 100 rural, 120 on motorways. The alcohol limit of 0.05 is far more relaxed than the near-zero 0.02 you live with in Norway — but with frequent roadblocks, treat it as zero anyway. A minor speeding penalty runs about ZAR 500-1,250 (≈ EUR 25-65), and 112 is the emergency number.

The complete rule set is on our South Africa driving guide; estimate a penalty with the Speeding Fine Calculator or check your paperwork via the Driving Permit Checker.