South Africa drives on the left — and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with tips for driving in South Africa smoothly — free.
✓ Save it for offline use, and see what else is worth checking before this trip.
South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Not strictly, but it's recommended. South Africa accepts a valid US license if it includes a photo and is in English, but strongly recommends carrying an IDP too.
In the US, an IDP is issued by AAA or the National Auto Club — it costs around $20, requires a passport photo, and can't be obtained after you've already left the country.
No — an IDP is a translation document, not a standalone license. You must carry your regular US driver's license alongside it at all times.