Ireland licence South Africa

Driving in South Africa with a Ireland license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in South Africa on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. South Africa expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisSouth Africa recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskRequired for non-English licences at Hertz, Europcar and local chains.

CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for South Africa Full South Africa guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in South Africa

Drive on the left.
Toll roads (e-tolls) on major routes.
Four-way stops are common.
0.05% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in South Africa with a Ireland license?

Yes — to drive in South Africa on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. South Africa expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does South Africa accept?

South Africa recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my Ireland license?

Carry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.