For general information on the applicable legislation please visit the page on driving lincence on our Foreign Ministry website.
Holders of an Italian driving license visiting South Africa
An international driving license (Vienna Convention 1968 or Geneva Convention 1949) is recognized and accepted in South Africa by Police and rental agencies.
The international driving license must be obtained in Italy prior to departure, at the local Traffic Department. Issuing time is generally 1-2 days.
Driving license renewal for Italians residing in South Africa
The renewal of the Italian driving license may be requested only by Italian citizens residing in the consular district of Cape Town and registered in AIRE (Registry of Italian citizens residing abroad), or by citizens who reside in this consular district for a period of at least six months, or by citizens registered in the consular register pending their AIRE registration.
The driver’s license must not be expired for longer than five years.
The applicant must present a valid proof of identity, proof of residence in the consular district (employment contract or utility bill), the original driver’s license and a copy thereof, an ID size photograph and a certificate issued by the optometrist registered with this Consulate.
Upon issue the applicant will have to pay the stamp duty plus the Consular Fee as per art.66.
A certificate fee has to be paid to the optometrist:
Salvatore Papa – Spec-savers
cnr Kloof & Union Streets, Shop 1 Palmhof Centre
Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: 021 422 5544