Do you need an International drivers license to be allowed to drive a rental car in South Africa?

Please be sure to contact the car hire company that you wish to hire a car from, e.g. http:www.thrifty.co.za, as criteria may vary from company to company.

Provided your home country license include your photo and signature and is in one of S.A.'s official languages, there is no legal requirement for an international drivers license.

The official SA language list includes English, so that covers US, Australian and UK licenses and many others. Even non-English licenses are OK, provided there is an attached translation by a ""competent authority""

Most car hire companies in South Africa require that you be at least 23 years of age to hire a car.

And you need to be in possession of a credit card.

Please note that the various car hire companies have different regulations regarding the length of time that you need to have held a driving license, so it is advisable to check with your hire company about their requirements.

Some companies may ask whether your license has any endorsements.
What does that mean? Well, for example, in the UK or Australia you get points for driving offenses such as speeding and after a certain number of points are reached, your license is revoked for a period of time. So, do you have any ‘points’ on your license?

Another endorsement would be if your license stipulates that you need to wear spectacles or contact lenses while driving."