If your are entitled with the status of permanent residence in South Africa, then you should convert your international driving license into a South African driving license within one year of obtaining your permit for permanent residence.

If you fail to transform your overseas driving license into South African license, it will be regarded as void.

Even if you possess a diplomatic permit, you can convert your driving license into South African driving license.

You overseas driving license is converted into South African driving license if,

• You have a valid driving license

• Your license is translated into any one of the languages recognized by the South African government.

• A validity letter from the appropriate embassy should accompany your license.

• The license should bear your photo and signature.

Things you must do

You need to go to the DLTC (Driving License Testing Center) in the province where it gave you the Permanent Residence status.

At any one of the driving testing centre, you need to fill the form D1 (driving license exchange application)

You need to submit some of the following documents

• A recognized ID proof that is acceptable by the legislation of South Africa (for instance temporary ID, identity document (ID), foreign passport or a valid South African passport with permit for permanent residence).

• Four ID size photos in black and white.

• Your present driving license

• Your permanent residence proof in the Republic of South Africa.

• Proof to show that you were not a Permanent Resident, when your foreign license was issued (for instance you can show your visa or permanent residence permit or passport).

• Suppose if your driving license is not in any one of official languages of South Africa, then you need to get a translated letter for your license that is given by the relevant authority.

• A driving license issuing authority’s confirmation that you have a valid license in your possession (affirming the codes, the pertaining vehicle category, that you are permitted to drive), which has not been suspended or cancelled.

The DLTC will give you the license once it has verified that

• You are the holder of the foreign driving license

• your driving license is still valid in the territory or country, which is has issued your license

• Though it is not necessary that you should take up a driving license exam, an eye test will be conducted on you, once the exchange of driving license is finalised.