Conversion of Indian driving license

Question

Hi, I'm an Indian national on a temporary residence in Johannesburg, South Africa. I've a valid Indian Driving License. I just want to know whether I can use this license to buy cars or motorcycles in South Africa and drive them? If yes, is there any documents I need to carry along with the License and the Passport. If I cant, then can you please tell me the procedure to acquire a driving license? Also the duration and cost involved. Thanks.

Answer

If the Indian driving licence is not in English then an official translation (issued by a competent authority usually the high commission or consulate) must accompany the licence.

In addition the licence must contain a photograph and signature of the holder, and must still be valid.

If the above conditions are met then the license is acknowledged in South Africa. When it comes to purchasing vehicles, if the purchase does not require financing to be arranged then I don’t foresee any problems. However, some institutions may insist on a SA licence before extending finance. This is however not legislated anywhere in the road traffic legislation, but rather a terms and conditions issue of the institution.

Should you require a SA driving licence you will have to apply for a learner’s licence and then thereafter a driving licence. You will have to call the call centre to secure a booking on 0860GAUTENG (0860428836).