Distances in South Africa are long and public transport outside the cities is limited, so most visitors hire a car. This guide covers driving on the left, tolls, safety, fuel, speed and drink-drive rules, and the Garden Route. UK drivers will find the left-hand traffic familiar; the safety precautions and rural hazards are the bigger adjustment. For a one-page summary, see driving in South Africa at a glance.
Left-Hand Driving: Adjusting Quickly
South Africa drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. If you are coming from a right-hand driving country, this is the single biggest adjustment you will face.
Tips for Adapting
- Collect your rental car and practise in the airport car park before hitting the road. Get comfortable with the indicator and wiper stalks (they are reversed on right-hand-drive cars).
- Roundabouts flow clockwise. Enter to the left and give way to traffic already on the roundabout from your right.
- The biggest danger moment is turning: after a stop at a petrol station or rest area, your instinct may be to pull onto the right side of the road. Consciously check before every turn for the first few days.
- Overtake on the right. This feels natural for left-hand traffic but takes adjustment if you are used to passing on the left.
On South African highways, slower vehicles often pull onto the hard shoulder (called the "yellow line") to let faster traffic pass. If a vehicle does this for you, it is customary to flash your hazard lights twice as a thank-you. Do not confuse this with an emergency signal. It is simply South African road courtesy.
E-Tolls and the Toll Road System
South Africa's tolls are collected at conventional toll plazas. The controversial e-toll system on Gauteng's freeways around Johannesburg and Pretoria was switched off in April 2024.
Conventional Toll Roads
Major national routes (N1, N2, N3, N4) are operated by SANRAL and feature toll plazas at regular intervals. Payment is straightforward: stop at the booth and pay in South African rand (cash or card). Toll costs are modest, typically a few pounds' worth of rand per plaza for a car.
Gauteng E-Tolls
Electronic tolling on the freeways around Johannesburg and Pretoria ended in April 2024 after years of controversy and low compliance. Toll plazas elsewhere in Gauteng, such as on the N1 and N4, still charge.
Toll Costs Example: Johannesburg to Durban (N3)
The roughly 570 km drive on the N3 from Johannesburg to Durban passes through several conventional toll plazas. Total toll cost one way is roughly ZAR 300–400.
Safety: Honest Advice for Visitors
Crime is a reality in South Africa, and it would be irresponsible to ignore it in a driving guide. Most visitors drive without problems, and sensible precautions make a big difference.
Carjacking Prevention
- Keep doors locked and windows up in urban areas, particularly at traffic lights (called "robots" in South Africa).
- Do not leave valuables visible. bags, cameras, and phones on seats are an invitation. Use the boot.
- Avoid driving in unfamiliar urban areas at night, especially in Johannesburg. Use GPS and stick to main roads.
- If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest busy petrol station (many on main roads are staffed 24/7) or police station. Do not pull over on a quiet road.
Rural Driving Hazards
- Animals on the road: livestock, baboons, and antelope regularly wander onto roads, especially at dawn and dusk. They are a major cause of rural accidents.
- Potholes: on secondary roads, potholes can be severe and vehicle-damaging. Keep your speed moderate on unfamiliar roads and scan ahead constantly.
- Pedestrians: in rural and township areas, pedestrians walk along and across highways that lack pavements. Drive with extreme caution, particularly at night.
South African petrol stations are full-service: an attendant will fill your tank, clean your windscreen, and check your tyre pressure. Tipping ZAR 10–20 is customary and appreciated.
Fuel, Speed Limits & Road Rules
Fuel Types
South Africa uses petrol (unleaded 93 and 95) and diesel. Fuel prices are government-regulated and change monthly, displayed at every station. Expect to pay roughly ZAR 20–25 per litre for petrol. Inland stations mostly sell 93 and coastal ones 95; check which your hire car needs.
Self-service pumping is not permitted. All stations are attended, and payment by card is widely accepted, though some rural stations are cash-only.
Speed Limits
- Urban areas: 60 km/h (sometimes 40 km/h in residential zones)
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- National highways: 120 km/h
Speed enforcement is handled by both fixed cameras and traffic officers with handheld devices. Fines are issued to the registered vehicle owner, so rental companies will pass them on with an admin fee.
Drink-Driving
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.05 g per 100 ml of blood). Enforcement at roadblocks is common, particularly around holiday weekends. Penalties include fines of up to ZAR 120,000 and potential imprisonment.
The Garden Route: South Africa's Classic Road Trip
The Garden Route is South Africa's best-known road trip. Stretching roughly 300 km along the N2 from Mossel Bay to Storms River, it combines Indian Ocean beaches, indigenous forests, lagoons, and charming small towns.
Key Stops
- Mossel Bay: start point with the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and Santos Beach
- Wilderness: boardwalks through wetlands and river gorges
- Knysna: famous lagoon, Knysna Heads viewpoint, and oyster farms
- Plettenberg Bay: whale watching (June–November), Robberg Nature Reserve hike
- Tsitsikamma: suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth, forest hikes, bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge
Allow at least four to five days for the Garden Route to avoid rushing. The road is well-maintained throughout, and the driving is relaxed and scenic rather than challenging.
Start from Cape Town by driving east on the N2 and you can combine the Garden Route with the whale coast route via Hermanus. Our Africa road trips guide has the Panorama Route and the Karoo too. Plan your South Africa trip to build a full itinerary with distances, stops, and overnight suggestions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in South Africa?
If your licence is in English and includes a photograph, you do not legally need an IDP. This covers UK, Irish, US, Australian, and Canadian photocard licences. However, if your licence is not in English or does not have a photo, an IDP is required. Some rental companies request an IDP regardless of your licence format, so check with your provider before travelling.
Is it safe to drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town?
Yes, this is a well-travelled route and perfectly safe with basic precautions. The most direct route via the N1 through Bloemfontein and Beaufort West is approximately 1,400 km and takes around 14 hours of non-stop driving. Most people split it over two days with an overnight in the Karoo. The roads are excellent, fuel stops are regular, and the semi-desert scenery is surprisingly beautiful. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas due to animal hazards.
What side of the road does South Africa drive on?
South Africa drives on the left, the same as the UK, Australia, and Japan. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side. All rental cars are right-hand drive. If you are used to driving on the right, allow a day to adjust; most people find it becomes natural quite quickly, especially outside city centres.