The holder of a valid foreign driviers license or international driving permit as described above may at any time, during the one year of validity thereof after the person obtained permanent residence, apply for a RSA drivers license in substitution of his/her foreign drivers license or international driving permit. However, in the case of the holder of a diplomatic permit, the person may apply for such a substitution even if the person does not have permanent residence. The question is also raised whether contract workers and visitors can be regarded as permanently resident in the RSA. If contract workers and visitors do not comply with the aforementioned conditions, regardless of the length of their stay in the RSA, they are not permanently resident in the RSA and hence may not convert their foreign license.  

Therefore, once permanent residency has been obtained, holders of a foreign license (or IDP) have one year in which to convert their foreign drivers license to a RSA license after which failure to convert will render the license invalid to convert or to drive with. 

A person in possession of a foreign license may convert their foreign drivers license at the appropriate Drivers License Testing Centre where residency was obtained, in the RSA. 

The drivers license testing centre concerned shall authorize the issue and issue the driving license in the prescribed manner, when: 

·         is satisfied that the applicant is the holder of the foreign drivers license

·         it is satisfied that the foreign drivers license is still valid in the country or territory of issue

·         in the case of an application for the exchange of a drivers license obtained in the Republic of Bophuthatswana, the Republic of Ciskei, Gazankulu, KaNgwane, KwaNdebele, KwaZulu, Lebowa, QwaQwa, the Republic of Transkei or the Republic of Venda, if the MEC concerned confirms in writing that the applicant is the holder of a valid license

Persons in possession of a foreign drivers license, who wish to convert, will require the following:

·         Identification document and a certified copy thereof

·         4 photographs

·         Current foreign drivers license

·         Proof of permanent residency in the RSA

·         Proof that he/she was not permanently or ordinarily resident in the RSA at the time the said license or permit was issued (for example a passport, permanent residence permit or visa)

·         A letter of translation of the license by a competent authority if the license is not in one of the official languages of the RSA

·         Confirmation from a Driving License Issuing Authority that the person is in possession of a valid drivers license (stating the codes and relevant categories of vehicles that the person is permitted to drive), that has not been cancelled or suspended

·         In the case of a IDP, the drivers license on the authority of which such permit was issued

·         An appropriate card fee