Driving Permits
International Driving Permits (IDP)
IDPs are a special license for tourists, authorised by a Unitied Nations Treaty for the purpose of allowing motorists to drive internationally without further tests or applications. An IDP is proof that you hold a valid drivers license in your home country and is a requirement for renting a motor vehicle in many countries.
It is also helpful for tourists who find themselves in need of identification or assistance as your IDP carries your identification details in nine languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, German, Arabic, Swedish and French), in case you need to communicate with foreign authorities.
In SA the only organisation authorised to issue an IDP is the RAA. To obtain an IDP, all you need to do is take a copy of your current drivers license into any RAA Office along with a passport size photo and fill out an application form.
Download the Application Form.
An IDP:
Download a copy of the AAA Handbook for Motorists
Find out more about International Road Signs.
Camping Card International (CCI)
The Camping Card International (CCI) is a useful and widely recognised document throughout Europe and Africa at camping and caravanning sites.
It is the product of three international tourist organisations and is available to current financial members of affiliated clubs and associations:
AIT (Alliance Internationale de Tourisme)
FICC (Federation Internationale de Camping et caravanning)
FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile)
The CCI may entitle members to a small reduction in charges at some sites and provides Third Party Liability Insurance in respect of:
As well as providing members with insurance against accidents occurring while on the campsite, the CCI is a respected proof of identity that has the same value as a passport for the campsite owners.
Camping Cards are essential in Europe. Some campsite proprietors will not allow non-CCI holders to use a site.
The cost of a CCI is $25 and includes a Camping Card International Directory, which offers discounts to many attractions around the world. To download an application form click here.
CCI are valid for twelve months and a holder must be a current financial member of a Motoring Club.
Please provide a photocopy of:
Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD)
Just as you, as a person, require international identification, commonly by way of passport, so does your vehicle.
The document used to identify your vehicle is called a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) which comes from the French meaning ‘notebook’. It is a set of vouchers and Customs simply remove one each time you pass in and out of each country.
The Carnet (pronounced car-nay) is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and saves time, effort and expense.
It allows visitors to temporarily import their vehicles for a limited period of time with a minimum of formalities and without the need to make a cash deposit at the frontier in local currency, equivalent to the Customs Duty and other taxes.
A Carnet is essential for the temporary importation of vehicles into most African, Asian, Middle East, New Zealand and South American countries.
A carnet is not required for motor cars, camper vans and motor cycles entering most countries in Europe or the Continent of North America for touring purposes. People temporarily importing vehicles into these parts of the world are required to sign a personal undertaking that they will re-export the vehicle within the prescribed time limit.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is a member of the AIT/FIA Carnet network which guarantees to Customs authorities around the world payment of Customs Duties on motor vehicles, temporarily imported for touring purposes.
In order for people wishing to export their vehicle from Australia to obtain a Carnet, they must be financial members of a constituent motoring organisation of the AAA.
For an application form please contact the RAA on (08) 8202 8233 or email us.