If you are only visiting, you need a International drivers permit that you can apply for at the AA in South Africa

If you stay longer, you have 6 months (some states 3 years) time to convert your SA licence to a German one. This might change so always check on the links we provide for the most relevant information.

You do not need to take the test, you can just convert your SA licence to a German one. You will need to translate your licence into German. The conversion is done at your local office / Bürgeramt .
You can get information here, it is written for Americans but is applicable to South Africans.
https://www.german-way.com/for-expats/living-in-germany/german-drivers-license-reciprocity/

Some more info
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving-licence/driving-licence-recognition-validity/germany/index_en.htm

Rules and reciprocal licence agreements for each country

• Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz
• Federal Ministry of Tansport, building and Urban Development

Road Rules

• https://www.drive-alive.co.uk/driving/driving-in-germany.htm
• http://www.gettingaroundgermany.info/auto.shtml

ADAC – Trafic signs and rules

Traffic signs and their meaning (in German)

Traffic Rules (in German)

Some basic rules

Vehicle Insurance	Compulsory
Winter Tyres	Compulsory in Winter conditions. Rule of thumb – O bis O (Oktober bis Ostern)
Motorcycle helmet	If you drive a moped, scooter or motorcycle, you must always wear a helmet. The same applies for the passenger.
First aid kit in vehicle	In your car you must have a safety vest (it is even better if you have one for each passenger), a warning triangle and an up to date first aid kit.
Fuel	Running out of fuel on the Autobahn is an offense and you can get a fine
Seat belts	Compulsory for all passengers
Children	Children up to 12 years of age who are smaller than 1.5 metres are only allowed to ride in a child seat. There are various models depending on the child’s age and height. The right selection will determine your child’s safety.
Roundabout / Traffic Circle	Give way to the left unless signed otherwise
Emergency Lanes	” Die Rettunsgasse muss bereits gebildet werden, sobald der Verkehr stockt und nicht erst, wenn die Rettungskräfte mit Blaulicht und Martinshorn kommen. “ The emergency lane must be formed as soon as the traffic stops and not only when the emergency services come with blue light and siren.
In the case of an accident	In an emergency with injured persons, you should immediately phone the number 112. In a non-emergency, you should phone 110 for the police. Remain at the accident site until the police have arrived. Whoever has damaged a parked car and cannot reach the owner should inform the police and must wait until the accident has been reported. Leaving a note is not enough. Causing an accident and leaving the scene is considered a hit and run and will be punished with a monetary fine or imprisonment up to three years. If your car breaks down on the highway, put on your emergency vest, set up the warning triangle and wait for help in safety behind the guardrail.

Forming an emergency lane

Sources

https://www.evz.de/en/consumer-topics/motor-vehicles/driving-a-car-in-germany/rescue-lane-on-german-motorways/
https://www.adac.de/verkehr/recht/verkehrsvorschriften-deutschland/

Registering a vehicle

https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/driving-germany/registering-vehicle

Renewing your SA drivers licence

You need to renew your licence in person in South Africa. Please take note that “your South African driving licence card is your valid proof that you have a South African Driving Licence. When your driving licence card has expired, it does not mean that you driving licence has expired. Only your valid proof of such a licence has expired=”