How to Drive in Namibia

What is a driving?

Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and bicycles. Permission to drive on public highways is granted based on a set of conditions being met and drivers are required to follow the established road and traffic laws in the location they are driving.

Where and how to drive in Namibia

To drive a vehicle in Namibia, you need a valid driving licence and must carry it with you when you are driving. If your driver’s licence is not printed in English, it is advisable to travel with an International Driver’s Licence. Make sure you are fully insured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive in Namibia?

Namibia is generally regarded as a safe country to travel and self drive in, provided you take the usual precautions. In fact, I’d say that the roads are just as safe as Europe and the US, if not safer due to the lack of traffic. Outside these areas, there’s very few people on the roads in Namibia

Do you need 4×4 for Namibia?

A question most people ask is “do I need a 4×4 for Namibia?”. Technically, no. The road system in Namibia, save for the most remote locations, is comprised of well maintained tarred or gravel roads and most of the main tourist sites can be reached without a 4×4 specifically (but something robust is recommended).

How do I get a Namibian drivers license?

You will need to be at least 16 years old to acquire an A1 type permit. Then an age of 18 years for those who want a Class A, B, BE, C1, C, C1E license at the time of application. Documents required to obtain your driving license: An ID.14.

How are the roads in Namibia?

The majority of roads in Namibia are gravel, which varies from coarse gravel to fine sand and dust. The condition of these roads is generally very good and there is a continuous effort by the roads authority to maintain them.

Is Namibia safer than South Africa?

Namibia is safer than South Africa (roads, crime, etc), but I say that with caution as you should use your head in any country. Windhoek is generally friendly, but obviously don’t flash your touristness about.

How much is it to go to Namibia?

A vacation to Namibia for one week usually costs around N$7,801 for one person. So, a trip to Namibia for two people costs around N$15,602 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs N$31,204 in Namibia.

At what age can you get your license in Namibia?

The Namibian Road Traffic and Transport Laws requires a learner driver to be 17 years of age before such a person can get a learners licence. This means that since you have a learners licence, you should have mastered the rules of the road and the more than 400 road signs.

Can you buy a car without a license in Namibia?

A few requirements to buy a new car (with bank financing) is essentially that you must have bank account. You must have a valid Namibian Driver’s license. You need to have good credit (not on some sort of blacklist) and you need to be employed permanently (at least for the last six months).

How long does a learners license last in Namibia?

A Namibian learners license is valid for a period of 18 months from the date of issue.

How many km of road does Namibia have?

The country’s 48,875.27 km roads (2017) are administered by the Roads Authority, a state-owned enterprise established by Act #17 of 1999. Due to low traffic volumes the majority of roads are not tarred. The distribution of road surfaces is: 6,664 kilometres (4,141 mi) standard bitumen road.

Why does Namibia have the best roads in Africa?

Namibia’s success is attributed to two important factors, namely an effective maintenance strategy on existing road infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in prolonging its life span, and the upgrading and construction of new roads, which contribute significantly to the quality of national roads.

How do I register my car in Namibia?

• You will need the following forms:
• Certified copy of acceptable identification (Namibian ID, Namibian drivers license or a NaTIS traffic register certificate)
• Original vehicle registration certificate.
• Police Clearance Certificate (valid for 90 days)

Can a foreigner buy a car in Namibia?

A foreigner may have a Namibian registered vehicle in Namibia even if he does not live here. In answer to your questions : 1) Tax based on value of vehicle : In Namibia we have VAT @ 15% on the value of goods sold, but it has to be included in the selling price and is not a tax to be paid seperately by the buyer.

How many NaTIS are there in Namibia?

NaTIS, a subdivision of Transport Information and Regulatory Services, manages 37 registering authorities (NaTIS offices) countrywide of which only some ​are managed by local authorities. Majority are managed by RA.

How do I register a taxi in Namibia?

• Company registration (founding statements), your principal business being tourism.
• A letter from the Namibian Tourism Board stating you are registered with them.
• Certified ID copies of all members.

How do I register for driving school in Namibia?

• Obtain police clearance from the Namibian police regarding the motor vehicle.
• Put motor vehicle through roadworthiness.
• Apply at registering authority to register and license motor vehicle on your name.

How do I register with NaTIS?

• Complete all the required information and click on “Register”.
• When you receive the activation message via your preferred method of contact, click on the link provided to activate your account.

How do I check if my driving Licence is ready in Namibia?

• Log into your eCitizen account.
• Select NTSA tab.
• Then select on check status.
• You will then get a notification regarding whether your License is prepared or not.