What happens if I need to cancel my reservation after I have paid the deposit?
Deposits are refundable if your cancellation is done before the cancellation penalty period stipulated by the supplier.
Can I cross the border in this vehicle?
Yes. You need to specify which countries you intend visiting as there are additional costs for cross border travel and this may also influence which supplier we choose for your rental due to the country restrictions varying between suppliers.
How old must I be to rent a vehicle?
The minimum age is 23 for most suppliers.
How does payment work?
In order to confirm your vehicle and guarantee your reservation you need to pay a deposit of 25% of the total rental cost. The balance of payment is due a minimum of one month before your rental is due to take place.
What equipment must we supply ourselves when renting a 4x4 or camper?
When renting a fully equipped 4×4 or one of the campers you only need to bring your clothes, toiletries, food and drinks. Everything is supplied with the vehicle. A full list can be sent to you and certain optional extras can be supplied on request.
Are the vehicles petrol or diesel?
This varies depending on the supplier and the vehicle type. This can be confirmed at the time of booking the vehicle. If you have a specific requirement then please mention this so that we can select the correct vehicle for you.
Do all the 4x4’s and campers have manual transmission can I rent one with an automatic transmission?
Automatic 4x4s and campers are available at an additional daily charge.
I need advice regarding my trip and the routes I should take – can you assist?
We have consultants with excellent personal knowledge of Southern Africa. We will be happy to assist you with advice and can also handle any accommodation or tours that you would like to book.
Are your rates the same no matter where the vehicle is collected?
There are additional costs for some rental locations. You will be quoted for any additional charges when you submit an enquiry with your desired rental and return locations.
Where is Drive South Africa?
Drive South Africa
1st Floor
38 Hout Street
Cape Town
8001
South Africa
Is it possible to collect the vehicle in one city and return it in another?
Yes, it is possible. There will be an additional cost for this.
Do we need to take our own baby seat on holiday?
No. All our suppliers stock baby and booster seats. These must be requested in advance as they are often in short supply over peak periods. Please specify the age of the child so that the correct seat type is supplied.
Do I need an international driver’s license?
No. Your license must be valid, unendorsed and in English. If your license is in another language then you will need an International license.
I have lost my car keys. Can the supplier bring me a spare set?
This is not possible. Generally spare keys are kept at the supplier’s head office regardless of the registration of the vehicle. This is also a huge security risk so they cannot just supply a second set of keys. In the case of keys being lost the vehicle has to be towed back to the nearest depot for safekeeping and then all the locks on the vehicle must be changed.
If you lose the keys please contact the supplier immediately to prevent the theft of the vehicle.
I have locked my keys in the car. What now?
A locksmith will need to be called out in this case. The renter will be liable for the call out fee and any costs related to the retrieval of the keys.
Where is Drive South Africa?
Drive South Africa
1st Floor
38 Hout Street
Cape Town
8001
South Africa
How old must I be to rent a vehicle?
Most suppliers require you to be 21 as an international drivers and 23 for South African drivers, you are also required to have held a valid license for at least 2 years before renting a car.
There are various options depending on the supplier so please contact us if you are below this age and need to rent a vehicle.
My vehicle is being delivered to me. Will the fuel tank be full when I receive it?
Fuel is charged from depot to depot. Every vehicle leaves the depot full and is re-fuelled upon return. If your vehicle is delivered to you then the tank may not be completely full depending on the distance from the nearest depot.
In the same way, if your vehicle is collected from you it will be re-fuelled when it returns to the depot so you will be liable for the cost of the fuel from the collection point to the nearest depot.
I filled up my fuel tank before returning the vehicle – will I still be charged for fuel?
Every single vehicle is re-fuelled by the car rental company on return. The needle may show full but is often not a true reflection so the company must check that the tank is completely full. This is done so that the next renter is supplied with a full fuel tank. Vehicles re-fuelled at independent fuel stations are not guaranteed to be filled to capacity.
How does the rental deposit work?
If you have chosen a package with an excess then you will be required to have he full excess value available on your credit card for a deposit. If you return the vehicle without any damages then this amount will be refunded to you. If repairs are required or parts need to be replaced then you will be charged the correct amount and any remaining funds will be refunded to you.
No matter what package you have chosen you will be required to pay a rental deposit. This varies from R1000 to R2000 depending on which supplier is used. This deposit will be refunded if the vehicle is returned on or before the agreed date and time with a full fuel tank. If the vehicle requires re-fuelling then you will be charged for this and the remaining funds will be refunded. If you return your vehicle late without contacting Drive South Africa then you will be charged for the additional days at the supplier’s extension rates.
If there is a tow truck on the scene can i use that company to tow the vehicle?
Definitely not. You must contact the vehicle supplier first as most car rental companies have their own authorized towing companies. If you use another towing company without authorization then you may be liable for the full cost of towing as well as storage of the vehicle until such time as the car rental company is able to get it released
What do I do if I have an accident?
If a third party is involved make sure you get all their details – name, ID or passport number, address and telephone number, vehicle registration, make, and model. You will need to contact the supplier as soon as possible but no more than 24 hours after the incident. They will require a full and detailed description of the accident. If your vehicle needs to be replaced the supplier will arrange to do this. You also need to report the accident to the nearest police station and supply the car rental company with the case number.
I am a first time visitor to South Africdo you have any driving tips for me?
We drive on the left side of the road. Always wear your seatbelt. You may not talk on your mobile phone will driving unless you are using a hands free kit. The standard speed limit is 60km/h, on national roads it is 120km/h. You must carry your license with you at all times. Do not drive with a handbag on the front seat. Rather place it on the floor under the seat.
Can the vehicle model be guaranteed?
No. A specific model can be requested but not guaranteed. The supplier reserves the right to replace certain models on their fleet without prior notification. The advertised vehicle gives an indication of the type of vehicle and features to be expected.
Wouldn’t I get a better rental rate if I go directly to the car rental supplier?
Drive South Africa has negotiated discounted rates from all the major suppliers due to our buying power. We are, therefore, able to offer an exceptionally good rate to the consumer along with excellent service and a simple booking process.
Do you offer baby seats with your rental vehicles?
Yes. Please request one at time of reservation to ensure that we have one allocated for you.
This is important over peak season especially when baby seats may be in short supply.
Do you offer vehicles for paraplegics / drivers with disabilities?
Yes. We do offer vehicles for people with certain disabilities. For example – vehicles with automatic transmission, convenient wheel chair access and hand controls.
Please view our range of rental vehicles available or contact us directly if you have very specific driving requirements.
Do I need an International Driver’s License to rent a car with Drive South Africa?
No. You do not necessarily need an International Driver’s License.
You may use the driver’s license from your home country, provided that the license is:
- Valid
- Unendorsed
- In English
If your license is in another language then you will need an International license.
Do you supply drivers?
Chauffeur drive can be arranged with a number of the luxury vehicles. If you need a luxury vehicle for a special occasion and would prefer not to drive yourself, or if you are below the required minimum age, then chauffeur drive is an excellent option. Our consultants can supply a quote on request for this.
How old must I be to rent a vehicle?
The minimum age varies depending on the supplier from 23 to 30.
There are various options depending on the supplier so please contact us if you are below this age and need to rent a vehicle.
How does the rental deposit work?
You will be required to have the full excess value available on your credit card for a deposit. If you return the vehicle without any damages then this amount will be refunded to you. If repairs are required or parts need to be replaced then you will be charged the correct amount and any remaining funds will be refunded to you.
If there is a tow truck on the scene can i use that company to tow the vehicle?
Definitely not. You must contact the vehicle supplier first as most car rental companies have their own authorized towing companies. If you use another towing company without authorization then you may be liable for the full cost of towing as well as storage of the vehicle until such time as the car rental company is able to get it released.
What do I do if I have an accident?
If a third party is involved make sure you get all their details – name, ID or passport number, address and telephone number, vehicle registration, make, and model.
You will need to contact the supplier as soon as possible but no more than 24 hours after the incident. They will require a full and detailed description of the accident.
If your vehicle needs to be replaced the supplier will arrange to do this.
You also need to report the accident to the nearest police station and supply the car rental company with the case number.
Do we need to take our own baby seat on holiday?
No. All our suppliers stock baby and booster seats. These must be requested in advance as they are often in short supply over peak periods.
What types of luxury vehicles do you have available?
We have a very wide range of luxurious sedans, sports cars/ coupes, convertibles, as well as SUVs and 4x4s. Please enquire if you do not see the vehicle you require on our website. We will try to source it for you or offer a similar vehicle as an alternative.
Do you only have luxury vehicles available in Cape Town?
No, we are able to source luxury vehicles at various locations around South Africa. Some vehicles are only available in Cape Town and Johannesburg so please specify where you need the vehicle so we can advise you accordingly.
Do I need an international driver’s license?
No. Your license must be valid, unendorsed and in English. If your license is in another language then you will need an International license.
