Driving in the Democratic Republic of Congo

My advice generally would be if you can avoid driving in the DRC do so, use a local driver or a taxi that has been referred to you.  Road conditions are not good and lighting, road markings are pretty much non existant.  Its difficult to know what licenses/registrations etc you need and if you are stopped by the police and don't speak french you may have your car impounded and be arrested if your documents are not in order.  Road rules are only marginally followed and people drive very quickly and often quite erratically, if you are an expat and have an accident you will almost certainly be found at fault and could have to pay out thousands of dollars....the main highway between Kolwezi and Lubumbashi is very dangerous and it is not unusual to see buses and trucks which have crashed off the road....added to which many of the vehicles are very poorly maintained and so even if you are driving safely you are still at risk from a vehicle having a wheel fall off in front of you or someone overtaking on a blind bend...