How to Become an Uber or Bolt Driver in South Africa

E-hailing now earns money for thousands of South Africans. Maybe you want to drive full-time. Maybe you just want to work weekends. Either way, becoming an Uber or Bolt driver is simple. You just need to know what is required.

This guide explains it all. It covers documents, car rules, rough costs, and what to do first.

Start with the basics: who can apply?

Uber and Bolt both have rules. You must meet them before you can use the app.

Minimum age: You must be at least 21 to drive for Uber. Bolt has a similar age rule.

Driver’s licence: You must have a valid South African driver’s licence. A learner’s or temporary licence will not work.

PrDP (Professional Driving Permit): Many new drivers forget this one. You carry passengers who pay you. So a normal driver’s licence is not enough. You need a PrDP for passengers (code P). Without it, you cannot drive by law. And neither platform will turn on your account.

You apply for a PrDP at your nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC). Bring a medical certificate, your ID, and your driver’s licence. You also need a recent police clearance. The process takes time, so plan for it. You pay a fee at the DLTC. The amount is different in each municipality.

Documents you will need to submit

You sign up on the Uber or Bolt driver app. Then you upload your documents to be checked. Here is what to have ready:

• South African ID (green barcoded book or smart card)
• Valid driver’s licence
• Valid PrDP (passenger endorsement)
• Vehicle registration papers (in your name or with a letter of authority from the owner)
• Roadworthy certificate for your vehicle
• Proof of insurance
• Bank account details (for earnings payouts)
• A clear profile photo (well-lit, face visible, no sunglasses)

Uber also needs a Safety Screening Certificate. In Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban you also need a Driving Evaluation Certificate. Bolt has similar checks on its driver portal. If you are going the Bolt route, it is worth reading what Bolt drivers must know about cover before you start.

Vehicle requirements: what car can you use?

Uber and Bolt do not have one fixed list of cars. The rules change from city to city. They also change with the service type you pick (UberX, Bolt Basic, Bolt Comfort, and so on).

Here is what both platforms usually want:

• Vehicle age: Most service types need a car under a certain age. Check the rules in the driver app for your city. These limits change from time to time.
• Condition: The car must work well. It must pass a roadworthy check. It must be clean inside and out.
• Seating: Usually a sedan or hatchback with at least four passenger seats. SUVs may work for higher service types.
• No commercial branding: Cars with taxi markings or big advert wraps are usually not accepted.

Are you buying a car just to drive for the app? Check the model and year against the app’s rules first. Do this before you pay.

You also need an e-hailing operating licence

This is the law, not just a platform rule. South Africa’s National Land Transport Act says e-hailing drivers must hold an operating licence. Your Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) gives you this licence. You may still hear it called the Provincial Operating Licence Board, which is the older name for the same office.

Driving without one is risky. You could lose your income and your car. Your passengers are also at legal risk.

The application has its own steps, forms and fees. We cover them in full in our guide on how to apply for your e-hailing operating licence, and you can read about the new permit rules for e-hailing drivers and owners too.

What does it cost to get started?

There is no single price. Costs depend on your province and your car. They also depend on the documents you already have. Here is a rough idea of what to plan for:

• PrDP application: Fee paid at the DLTC; varies by municipality
• Medical certificate (for PrDP): Charged by the clinic or doctor
• Police clearance: Government fee; processing time varies
• Roadworthy certificate: Charged by the testing station
• Safety Screening Certificate (Uber): Charged by the approved provider
• Driving Evaluation Certificate (Uber, select cities): Charged by the approved provider
• Vehicle (if purchasing): Major variable; confirm platform age requirements first

Do you already have a good car and a clean licence? Then sorting your documents is your main cost. Are you starting with nothing? Then plan for a few thousand rand. This covers permits, certificates, and testing fees before your first trip.

What about insurance?

Most personal car insurance does not cover driving for money. Say you crash with the app on and a passenger in the car. Your personal policy may not pay out. Check the terms of your own policy. This mismatch is one of the main reasons Uber claims get rejected in South Africa.

E-hailing-specific cover is built to close that gap. TaxiSure’s e-hailing cover is designed for Uber, Bolt, and inDrive drivers, with options for commercial use, passenger liability, and third party liability. Actual cover, limits and exclusions depend on the policy you take out.

Ready to sort out your cover?

Before you take your first fare, it is worth checking whether your policy covers driving for money. WhatsApp TaxiSure on 062 179 0033 or tap below to chat with the team.

WhatsApp TaxiSure now

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PrDP to drive for Uber or Bolt in South Africa?

Yes. You carry passengers who pay you. So you need a PrDP with a passenger (P) endorsement. A normal driver’s licence is not enough. Neither platform will turn on your account without it.

What is the minimum age to become an e-hailing driver in South Africa?

Uber drivers must be at least 21. Bolt has a similar age rule. You also need a valid driver’s licence. You must have held it for the time the law requires.

What vehicle do I need to drive for Uber or Bolt?

The car must be roadworthy and in good condition. It must meet the platform’s age and type rules for your city. These rules change with the service type. They also change over time. So always check the driver app before you buy a car for this.

Is an e-hailing operating licence legally required?

Yes. South African law says you must hold a valid operating licence. Your Provincial Regulatory Entity gives it to you. Driving without one is illegal. This is true even if your platform account is active.

Will my personal car insurance cover me while driving for Uber or Bolt?

Usually not. Personal car insurance usually does not cover driving for money. Say you crash while the app is running. Your personal cover will usually not pay a claim for that. This is the gap that e-hailing cover is built to fill. Always check the terms of your own policy.

How long does it take to get approved as an e-hailing driver?

It depends on how fast you gather your documents. It also depends on how long the platform takes to check them. If your documents are ready, the check usually takes a few days to a week. But getting your PrDP and police clearance can add several weeks.

Sources

• Driver requirements overview (Uber South Africa)
• TaxiSure e-hailing cover (TaxiSure)

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Taxisure Risk Specialists (Pty) Ltd | Authorised Financial Services Provider | FSP 52693