Driving for a rideshare platform is attractive income, but the South African legal and platform requirements are stricter than most people realise. Here's the full picture.
Licence requirements
- Valid Code B (or EB) driver's licence. The standard light-vehicle code.
- PrDP - Passengers (P category). A Professional Driving Permit for passenger transport. Without it, you cannot legally carry fare-paying passengers on public roads. See our PrDP guide for how to get one.
The PrDP P category requires:
- A valid Code B licence
- Age 21 or older
- SAPS clearance certificate (no criminal record for relevant offences)
- Medical certificate
- Application fee (around R350)
Allow 6-10 weeks to get the PrDP from application to card.
Vehicle requirements (as of 2026)
Both Uber and Bolt have similar vehicle standards, with some differences:
| Requirement | Uber | Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum vehicle age | 10 years | 10 years |
| Condition | No visible damage | No visible damage |
| Minimum doors | 4 | 4 |
| Air conditioning | Required | Required |
| Tinted windows | No illegal tinting | No illegal tinting |
Specific model lists vary by city. Cape Town and Johannesburg have stricter minimum standards.
Insurance
Personal motor insurance typically excludes commercial use. Driving passengers for reward on a personal policy could void your cover. You need:
- A commercial motor policy (higher premium, covers fare-paying passengers), or
- A policy explicitly endorsed for rideshare use (some insurers offer this for Uber/Bolt drivers specifically)
Ask your broker specifically whether your current policy covers rideshare use before your first trip.
Registering with the platform
Both Uber and Bolt have online driver sign-up portals. You'll upload:
- Driver's licence
- PrDP
- Vehicle licence disc
- Roadworthy certificate (if vehicle is older than 5 years)
- Insurance certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of address and bank account
Background checks run automatically. Approval typically takes 3-10 business days.
The city licensing layer
Beyond Uber/Bolt's own requirements, some metros require an operating licence from the local transport authority. Johannesburg and Cape Town enforce this more actively than other cities. Check with your metro's transport department.
Economics: what to expect
After platform commission (around 25%), petrol, insurance, maintenance, and PrDP renewal every 2 years, typical net earnings run R80-R150 per hour depending on time of day and city. Peak hours (mornings, evenings, weekends) significantly outperform off-peak.
Frequently asked
- Do I need a PrDP to drive for Uber or Bolt?
- Yes. Uber and Bolt require a valid PrDP (P category - Passengers). Operating without one is illegal and will result in deactivation from the platform.
- Can I use my personal car?
- Yes, if it meets the age and condition requirements. Most platforms require the vehicle to be under 10 years old and in good condition.
- Do I need special insurance?
- Yes. Standard personal motor insurance usually excludes commercial use. You need a policy that covers fare-paying passengers.
Just passed your learner's?
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Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.