Bolt Car Requirements South Africa: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Earning money as an e-hailing driver in South Africa requires meeting specific criteria set by both Bolt and local transport regulations. If you plan to register a vehicle on the Bolt platform, use this guide to ensure you satisfy all driver, documentation, and minimum model year standards.
1. Essential Driver Prerequisites
Before your vehicle is even considered, you must personally meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Age and Permit: You must be at least 21 years or older and possess a valid South African Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) with a Goods and Passengers (G & P) classification [minimum age and permit].
- Background Check: All applicants must pass a clear HURU Criminal Record Check. This report must be dated less than 12 months old at the time of application [safety screening process].
- Device: You need an active email address and a smartphone (Android or iOS) capable of running the Bolt Driver App [General Registration Steps].
- Profile: A clear profile photo (head and shoulders, white background) is required [Required Driver Documents].
2. Mandatory Vehicle Compliance & Licensing
South African e-hailing regulations are becoming stricter, mandating several legal documents and quality checks for every vehicle:
Vehicle Documentation and Insurance
- Ownership Papers: You must provide the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC1).
- Insurance: Proof of a comprehensive insurance policy that specifically includes at least R5 million in passenger liability coverage is non-negotiable [commercial insurance coverage].
- Roadworthiness: The car must have a valid motor vehicle license disc and a current roadworthy certificate [Required Vehicle Documents].
New Regulatory Licensing
- E-Hailing Operating License: All drivers must now secure an official e-hailing operating license from the Department of Transport (DoT) or the relevant Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE). This license is tied to your specific vehicle [new regulatory licensing]. Without it, you cannot legally operate as a commercial e-hailing service provider [E-Hailing Regulatory Changes].
3. Car Category and Minimum Model Year Requirements
Bolt categorizes rides based on vehicle size, age, and luxury. The minimum model year is a strict requirement that varies by service tier:
| Bolt Category | Vehicle Type | Minimum Model Year | Quality Standard |
| Bolt Go / Standard | 4-door Hatchbacks & Sedans | 2014 or newer [Standard Vehicle Age and Inspection] | Must pass cARscan with a 70+ score. |
| Bolt XL / Bolt Van | 6- or 7-Seater Vehicles (SUVs or Vans) | 2015 or newer [XL Vehicle Requirements] | Used for larger groups; must also pass cARscan 70+. |
| Bolt Premium | Luxury Sedans and SUVs | 2015 or newer [Premium Vehicle Ages] | Requires higher luxury and condition standards. |
| Bolt Comfort | Newer, High-Quality Vehicles | 2022 or newer [highest-tier Bolt Comfort requirements] | Reserved for the newest and highest-quality vehicles. |
The cARscan Inspection
All vehicles used on the platform must pass a digital inspection using the cARscan app. This process involves taking specific photos of your vehicle’s interior and exterior, which are analyzed by AI to check for damage, cleanliness, and overall condition. To qualify, your vehicle must achieve a minimum score of 70 for both the interior and exterior condition [cARscan inspection score].
Next Steps
To begin your registration, visit the official Bolt Driver Sign Up Requirements page for South Africa and follow the step-by-step process. Keep all your documentation, especially your PrDP and background check, current to ensure continuous eligibility [Getting Started].
Leave a Reply