A car used on Uber in South Africa must meet Uber vehicle criteria for the city and service tier, be roadworthy, carry insurance covering e-hailing use, and hold a valid operating licence. The vehicle requirements are separate from the driver requirements and both must be satisfied.
Uber vehicle criteria differ between service tiers and between cities and are revised periodically. Confirm the current list for your city and tier before buying or financing anything, because this is where drivers most often lose money.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
A vehicle is assessed against the following before activation.
- Vehicle age, measured against Uber limit for your city and tier
- Model and body type, checked against Uber accepted vehicle list
- Number of doors and passenger seats
- General condition, assessed at inspection, including bodywork and interior
- A valid roadworthy certificate
- Insurance covering fare-paying passengers
- A valid operating licence for e-hailing use
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
The vehicle requirements are separate from the driver requirements, but a vehicle cannot be activated without a driver who independently qualifies, including holding a professional driving permit.
If you intend to own a vehicle and have someone else drive it, both sides must qualify. Uber sets requirements for the fleet or owner arrangement, and the commercial terms between owner and driver are a separate matter worth recording in writing.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Age limits are the criterion that most often disqualifies a vehicle, and they are measured from first registration rather than from when you bought it. A vehicle that qualifies today may fall outside the limit within a year or two, which matters if you are financing it over a longer term.
Uber inspects vehicles before activation and re-inspects periodically. The inspection covers roadworthiness alongside Uber own condition standards, so a vehicle can hold a valid roadworthy certificate and still be declined on bodywork or interior condition. Ordinary private motor insurance generally does not cover carrying fare-paying passengers. Confirm in writing with your insurer that your policy covers e-hailing use, because discovering otherwise after an accident is the most expensive way to find out.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
Expect to supply the following.
- The vehicle registration certificate
- A valid roadworthy certificate
- Proof of insurance covering e-hailing use
- The operating licence issued for the vehicle
- Photographs of the vehicle, where Uber requests them
- A letter of authority from the owner, if you are not the registered owner
Registration or Application Process
The vehicle is registered through the Uber driver account: documents are uploaded, the vehicle is presented for inspection, and it is activated once both vehicle and driver are approved.
An operating licence is a legal requirement for e-hailing vehicles in South Africa. It is issued by the provincial regulatory entity, attaches to the vehicle and the service, and is separate from anything the platform requires. Applications commonly take months, so start well before you plan to begin driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old can my car be for Uber?
Uber sets an age limit that differs by city and service tier and changes over time. Check the current requirements for your city rather than relying on a figure from elsewhere.
Can I put a financed car on Uber?
Generally yes, but check the finance agreement and the insurance, since some restrict commercial use, and check the vehicle will stay within the age limit for the term.
Does my normal car insurance cover Uber?
Usually not. Private cover generally excludes carrying fare-paying passengers. Confirm in writing with your insurer.
Do I need an operating licence?
Yes. It is a legal requirement for e-hailing vehicles and is issued by the provincial regulatory entity.
Confirm current vehicle criteria with Uber for your city and tier, operating licence requirements with the provincial regulatory entity, and cover with your insurer in writing. See rideshare driver requirements, PDP requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.