There is no separate “e-hailing permit” you collect online. E-hailing now needs an e-hailing operating licence, applied for on Form 1B to the provincial regulatory entity, for a vehicle used with an e-hailing platform that is registered with the National Public Transport Regulator. The driver also needs a professional driving permit (PrDP). The National Land Transport Amendment Act and regulations were gazetted on 12 September 2025; see the Department of Transport statement.
Operators who held charter permits or metered taxi licences had 180 days from 12 September 2025 to apply to convert them, and that window has now passed.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
- An e-hailing operating licence for the vehicle, from the provincial regulatory entity
- A platform that is registered with the National Public Transport Regulator; without a registered app no operator can convert or apply for a new e-hailing operating licence
- A valid driving licence and a PrDP for the driver
- A SAPS criminal record report and a driver’s affidavit on pending criminal investigations
- A panic button fitted to the vehicle, and vehicle markings showing it is an e-hailing vehicle
- A signed copy of the agreement or terms accepted from the platform provider
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
The operating licence comes from the provincial regulatory entity, not the app. The application goes on Form 1B, with the information, documents and fee set in the National Land Transport Regulations. The regulations allow an e-hailing licence only where the platform provider is registered with the National Public Transport Regulator, so check your platform’s status first. The regulator decides a conversion application within 60 days of receiving it.
The platform’s approval is not a permit. An app account is an arrangement with a private company. It does not replace the operating licence.
A driver needs a PrDP on top of the driving licence. A PrDP is needed for any vehicle for which an operating licence is issued, and you must be 21 or older to hold a passenger PrDP.
Penalties are aimed at platforms. App developers who let people use their apps without an operating licence risk a fine of up to R100,000 or up to two years in jail. If you drive on someone else’s vehicle, ask the owner for proof that the operating licence exists. See the Department of Transport notice on converting permits.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Before issuing a licence, the regulator must be satisfied about a SAPS criminal record report for the driver, a driver’s affidavit on pending criminal investigations, a valid driving licence and PrDP, a panic button in the vehicle and vehicle markings.
The Department of Transport says each vehicle must carry a sign showing that it is an e-hailing vehicle, and that vehicle owners are responsible for making sure the panic buttons are installed.
Ask your insurer how your cover treats carrying passengers for reward before your first trip, and ask the regulatory entity whether it requires proof of insurance.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
PrDP. Go to your nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC) and complete the PD1 application form. You need a valid driving licence for the vehicle type, a medical fitness certificate (valid only if not older than two months), and no recent drink-driving or violence convictions. The permit can take up to 12 weeks, so apply early. See the gov.za PrDP page.
Operating licence. The provincial regulatory entity publishes checklists of the documents it wants. The regulations require the criminal record report, the driver’s affidavit and the platform agreement mentioned above. Other documents, such as proof of address or a roadworthy certificate, vary by province, so use your province’s checklist.
Registration or Application Process
Applying for an e-hailing permit online. No national online application channel is published. In the Western Cape, the regulatory entity offers online sign-up and email for public operating licences, but states that metered and e-hailing applications must be submitted in person. It lists Forms 1A, 1B (Western Cape only), 10, 20 and 30 with checklists. See the Western Cape application page. Other provinces differ, so ask your provincial regulatory entity before you travel.
Fees. Operators pay the standard operating licence application fee; the Department of Transport does not publish an amount in its statements, so ask the regulatory entity. Do not confuse this with the R5,000 platform registration fee, which is for app providers.
Never buy a permit from an intermediary. Operating licences are issued by the regulatory entity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to drive e-hailing?
The vehicle needs an e-hailing operating licence from the provincial regulatory entity, and the driver needs a driving licence plus a PrDP.
Can I apply for an e-hailing permit online?
It depends on the province. The Western Cape requires e-hailing applications in person. Check with your provincial regulatory entity.
Who applies for the operating licence?
The application is made by the applicant, which the regulations tie to the vehicle owner. If you drive someone else’s vehicle, ask the owner for proof of the licence before you start.
Can I still convert my old charter or metered taxi licence?
The 180-day conversion window from 12 September 2025 has closed. Ask your provincial regulatory entity what applies if your conversion decision is still pending or if you need a new licence.
What is the minimum age for a PrDP?
You must be 21 or older to hold a PrDP for a passenger vehicle.
Confirm requirements, fees and the application channel with your provincial regulatory entity. See rideshare driver requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.