The bolt car requirements in South Africa come down to three things: the car must pass a cARscan inspection with a score of at least 70 for both interior and exterior, it must fit the type, model-year and city rules of the Bolt category you want to drive in, and the owner needs an e-hailing operating licence from the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
Bolt’s vehicle rules differ by category and city and are updated from time to time, so check the Bolt car categories guide and the Driver app for your city before you buy or finance a car. Vehicle requirements are separate from the driver requirements; both must be met.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
To get a car onto Bolt you need the following.
- A cARscan inspection report scoring at least 70 for both interior and exterior
- A car that meets the type, model-year, seat and city requirements of its Bolt category
- A valid e-hailing operating licence for the vehicle, applied for by the registered owner or operator
- A driver who independently qualifies, including a valid PrDP
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
Every e-hailing vehicle needs a valid e-hailing operating licence. It is applied for by the registered owner or operator at the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE). Bolt does not issue or approve operating licences, as its operating licence guide explains.
A car also cannot be activated without a qualifying driver. See rideshare driver requirements for the driver side, including the PrDP. If you do not own a car, Bolt lists rental fleet partners, each with its own terms.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Bolt uses an online self-inspection through the cARscan (Scans.AI) app. It is a guided inspection of up to 30 minutes, costs R249 paid by card before you start, and the report is ready by 7am the next day. A minimum score of 70 is needed for both interior and exterior, and Bolt may still decline a vehicle that does not meet its Quality Standards. Details are in Bolt’s car inspection guide.
Each Bolt category sets its own requirements by car type, model year, seats and city. A good inspection score alone is not enough, because the category is decided from eNaTIS data and Bolt’s business rules. Bolt’s public guide does not list the exact age limits, so confirm them in the Driver app for your city before committing to a vehicle.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
For onboarding the car, Bolt says only one vehicle document is needed: the cARscan inspection report, which includes a scan of the licence disc. A separate Double Disc (licence disc plus roadworthy) is no longer required, according to Bolt’s roadworthiness guide.
The operating licence has its own paperwork, submitted to the PRE. Bolt lists the following.
- Form 1B for your province
- A certified ID, passport or work permit, less than three months old
- A SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN
- A labour declaration and the vehicle details
- Bolt’s affiliation letter and platform terms
- An agency letter, if the vehicle is not in your name
Some PREs also ask for a roadworthy certificate, panic button, branding or police clearance, so ask your PRE what it requires.
Registration or Application Process
Add the car in the Bolt Driver app under Settings, then vehicles, then Add new vehicle. Enter the plate number without spaces or dashes, fill in the car details, upload the cARscan PDF and use the licence disc expiry date. The full steps are in Bolt’s car linking guide.
The operating licence is the slow step. Bolt states a PRE application fee of R600 per vehicle (confirm the current fee with your PRE) and says processing often takes about 60 to 90 days, depending on the province. Start the application early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Bolt car requirements in South Africa?
A cARscan inspection report scoring at least 70 for interior and exterior, a car that fits its Bolt category rules for your city, and an e-hailing operating licence from the PRE.
What documents do I need to put a car on Bolt?
Only the cARscan inspection report, which includes the licence disc scan, is needed to onboard the car. The operating licence is applied for separately with the PRE.
How old can my car be for Bolt?
It depends on the category and city. Bolt’s public guide does not state the limits, so check the Driver app for your city before you buy.
How much does the Bolt car inspection cost?
Bolt states R249, paid by card online before you start the inspection.
Does my insurance cover Bolt driving?
Confirm this with your insurer in writing before you start. Cover for carrying paying passengers is not something to assume.
Do I need an operating licence?
Yes. Every e-hailing vehicle needs one, and Bolt does not issue it. The registered owner or operator applies to the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
Confirm current vehicle criteria with Bolt through the Bolt Driver guide, and operating licence requirements and fees with your Provincial Regulatory Entity. For the wider picture see rideshare driver requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.