A driver profile is what a passenger sees before getting into a stranger’s car, and it is what the platform uses to decide whether you keep access. Both of those make it worth taking seriously rather than treating as a formality.
This page covers the profile requirements, the rating system that sits behind them, and what to do when the account is restricted or deactivated.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
What a driver profile generally requires.
- A valid South African driver’s licence, held for the period the platform requires
- A valid professional driving permit (PrDP) for carrying passengers for reward
- A vehicle with a valid operating licence or authorisation under the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009
- A current roadworthy certificate and valid vehicle licence
- Comprehensive insurance covering commercial e-hailing use
- A vehicle meeting the platform’s year model, type and condition requirements
- A police clearance certificate, where the platform requires it
- Proof of identity and the right to work in South Africa
- A clear profile photograph meeting the platform’s specification
- Accurate personal details matching your identity documents
- Current vehicle details matching the registered vehicle
- A rating above the platform’s minimum threshold
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
The profile photograph matters more than drivers expect. It is a passenger safety feature — it lets the passenger confirm the person at the wheel is the person booked. Use a clear, current, front-facing photograph in good light, with no sunglasses, hat or filter, and update it if your appearance changes materially.
Periodic selfie verification is used by most platforms to confirm the driver is the account holder. Complete it when prompted; a failed or ignored check restricts the account.
Never let another person drive on your account. It defeats the entire verification system, voids the insurance position, and is a terms breach with permanent consequences for the account holder.
Ratings are a business asset. Falling below the platform’s threshold restricts or ends access, and the account is your income. Cleanliness, punctuality, safe driving and ordinary courtesy are almost the whole of it and they cost nothing.
A small number of low ratings early on hurts disproportionately, because the average is over few trips. New drivers should be especially careful in the first weeks.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
What passengers rate on is largely the vehicle’s cleanliness and smell, the route taken, the driving, the temperature and music, and how they were spoken to. None of it requires expenditure and all of it is controllable.
Do not dispute a rating with a passenger. It does not change the rating and it produces complaints. Address the cause instead.
Complaints can deactivate an account. Serious allegations — safety, conduct, an accusation of an offence — typically result in immediate suspension pending investigation. That means no income while it runs.
Respond to any investigation promptly and in writing, with facts, dates and any evidence. Dashcam footage and trip records are what resolve a false accusation, which is the strongest argument for having a dashcam.
Ask for the reason and the appeal process if the account is restricted or deactivated. A platform should tell you what the allegation is and how to respond.
Drive for more than one platform where the terms allow. A single deactivation ending all income is the risk that diversification addresses, and it costs nothing to be registered on a second platform.
Keep your own records of trips, earnings and any incident, independently of the app.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
What is needed for the profile.
- A valid operating licence or authorisation
- The vehicle registration certificate and current licence disc
- A current roadworthy certificate
- Comprehensive insurance schedule showing e-hailing cover
- A valid driver’s licence and professional driving permit
- A police clearance certificate, where required
- A letter of authority from the owner, where the driver is not the owner
- Proof of identity and the right to work in South Africa
- Banking details in your own name
- A clear, current front-facing profile photograph
- Details matching your identity documents exactly
- Vehicle details matching the registered vehicle
Registration or Application Process
The operating licence is the legal requirement, not the platform’s. The National Land Transport Act requires the applicable operating licence or authorisation for a public transport service, issued through the provincial regulatory entity. Platform registration is not a substitute, and operating without it exposes the vehicle to impoundment. Confirm the current requirements with your provincial regulatory entity.
Set the profile up properly at registration — a good photograph, accurate details, and the safety features enabled — and complete verification checks when prompted.
Keep every document current. An expired licence, permit or insurance policy deactivates the account, usually without warning.
If deactivated, ask for the reason and the appeal process in writing, respond with facts and evidence, and keep the correspondence. Where a platform will not engage, and the amounts justify it, take advice on your position.
Keep records of trips, earnings and expenses. Income from this work is taxable and must be declared to SARS, and expenses actually incurred in producing it are deductible — but only with records. Registering as a provisional taxpayer may apply; confirm with SARS.
- Use a clear, current, front-facing profile photograph
- Complete selfie verification checks when prompted
- Never let another person drive on your account
- Treat the rating as a business asset — it is your access
- Be especially careful in the first weeks, when few trips set the average
- Focus on cleanliness, route, driving and courtesy — they cost nothing
- Fit a dashcam — it is what resolves a false accusation
- Respond to any investigation promptly, in writing, with evidence
- Ask for the reason and appeal process if restricted or deactivated
- Register on a second platform so one deactivation is not total
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the profile photograph matter?
It is a passenger safety feature — it lets the passenger confirm the driver is the person booked. Use a clear, current, front-facing photograph with no sunglasses, hat or filter.
What affects my rating?
Cleanliness and smell of the vehicle, the route taken, the driving, temperature and music, and how passengers are spoken to. None of it costs money.
What happens if I am accused of something?
Serious allegations usually result in immediate suspension pending investigation. Respond promptly in writing with facts and evidence — dashcam footage is what resolves a false accusation.
How do I protect against deactivation?
Keep documents current, maintain the rating, keep your own records, fit a dashcam, and register on a second platform so one deactivation does not end all income.
Profile requirements, rating thresholds, deactivation and appeal processes are set by the platform and are revised. Confirm current requirements and the appeal process with the platform.