To drive for inDrive in South Africa you need the same legal basis as any other e-hailing platform: a valid driving licence, a professional driving permit for carrying passengers, a roadworthy and insured vehicle, and an operating licence for that vehicle. inDrive then applies its own driver and vehicle criteria.
inDrive differs from other platforms in its fare model, where passengers and drivers negotiate the fare rather than the platform setting it. That changes how you earn but not what the law requires of you, and the legal requirements are identical.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
Before registering, check that you can satisfy all of the following.
- A valid South African driving licence of the correct code
- A professional driving permit issued for passenger transport
- A criminal record and background check
- A vehicle meeting inDrive age and condition criteria
- A valid roadworthy certificate and insurance covering e-hailing use
- An operating licence for the vehicle
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
The licence and permit requirements are set by law rather than by the platform, so they are the same for inDrive as for any other e-hailing service. A professional driving permit is required for carrying passengers for reward.
Drivers who are not South African citizens need a permit allowing them to work. Confirm your position with the Department of Home Affairs, since platform acceptance of your documents does not settle the legal question.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
inDrive sets its own vehicle criteria covering age and condition, and these have historically been more accommodating than some competing platforms. Confirm the current criteria for your city rather than assuming.
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.
- Your valid driving licence
- Your identity document, or a passport and a permit allowing you to work
- Your professional driving permit
- The vehicle registration papers
- A valid roadworthy certificate
- Proof of insurance covering e-hailing use
- The operating licence for the vehicle
- A bank account in your own name
Registration or Application Process
Registration is done through the inDrive driver application: you upload documents, pass verification and complete onboarding before you can accept trips.
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 is inDrive different from other platforms?
Passengers and drivers negotiate the fare rather than the platform setting it. The legal requirements for driving are identical.
Do I need a PrDP for inDrive?
Yes. Carrying passengers for reward requires a professional driving permit regardless of platform.
Do I need an operating licence?
Yes. It is a legal requirement for e-hailing vehicles in South Africa.
Are inDrive vehicle requirements less strict?
They have historically been more accommodating on vehicle age and condition than some competitors, but confirm the current criteria for your city.
Confirm licence and permit requirements with your provincial licensing authority and vehicle criteria with inDrive directly. See rideshare driver requirements, PDP requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.