Uber sets car requirements by product, and the cut-offs roll forward each year. In 2026 an Uber Go car can be a hatchback or sedan from model year 2014, Comfort cars must be 2022 or newer, and Van/XL vehicles 2019 or newer. Every product requires ABS and driver and passenger airbags.
These are the figures on Uber’s vehicle requirements page, which Uber may change at any time without notice. Your car also needs an e-hailing operating licence under the 2025 regulations.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
Uber car requirements South Africa by product, as published for 2026:
- Uber Go: hatchback or sedan, model year 12 years or newer (2014 in 2026), ABS and airbags, good condition with no cosmetic damage, and room for a maximum of 2 passengers besides the driver
- Uber Comfort: 4-door sedan, SUV or Premium MPV, model year 5 years or newer (2022 in 2026), ABS and airbags, seating for at least 4 passengers besides the driver, and a driver rating of at least 4.9
- Uber Van/XL: 5-door MPV or Premium MPV, 8 years or newer (2019 in 2026), ABS and airbags
- Uber Black: luxury sedans from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus or Jaguar
Uber’s page also mentions other sedans in its text, so check the Uber driver app for the exact list that applies to your city.
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
A car cannot be used on its own: the driver must qualify too. Uber asks for a driver profile photo, safety screening results and a valid South African PrDP. A temporary PrDP certificate cannot be uploaded; you must complete a Driver Verification and upload the resulting report, while a permanent PrDP card can be used directly. See our guide to PDP requirements.
Under regulation 13 of the Second National Land Transport Regulations, 2025, e-hailing may only be provided where the platform provider is registered with the National Public Transport Regulator and an operating licence has been issued for the vehicle used.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Uber excludes full-sized vans or trucks, taxi cabs, government cars or other marked vehicles, and salvaged or rebuilt vehicles. These car qualifications apply on top of the age and body-type limits above.
Uber does not require a Roadworthy Certificate. It considers only inspection reports from Dekra and Scans AI: Uber Go, Go Electric and Mini use a virtual inspection (Scans AI), and Black, Comfort, XL and Van use a comprehensive inspection (Dekra).
The regulations also require panic buttons connected to a private security or tracking provider appointed by the operator, tested at least monthly and usable by both passengers and the driver (regulation 16). Ask your insurer in writing whether your policy covers e-hailing use before you start.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
- Your driver’s licence, uploaded first
- Your valid South African PrDP (a Driver Verification Report if you hold only a temporary certificate)
- Safety screening results and a profile photo
- The vehicle inspection report: Scans AI for Go, Go Electric and Mini, or Dekra for Black, Comfort, XL and Van
- The e-hailing operating licence for the vehicle
Upload original documents only, one image or PDF at a time. Uber does not accept photocopies. See Uber’s document list.
Registration or Application Process
To register a car on Uber, sign up as a driver, complete screening and upload your documents, then add the vehicle in the Uber driver app with the inspection report required for its product.
In 2026 the vehicle also needs an e-hailing operating licence. You apply to the provincial regulatory entity on Form 1B with the prescribed documents, the application fee and the platform agreement. Start the licence application before you plan to drive, and ask the entity about fees and processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Uber car requirements in South Africa?
Model year, body type, ABS and airbags, condition and an inspection report, all depending on the product. For 2026 the oldest eligible model year is 2014 for Go, 2022 for Comfort and 2019 for Van/XL.
How old can my car be for Uber?
Uber Go accepts cars 12 years old or newer, Uber Comfort 5 years or newer, and Van/XL 8 years or newer. Uber can change these limits without notice, so recheck each year.
Which cars are eligible for Uber?
Hatchbacks and sedans for Go, 4-door sedans, SUVs and Premium MPVs for Comfort, MPVs for Van/XL, and luxury sedans from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Jaguar for Black. Salvaged or rebuilt cars, taxi cabs and marked vehicles are excluded.
How do I register my car on Uber?
Add it in the Uber driver app after your driver profile is approved, with a Scans AI or Dekra inspection report, and obtain the e-hailing operating licence from your provincial regulatory entity.
Do I need a roadworthy certificate for Uber?
No. Uber states that a Roadworthy Certificate is not required, but you do need a Dekra or Scans AI inspection report.
Confirm current vehicle criteria with Uber for your tier and your operating licence with the provincial regulatory entity. See rideshare driver requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.