To drive for Uber in South Africa you need a valid driving licence, a professional driving permit for carrying passengers, a clear background check, access to a vehicle meeting Uber criteria, and an operating licence for that vehicle. You then register through Uber and complete onboarding before you can accept trips.
Two separate sets of rules apply. The professional driving permit and the operating licence are legal requirements set by public authorities. The vehicle criteria and the account are Uber own rules. Satisfying one set does not satisfy the other.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
Before spending money on a vehicle or an application, 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 background and criminal record check, which Uber runs
- A vehicle meeting Uber age, model and condition criteria for your city
- A valid roadworthy certificate and insurance covering e-hailing use
- An operating licence for the vehicle
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
You need a valid driving licence covering the vehicle you will drive, and Uber normally requires that you have held it for a minimum period rather than simply that it is currently valid. A recently issued licence can therefore be a barrier even though it is legitimate.
Applicants who are not South African citizens can generally drive for e-hailing platforms, but only on a permit that allows them to work. The status that qualifies you and the documents that prove it are set by the Department of Home Affairs, so confirm your own position there rather than relying on what other drivers say.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Uber sets criteria covering vehicle age, permitted models, number of doors and seats, and general condition, and these differ between its service tiers and between cities. Vehicles are inspected before activation and periodically thereafter.
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 for payouts
Registration or Application Process
Registration is done through Uber: you create a driver account, upload documents, pass the background check, have the vehicle inspected and complete onboarding before activation.
The slow steps are not Uber. The professional driving permit, the police clearance and the operating licence all come from public authorities and take considerably longer than platform onboarding. Start those first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PrDP to drive for Uber?
Carrying passengers for reward requires a professional driving permit. It is a legal requirement, not a platform preference.
Do I need an operating licence?
Yes. It is a legal requirement for e-hailing vehicles, issued by the provincial regulatory entity and separate from Uber requirements.
Can I drive a car I do not own?
Yes, under a fleet or owner arrangement. Uber sets requirements for both parties, and the commercial terms with the owner should be in writing.
Does my normal insurance cover Uber driving?
Usually not. Private cover generally excludes carrying fare-paying passengers. Confirm in writing with your insurer.
Confirm licence and permit requirements with your provincial licensing authority, operating licence requirements with the provincial regulatory entity, and vehicle criteria with Uber directly. See rideshare driver requirements, PDP requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.