Requirements

Uber Driver Requirements

To drive for Uber in South Africa you need a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), a Safety Screening result, a profile photo and a vehicle that meets Uber’s criteria with an approved inspection report. By law the vehicle also needs an e-hailing operating licence. These are Uber’s own uber requirements as published on Uber’s South Africa requirements page.

Two sets of rules apply: Uber’s platform rules, and the law (the PrDP and the operating licence). Meeting one does not satisfy the other, and Uber can change its vehicle criteria at any time.

Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance

Licence and Eligibility Requirements

Uber lists a valid South African PrDP as a driver document. The law goes further: before the regulator issues an e-hailing operating licence it must be satisfied that the driver holds the relevant driving licence and PrDP required by the National Road Traffic Act. The application also includes a SAPS Criminal Record Report on the driver and a signed declaration that no criminal investigations are pending.

Uber’s requirements page does not state a minimum age or a minimum period for holding your driving licence. If either matters in your case, ask Uber through its driver help channels before you spend money on a screening or a vehicle. Uber’s pages also say nothing about nationality, so foreign nationals should confirm their right to work with the Department of Home Affairs.

Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements

Vehicle rules depend on the Uber service. As published for 2026 on Uber’s vehicle requirements page:

Vehicles need ABS and driver and passenger airbags, and must be in good condition. Taxi cabs, government cars, other marked vehicles, full-sized vans or trucks, and salvaged or rebuilt vehicles are not accepted. Our Uber vehicle requirements page covers each service in more detail.

Uber says a Roadworthy Certificate is not required for its platform; only its own inspection reports from DEKRA or Scans AI are considered. Under the e-hailing regulations the vehicle must also be fitted with a panic button and carry the operator’s name and business address on both front doors before an operating licence is issued.

Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence

Uber’s required documents page lists these driver documents:

A Permanent PrDP card verifies your permit. Temporary PrDP certificates cannot be uploaded to Uber, so holders of a temporary permit must submit a Driver Verification Report instead. Upload your driver’s licence first, one image or PDF at a time. Uber accepts originals only, not photocopies.

For the vehicle, Uber Go, Go Electric and Mini need a virtual inspection report (Scans AI). Black, Comfort, XL and Van need a comprehensive inspection report (DEKRA).

Registration or Application Process

To register as an Uber driver, apply through the Sign up button on Uber’s South Africa requirements page. You need an email address and a smartphone. The steps are:

  1. Sign up online
  2. Complete the Safety Screening at a PostNet or Jetline store or a registered Huru/MIE partner (upload both pages of a Huru screening, one page of an MIE screening)
  3. Upload your documents
  4. Get a vehicle that meets the requirements for your service
  5. Activate your account

The Safety Screening is something you complete and upload yourself; it is not run by Uber on your behalf. Apply for the operating licence separately: the application goes to the regulatory entity on Form 1B with the specified documents and fee, plus a copy of the agreement or terms you accepted with the platform. The PrDP and the operating licence come from public authorities, so start them early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PrDP to drive for Uber?

Yes. Uber lists a valid South African PrDP among its driver documents, and the e-hailing regulations require the driver to hold the PrDP the National Road Traffic Act requires.

Do I need an operating licence?

Yes. The Second National Land Transport Regulations, 2025 allow e-hailing only where the platform provider is registered with the National Public Transport Regulator and an operating licence has been issued for the vehicle. Operators holding licences issued before the regulations had 180 days from 12 September 2025 to apply to convert them, and that period has passed.

How do I register as an Uber driver?

Sign up online, complete the Safety Screening, upload your photo, screening results and PrDP, get an eligible vehicle and activate your account. Start on the Uber South Africa requirements page.

Is a roadworthy certificate required?

Uber says no: it considers only its own DEKRA and Scans AI inspection reports. Confirm with your regulatory entity whether it asks for anything further when you apply for the operating licence.

What are Uber’s insurance requirements in South Africa?

Uber’s requirements pages do not set out an insurance rule. Ask your insurer in writing whether your policy covers e-hailing, and ask Uber what it expects.

Confirm driver rules and platform criteria with Uber, PrDP and licence rules with your provincial licensing authority, and operating licence rules with your regulatory entity (see the Second National Land Transport Regulations, 2025). See rideshare driver requirements, PDP requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.