Uber Van and XL are driven in the same product category. As published for 2026, the uber van requirements are a model year 8 years or newer (2019 or later), a 5-door MPV or Premium MPV, ABS and driver and passenger airbags, good condition with no cosmetic damage, and a DEKRA comprehensive inspection report. The details are on Uber’s vehicle requirements page.
Uber lists XL and Van together and states no seat count. The law adds its own requirements for e-hailing vehicles, including an operating licence, and Uber can change its vehicle criteria at any time without notice.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
- Model year 8 years or newer (2019 or later in 2026)
- A 5-door MPV or Premium MPV
- ABS plus driver and passenger airbags
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- A DEKRA comprehensive vehicle inspection report
- A valid South African PrDP and a Safety Screening result for the driver
- An e-hailing operating licence for the vehicle, a panic button and operator marking, as the regulations require
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
Uber lists a valid South African Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) as a driver document. Under the e-hailing regulations, the regulatory entity must be satisfied that the driver holds the relevant driving licence and PrDP required by the National Road Traffic Act before it issues an operating licence. Uber’s pages do not say which driving licence code or PrDP category a particular vehicle needs, so ask your provincial licensing authority before you buy a van or MPV.
An e-hailing operating licence is issued for the specific vehicle used. Apply to the regulatory entity on Form 1B with the specified documents and fee, a SAPS Criminal Record Report on the driver, a signed declaration of no pending criminal investigations, and a copy of the agreement or terms you accepted with the platform.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Uber’s exclusions apply to every product: no taxi cabs, government cars or other marked vehicles, no full-sized vans or trucks, and no salvaged or rebuilt vehicles. Uber defines cosmetic damage as damage with no effect on structure or function, such as paint scratches, scraped bumpers or dings. XL and Van vehicles must have none.
Uber says a Roadworthy Certificate is not required for its platform; only inspection reports from DEKRA or Scans AI are considered, and XL and Van need the comprehensive DEKRA report. The e-hailing regulations separately require a panic button connected to a private security or tracking provider and tested at least monthly, and the operator’s name and business address on both front doors.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
On the required documents page, Uber lists the driver’s profile photo, Safety Screening results and a valid South African PrDP, plus the DEKRA inspection report for the vehicle. A Permanent PrDP card verifies your permit. Temporary PrDP certificates cannot be uploaded, so temporary permit holders submit a Driver Verification Report. Uber accepts original documents only, not photocopies.
Registration or Application Process
- Sign up online at Uber’s South Africa requirements page with an email address and a smartphone
- Complete a Safety Screening at a PostNet or Jetline store or a registered Huru/MIE partner
- Upload your documents
- Get a vehicle that meets the XL/Van requirements and the DEKRA inspection
- Activate your account
Apply for the operating licence through your regulatory entity as well. See Second National Land Transport Regulations, 2025 for the e-hailing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Uber Van requirements?
A model year of 2019 or later (8 years or newer in 2026), a 5-door MPV or Premium MPV, ABS and airbags, good condition with no cosmetic damage, and a DEKRA comprehensive inspection report.
Do I need a different driving licence?
Uber does not state a driving licence code for XL or Van. The law requires the driving licence and PrDP that the National Road Traffic Act requires for the vehicle, so confirm the code with your provincial licensing authority.
Does the operating licence limit capacity?
The operating licence is issued for the specific vehicle used. Uber’s pages state no capacity figure for XL or Van, so ask your regulatory entity what your licence allows.
Is a roadworthy certificate required?
Uber says a Roadworthy Certificate is not required; it considers only DEKRA and Scans AI inspection reports. Ask your regulatory entity whether it needs anything more for the operating licence.
Confirm vehicle rules with Uber, driving licence and PrDP rules with your licensing authority and operating licence rules with your regulatory entity. See rideshare driver requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.