Uber driver requirements in South Africa: quick application guide (2025)
Uber driving in South Africa offers a great opportunity to earn a flexible income, but the company must be satisfied with your credibility before accepting your application. Uber driver requirements revolve around the vehicle's condition and specifications, documentation, and driver evaluation.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
To become an Uber driver in South Africa, you should:
- Have an Uber-recommended car and a smartphone to use the Uber app.
- Be 21 years or older.
- Have a valid South African professional driving permit.
- Complete a safety screening check.
- Have comprehensive car insurance.
Uber Driver Requirements in South Africa
Your driving account will be activated after Uber is satisfied with your application. For a successful onboarding process, all essential requirements below must be met.
Source: Getty Images
Uber vehicle requirements
Your car should meet the following criteria before joining the taxi app:
- The vehicle model year must be 3 years or newer. Salvaged or rebuilt cars are not permitted.
- The ABS, passenger, and driver airbag safety features must be fitted.
- It should be in good condition.
- It should not have cosmetic damage, i.e. no paint scratches, dings on the body, or scraped bumpers.
- Taxi cabs, government vehicles, and other marked cars cannot be used for Uber services.
- Uber Comfort drivers should be highly rated with a minimum rating of 4.92.
- The car can be a 4-door hatchback, a 4-door sedan, a 4-door SUV or a minivan, depending on the Uber product. Hatchbacks are only permitted on UberGO, while high-end services like Uber Black require luxury cars.
For a full list of eligible car models for UberComfort, UberGO, UberX, Uber Black, UberVan, and UberXL, check the official Uber vehicle requirements list.
Source: Getty Images
Uber car registration requirements
Your vehicle's registration document should have a VIN, a registration number, and the expiration date of technical inspection. Ensure the following criteria are met:
- Both sides of the registration are clear.
- All four corners of the document are visible.
Drivers with recently purchased vehicles can attach a temporary registration certificate and then update it later after obtaining a permanent one. Uber does not accept license plates, registration applications, or indications to extend validity as proof of registration.
Source: Getty Images
Uber document requirements
The following driver documents are required. They must be original and clear before uploading:
- A valid South African professional driving permit (PrDP). Drivers can update their PrDP directly through the Driver App when it expires.
- South African identification: All drivers must be 21 years old or older.
- A clear driver profile picture.
- A valid safety screening certificate.
- A valid Driving Evaluation Certificate: This requirement is for drivers in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
The following vehicle documents are also required in their original form:
- Operating Card (Double Disk).
- Uber vehicle inspection certificate. If you are in Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, or Johannesburg, ensure you provide Dekra certificates. If your car is newer than 6 months, the inspection report is not mandatory. You can upload the vehicle certificate of registration.
- A comprehensive car insurance cover.
- An operating license, an official applicant receipt, or a Grant/Decision letter. It can be obtained from the Department of Transport in Cape Town, Pretoria, or Johannesburg.
Source: Getty Images
Uber safety screening requirements
Aspiring Uber drivers should undergo screening checks to ascertain their criminal record and competency. The screening can be done at PostNet stores, Jetline stores, or registered Huru/MIE capture partners.
Drivers can also go for background checks at Uber driving evaluation test centres in Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). After the screening, the driver should:
- Upload both pages of the Huru safety screening.
- Upload one page of the MIE safety screening.
Drivers are required to go for screening re-checks yearly to remain active on the Uber app. Those whose screening check documents are about to expire should book at least 4 weeks prior to ensure the background check is done in time.
How to join Uber with your car
Follow these steps to create an Uber driving account:
- Sign up online by going to the official Uber website. You should have an email and a smartphone with access to the internet.
- Fill in details about yourself in the window that appears.
- Complete the Uber safety screening process.
- Upload the required driver and vehicle documents as PDF files or images. Start with your driver's license.
- Get a vehicle that meets the requirements explained above.
- Activate your account to become an official Uber driver.
Source: UGC
What is the oldest car Uber will accept?
The oldest car should be three years old across all Uber services. In 2025, one can only drive models from 2022.
How much does an Uber driver earn?
Uber drivers in South Africa earn between R1,300 and R18,000 per month, according to Indeed. The amount one makes depends on factors like time, location, and how often you drive.
The platform occasionally offers surge pricing and promotional incentives, which increase pay. Driver earnings are usually deposited in your bank account weekly.
Uber driver requirements in South Africa ensure a thorough onboarding process, which is essential to guarantee comfort and high-quality services offered to customers. Anyone can become an Uber driver, either on a part-time basis to earn extra income or as a full-time career.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
READ ALSO: Bolt driver requirements, documents and car considerations for South Africa
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Apart from rides, Bolt offers package and food delivery services. Check the article for more on how you can start driving.
Source: Briefly News
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