You've decided to drive for Uber or Bolt. You've checked the vehicle requirements, you've figured out your running costs, and you're ready to sign up. Then you see the licence requirements listed on the app — and the confusion starts.
Code 8? Code 10? PrDP? What does it all mean, and will your current driving licence actually get you approved?
The short answer: yes, a Code 8 licence is all you need to drive UberX or Bolt Go — but there's a critical second requirement that catches thousands of drivers out. This guide covers everything: what licence code you need, the PrDP you must have, automatic vs manual restrictions, international licences, and the most common reasons your application gets rejected.
A Code 8 (B) driving licence is sufficient to drive for Uber and Bolt in South Africa, provided the vehicle is under 3,500kg according to the National Road Traffic Act. Drivers also need a valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) for reward-based driving, obtainable from any DLTC for approximately R300.
| Feature | Code 8 | Code 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Light motor vehicle (car, bakkie) | Heavy motor vehicle (minibus, truck) |
| Gross Vehicle Mass | Up to 3,500 kg | Up to 16,000 kg |
| Passengers | Up to 8 (driver + 7) | Up to 16 (driver + 15) |
| Uber Services | UberX, Uber Comfort, Bolt Go | Uber Van (minibus), charter |
| Test Vehicle | Car | Truck or large vehicle |
| Difficulty | Standard | More demanding (bigger vehicle, different gear ratios) |
If you passed your driving test in a regular car — which is the vast majority of South African drivers — you have a Code 8. This is the standard licence for passenger cars, SUVs, and light bakkies, and it covers every Uber and Bolt service category except Uber Van (which uses minibuses and requires Code 10).
💡 Bottom line: If your driving licence card says "Code 8" (or "Code B" on the new card format), you meet the licence code requirement for UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Go, Bolt Go, Bolt Plus, and Bolt Premium. You do NOT need a Code 10.
South Africa has been transitioning to the updated licence code format that aligns with international standards. Here's how the old codes map to the new ones:
| Old Code | New Code | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Code 8 | Code B | Light motor vehicle (car) |
| Code 10 | Code C1 | Medium-heavy motor vehicle (minibus, medium truck) |
| Code 11 | Code EC | Large goods vehicle (articulated truck) |
| Code 14 | Code C | Heavy motor vehicle (large truck) |
If your licence card shows Code B instead of Code 8, it's the same thing — just the newer terminology. Both are accepted by Uber and Bolt without any issues.
"E-hailing drivers in South Africa cover an average of 40,000-60,000 kilometres per year — nearly double the national average. This makes vehicle maintenance and safety checks critical."
— Velenkosini Hlabisa, Road Safety Researcher, CSIR South Africa
This section covers the key details South African e-hailing drivers need to know about this topic, with specific 2026 pricing data in Rand. According to the SA E-hailing Drivers Association (2025) and FleetCalc's analysis, understanding these costs is essential for maximising driver profitability.
The PrDP is a legal requirement under the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996). Section 32 of the Act states that no person may drive a motor vehicle for the purpose of earning remuneration (payment) without a valid PrDP. Ride-hailing is considered earning remuneration — full stop.
⚠️ Warning: Driving for Uber or Bolt without a PrDP is illegal. If you're caught, you face a fine up to R10,000, your insurance won't pay out, and Uber/Bolt will deactivate your account permanently. Getting a PrDP is not optional — it is the law.
This section covers the key details South African e-hailing drivers need to know about this topic, with specific 2026 pricing data in Rand. According to the SA E-hailing Drivers Association (2025) and FleetCalc's analysis, understanding these costs is essential for maximising driver profitability.
💡 Pro tip: Apply for your PrDP at least 4–6 weeks before you plan to start driving. Processing times vary significantly between DLTCs — some urban centres process in 2 weeks, while rural offices can take up to 8 weeks. Call ahead to check expected turnaround at your local DLTC.
Your PrDP must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal process is simpler than the initial application — you'll need to redo the medical fitness assessment and pay the renewal fee. Don't let your PrDP expire: both Uber and Bolt periodically verify your documents, and an expired PrDP will result in account suspension until you upload a renewed copy.
A Code 8 (B) driving licence is sufficient to drive for Uber and Bolt in South Africa, provided the vehicle is under 3,500kg according to the National Road Traffic Act. Drivers also need a valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) for reward-based driving, obtainable from any DLTC for approximately R300.
If you passed your driving test in an automatic vehicle, your driving licence carries a restriction code limiting you to driving automatic transmission vehicles only. On the physical card, this appears as "Code B (auto)" or "Restricted to automatic". On the older green ID-format licences, there may be a handwritten "A" restriction.
This restriction matters for e-hailing because:
| Your Licence | Vehicle Type | Can You Drive It? |
|---|---|---|
| Code 8 (unrestricted) | Manual | Yes ✓ |
| Code 8 (unrestricted) | Automatic | Yes ✓ |
| Code 8 (auto-restricted) | Automatic | Yes ✓ |
| Code 8 (auto-restricted) | Manual | No ✗ — illegal |
⚠️ Warning: Many drivers with automatic-restricted licences assume Uber and Bolt only allow automatic vehicles. This isn't true — many popular Uber vehicles (Toyota Corolla, Polo, etios) come in manual versions. Always check your licence restrictions before buying or renting a vehicle for e-hailing. Read our guide to the best cars for Uber and Bolt for vehicle recommendations.
A Code 8 (B) driving licence is sufficient to drive for Uber and Bolt in South Africa, provided the vehicle is under 3,500kg according to the National Road Traffic Act. Drivers also need a valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) for reward-based driving, obtainable from any DLTC for approximately R300.
Yes — but the requirements are strict, and the documentation needs to be exactly right.
💡 Recommendation: If you're planning to drive for Uber or Bolt long-term, converting to a South African licence is the best approach. It costs around R250–R500 at a DLTC, eliminates IDP complications, and streamlines both your Uber/Bolt application and your insurance cover. If you hold a licence from a non-SADC country, the conversion process involves a driving test.
"We've seen driver earnings stabilize in 2026 after two tough years. The key is working smart — choosing the right platform, the right hours, and the right vehicle."
— Thabo Molefe, Chairperson, South African E-Hailing Association
This section covers the key details South African e-hailing drivers need to know about this topic, with specific 2026 pricing data in Rand. According to the SA E-hailing Drivers Association (2025) and FleetCalc's analysis, understanding these costs is essential for maximising driver profitability.
Your driving licence card expires every 5 years in South Africa. If your card has expired — even by one day — your application will be rejected. Check the expiry date on the front of your card. If it's approaching expiry (within 3 months), renew it at a DLTC before applying. Driving licence renewal takes roughly 4–6 weeks.
This is the single biggest reason for rejection. Many drivers submit their driving licence but forget to upload their PrDP, or upload an expired PrDP. Your PrDP must be valid, clearly legible, and endorsed for Category P (Passengers). Check the PrDP expiry date — it renews every 2 years.
When you upload your licence photos to Uber or Bolt, the photos need to be clear and readable. Blurry photos, photos with glare covering critical information (like the code or expiry date), or photos that cut off part of the licence will be rejected. Take photos in good lighting, on a flat surface, with the entire card visible.
As covered above, if your licence is restricted to automatic transmission and you register a manual vehicle, your application will be rejected. Match your licence restriction to your vehicle type.
Learner's licences, temporary driving licences (the paper printout you get before receiving your card), and probationary licences are not accepted by Uber or Bolt. You need a full, valid driving licence card.
Registering a heavy vehicle (like a 15-seater minibus) with a Code 8 licence will result in rejection — you'd need a Code 10. Similarly, registering a motorcycle on a Code 8 won't work. Ensure the vehicle you're registering falls within the weight and passenger limits of your licence code.
Your name on your driving licence must match your name on your ID, PrDP, and bank account (used for payments). Even minor discrepancies — like a missing middle name or a spelling difference — can flag your application for manual review or rejection.
💡 Before applying, do this checklist: (1) Licence is valid and not expired. (2) PrDP is valid, Category P, and not expired. (3) Licence restriction matches your vehicle type. (4) All names are consistent across all documents. (5) Photos are clear, well-lit, and show the entire licence card. Do this and your application approval should be straightforward.
A Code 8 (B) driving licence is sufficient to drive for Uber and Bolt in South Africa, provided the vehicle is under 3,500kg according to the National Road Traffic Act. Drivers also need a valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) for reward-based driving, obtainable from any DLTC for approximately R300.
Both Uber and Bolt require a full driving licence. A learner's licence (also called a provisional licence) is not accepted under any circumstances. A learner's licence legally requires you to be accompanied by a licensed driver at all times — you cannot carry passengers for reward. To drive for Uber or Bolt, you must first convert your learner's licence to a full driving licence by passing the practical driving test at a DLTC.
This section covers the key details South African e-hailing drivers need to know about this topic, with specific 2026 pricing data in Rand. According to the SA E-hailing Drivers Association (2025) and FleetCalc's analysis, understanding these costs is essential for maximising driver profitability.
No. You cannot drive for Uber or Bolt with just a driving licence while waiting for your PrDP to be processed. The PrDP is a legal requirement, and Uber and Bolt will not approve your account without seeing a valid PrDP card. Even if you somehow bypass the verification, driving without a PrDP puts you at massive legal and financial risk — your insurance is void, and any accident could cost you everything.
Apply for your PrDP first, then start the Uber/Bolt application process once you have it in hand.
A Code 8 (B) driving licence is sufficient to drive for Uber and Bolt in South Africa, provided the vehicle is under 3,500kg according to the National Road Traffic Act. Drivers also need a valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) for reward-based driving, obtainable from any DLTC for approximately R300.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving Licence | Valid Code 8 (Code B) or higher — not expired |
| PrDP | Valid, Category P (Passengers), not expired |
| Transmission Match | Licence restriction must match vehicle (auto vs manual) |
| Foreign Licence | Must have IDP + national licence, or SA-converted licence |
| Photos | Clear, legible, showing entire card |
| Name Consistency | Same name on licence, ID, PrDP, and bank account |
Getting the right documents in order before you apply saves weeks of frustration and delays. Most rejections are simple paperwork issues — not anything fundamentally disqualifying. Get your licence sorted, get your PrDP, match your vehicle, and you're good to go.
Once your documents are approved, use the FleetCalc calculator to work out your actual earnings after expenses.
Calculate Your Earnings →Yes, you can drive for Uber and Bolt with a Code 8 (light motor vehicle) licence, provided you also hold a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) for carrying passengers. The Code 8 covers standard passenger cars used for UberX, Bolt Go, and similar economy ride types.
A Code 10 (heavy motor vehicle) licence is NOT required for standard UberX or Bolt Go driving. Code 10 covers heavier vehicles like minibuses and trucks. You only need it if you plan to drive for Uber Van (12-seater minibus) or larger commercial passenger services. For most Uber and Bolt drivers, Code 8 plus PrDP is sufficient.
A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) is a legal requirement in South Africa for anyone driving a motor vehicle for the purpose of earning remuneration, including ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. Without a valid PrDP, your insurance is void, you face fines of up to R10,000, and both Uber and Bolt will reject your driver application.
It depends on when you got your licence. If you passed your driving test in an automatic vehicle, your licence is restricted to automatic transmission. You can only drive Uber or Bolt vehicles that are automatic. If your vehicle is manual and your licence is automatic-restricted, you are driving illegally and will not pass Uber or Bolt's verification.
Yes, foreigners can drive for Uber and Bolt in South Africa, but they must hold a valid South African driving licence OR an International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanied by their foreign national licence. An IDP alone is not sufficient — you need both documents together. You also need a valid PrDP, work authorization, and all other standard requirements.
Common reasons for rejection include: expired or invalid driving licence, missing PrDP endorsement, licence restricted to automatic transmission when the vehicle is manual, foreign licence without IDP, provisional/temporary licence, illegible licence photo, or a licence that does not match the vehicle class. Always ensure your licence is valid, clearly legible, and has the correct code and PrDP before applying.
To get a PrDP, visit a DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre) with your valid driving licence, ID, two ID photos, proof of address, and the prescribed fee (around R250–R300). Complete the PrDP application form, undergo a medical fitness test, eye test, and submit your fingerprints for a police clearance. Processing takes roughly 3–6 weeks. You must apply for the correct category — Category P (Passengers) for Uber and Bolt.
No. Both Uber and Bolt require a full, valid driving licence — a learner's licence is not accepted under any circumstances. You need a Code 8 (or higher) driving licence with a valid PrDP endorsement. A learner's licence means you cannot legally carry passengers for reward.