If you want to drive for Uber or Bolt in South Africa, you need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). It is not optional — it is a legal requirement under the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996). Driving without one can result in fines of up to R5,000, impoundment of your vehicle, and a criminal record. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting, maintaining, and renewing your PrDP for e-hailing.
Yes. All e-hailing drivers in South Africa must hold a valid PrDP with category P (passengers) or PP (public passenger), as required by the National Road Traffic Act and enforced by the NPTR.
The PrDP is not an Uber or Bolt requirement — it is a government requirement. Both platforms verify your PrDP during onboarding and will not activate your account without one. The law is clear: if you transport people for payment, you need a PrDP. This applies whether you drive for Uber, Bolt, inDrive, a taxi company, or any other passenger transport service.
⚠️ Penalty for driving without a PrDP: Fine up to R5,000, vehicle impoundment (R3,000-R5,000 to release), and potential criminal record. Traffic departments are increasingly targeting e-hailing drivers for PrDP checks.
For Uber and Bolt, you need a PrDP with category P (passengers) at minimum. Category PP (public passenger) also works and covers both private hire and public transport.
| Category | Covers | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| P (Passengers) | Transport of passengers for reward | Uber, Bolt, inDrive, private hire |
| D (Dangerous Goods) | Transport of hazardous materials | Not needed for e-hailing |
| G (Goods) | Transport of goods for reward | Delivery drivers (Uber Eats with large vehicle) |
The PrDP application involves 5 steps: get a medical certificate, obtain police clearance, visit the DLTC, pay the fee, and wait 4-8 weeks for processing.
✅ Pro tip: Book your DLTC appointment online through the NaTIS portal (online.natis.gov.za) to avoid long queues. Some DLTCs take walk-ins but you may wait 3-4 hours.
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical certificate | R100–R300 | Any registered doctor |
| Police clearance | R50–R100 | Local SAPS station |
| PrDP application fee | R300–R350 | Paid at DLTC |
| ID photos (if needed) | R30–R50 | Some DLTCs take digital photos |
| Total | R480–R800 | Once-off for 5 years |
Total PrDP costs vary slightly by city due to differences in medical practitioner fees and DLTC processing charges. The application fee itself is set nationally, but ancillary costs differ.
| City | Medical Cert | Police Clearance | DLTC Fee | Photos | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | R150–R300 | R70–R100 | R300–R350 | R40–R50 | R560–R800 |
| Cape Town | R120–R250 | R60–R90 | R300–R350 | R30–R50 | R510–R740 |
| Durban | R100–R250 | R50–R80 | R300–R350 | R30–R50 | R480–R730 |
| Pretoria | R130–R280 | R60–R100 | R300–R350 | R35–R50 | R525–R780 |
✅ Save money: Use a government clinic for your medical certificate where fees are lower. Some community health centres charge as little as R80. Avoid private practices in Sandton or the Cape Town CBD where consultation fees are highest.
From start to finish, expect the entire PrDP process to take 4–10 weeks depending on your city and DLTC workload. Planning ahead is essential — do not leave it until the last minute.
| Step | Timeframe | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical certificate | Same day | R100–R300 | Book morning appointment; some GPs offer walk-in PrDP medicals |
| Police clearance | 1–7 days | R50–R100 | Ask your DLTC if they process clearance in-house (saves a trip) |
| DLTC appointment & submission | Same day (book online) | R300–R350 | Use NaTIS portal (online.natis.gov.za) to book; arrive early |
| Processing & background checks | 4–8 weeks | Included | Criminal record checks done automatically by SAPS |
| SMS notification & collection | 1–3 days after processing | Free | Collect within 90 days or it gets destroyed |
| Total | 4–10 weeks | R480–R800 |
Your PrDP is valid for 5 years. Start the renewal process at least 3 months before expiry — you need a new medical certificate and may need updated police clearance.
The renewal process is identical to the initial application: medical certificate, police clearance (sometimes waived for renewals with clean records), DLTC visit, fee payment. The cost is the same. Your new PrDP expiry date is calculated from the issue date, not the previous expiry date — so don't let it lapse.
Most rejections are avoidable with proper preparation. Here is how to maximise your chances of first-time approval:
⚠️ Lying on your application is a criminal offence. Failing to disclose a criminal record or medical condition can result in permanent disqualification and prosecution. Be honest — many conditions and minor offences are not automatic disqualifiers.
Use the FleetCalc calculator to factor your PrDP costs into your total operating expenses.
Yes. All e-hailing drivers must hold a valid PrDP category P or PP under the National Road Traffic Act. Both Uber and Bolt require it for onboarding.
Total cost is R450-R750 including medical certificate (R100-R300), police clearance (R50-R100), and the PrDP application fee (R300-R350).
4-8 weeks through a DLTC. Book online via NaTIS to reduce waiting time. Apply at least 2 months before you need it.
5 years. Start renewal at least 3 months before expiry. You need a new medical certificate for renewal.
Legally no. Uber and Bolt may activate your account if the system shows your PrDP is approved, but driving without the physical permit is technically an offence.
Yes, but you need a valid South African work permit or visa that allows employment, a valid South African driving licence (not an international one), and a valid SAPS police clearance certificate. The process is the same as for South African citizens, though processing may take slightly longer due to additional background checks.
It depends on your vehicle. If you deliver by car or bakkie, you generally do not need a PrDP for goods delivery under 3,500 kg. However, if you use a motorcycle or light delivery vehicle over certain weight thresholds, a category G (goods) PrDP may be required. Check with your local DLTC for clarification based on your specific vehicle.
Driving with an expired PrDP is the same as driving without one — it is a criminal offence. You face fines up to R5,000, vehicle impoundment, and a criminal record. Uber and Bolt will also deactivate your account. Set a reminder 6 months before expiry and start the renewal process immediately. Your new PrDP takes 4-8 weeks to process, so plan accordingly.
Yes. A PrDP is tied to the driver, not the vehicle. You can drive any vehicle you are licensed for as long as your PrDP is valid. If you change vehicles, you do not need to reapply — just make sure the new vehicle is properly licensed and insured for passenger transport.