The medical fitness certificate is a required step for anyone wanting to drive for Uber or Bolt in South Africa. It is part of the PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) application process and ensures you are medically fit to transport passengers. This guide explains exactly what the medical involves, where to get it, what it costs, and what could cause you to fail.
The medical certificate is a legal requirement for your PrDP application, which is mandatory for all e-hailing drivers in South Africa under the National Road Traffic Act.
Without a valid medical certificate, you cannot get a PrDP. Without a PrDP, you cannot legally drive for Uber, Bolt, or any other e-hailing platform. The medical is not optional and it is not something Uber or Bolt can waive.
The medical examination checks eyesight, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, diabetes indicators, and neurological conditions. It is not a full physical — it is specifically focused on fitness to drive.
| Test | What They Check | Pass Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Visual acuity | Distance vision (with or without glasses) | 6/12 or better (with correction) |
| Visual field | Peripheral vision | No significant field loss |
| Blood pressure | Hypertension screening | Below 160/100 (treated or untreated) |
| Cardiovascular | Heart conditions, history of cardiac events | No uncontrolled cardiac condition |
| Diabetes | Blood sugar indicators | Controlled diabetes is acceptable |
| Epilepsy | History of seizures | No seizure in past 5 years |
| General fitness | Physical ability to operate a vehicle safely | Doctor's clinical judgement |
Any registered medical practitioner (doctor) in South Africa can issue the certificate. You do not need a specialist or a DLTC-affiliated doctor.
Options:
✅ Tip: Call ahead and ask if the doctor does "PrDP medical certificates" — most GPs do, but some may not have the correct form. The official form is the MC (Medical Certificate) form required by the DLTC.
| Provider | Cost | Wait Time | Appointment Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular GP | R100–R250 | Same day | Usually yes |
| DLTC doctor | R150–R300 | Walk-in | No |
| Occupational health | R200–R350 | Same day | Sometimes |
| Pharmacy clinic (Dis-Chem/Clicks) | R200–R400 | Walk-in | No |
Failing the medical means you cannot get a PrDP and therefore cannot drive for Uber or Bolt. However, many conditions are manageable with treatment.
Common reasons for failing:
⚠️ Do not lie on your medical form. If you have a condition and don't disclose it, your PrDP can be revoked retroactively, your insurance will be void, and you could face criminal charges in the event of an accident.
The medical certificate is valid for 6 months from date of issue for PrDP applications. If you do not submit your PrDP application within 6 months, you need a new medical.
Once your PrDP is issued, it is valid for 5 years. When you renew your PrDP, you need a new medical certificate. Budget for a medical every 5 years as part of your ongoing costs.
Use the FleetCalc calculator to factor medical certificate costs into your total startup expenses.
Yes. It is required for your PrDP application, which is mandatory for all e-hailing drivers in SA.
R100-R350 depending on the provider. Your regular GP is usually the cheapest option at R100-R250.
Eyesight, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, diabetes, epilepsy history, and general fitness to drive safely.
6 months for PrDP applications. Submit your PrDP application within this period or you need a new medical.
Any registered SA doctor. Options include your GP, DLTC on-site doctor, occupational health clinics, or pharmacy clinics like Dis-Chem and Clicks.