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 |
The whole process is straightforward and usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. When you arrive, the doctor will ask you to fill out a medical history questionnaire. This covers past surgeries, current medications, any chronic conditions, and whether you have a history of seizures, heart problems, or mental health conditions.
After the questionnaire, the doctor does a basic physical check. They will test your eyesight using a standard Snellen chart — the one with rows of letters that get smaller. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The test is done with your correction in place. They will also check your peripheral vision by asking you to focus on a point while they move a finger to the side.
Blood pressure is taken with a standard cuff. If your reading is high, the doctor may take it again after a few minutes of rest. A single high reading does not automatically fail you — doctors understand that some people get nervous. However, consistently high readings above 160/100 will need treatment before you can pass.
The doctor will also ask about your heart health, diabetes management, and any neurological conditions. This is mostly a conversation — they are not running blood tests or ECGs unless something in your history raises a concern. If you are on medication for blood pressure or diabetes, bring your prescription or a letter from your GP. Controlled conditions are generally acceptable.
At the end, the doctor completes the official medical certificate form and signs it. You walk out with the certificate in hand, ready to submit with your PrDP application.
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.
The medical exam takes 15–20 minutes. Most drivers are in and out within 30 minutes including paperwork. No fasting or special preparation is needed.
If you go to your regular GP, you will likely need to book an appointment, which might mean waiting a day or two. Walk-in options like DLTC on-site doctors, Dis-Chem clinics, and occupational health centres can usually see you the same day.
| City | Clinic / Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Midrand DLTC, 240 Garstfontein Rd | DLTC on-site doctor | Medical + PrDP application in one visit |
| Johannesburg | Dis-Chem Nicolway, Bryanston | Pharmacy clinic | Walk-in, no appointment |
| Cape Town | Goodwood DLTC, Vasco Blvd | DLTC on-site doctor | Busy — go early morning |
| Cape Town | Clicks Clinic, Canal Walk | Pharmacy clinic | Walk-in, extended hours |
| Durban | DLTC Pinetown, 41 Josiah Gumede Rd | DLTC on-site doctor | Medical + PrDP in one trip |
| Durban | Dis-Chem Pavilion, Westville | Pharmacy clinic | Walk-in, no appointment |
| Pretoria | DLTC Waltloo, Pretoria East | DLTC on-site doctor | Less crowded than Centurion |
| Pretoria | Dis-Chem Centurion Mall | Pharmacy clinic | Walk-in, Saturday hours |
The fastest route is a DLTC with an on-site doctor — you get the medical done and submit your PrDP application in the same visit. If your closest DLTC does not have a doctor, get the medical from your GP or a pharmacy clinic first, then go to the DLTC with the certificate.
| 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 |
Prices vary by city. Johannesburg and Pretoria tend to be slightly cheaper because there are more options and more competition. Cape Town and Durban are a bit higher on average, especially at pharmacy clinics. Here is what you can expect to pay in each major city:
| City | GP | DLTC Doctor | Pharmacy Clinic | Occupational Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | R100–R200 | R150–R250 | R200–R350 | R200–R300 |
| Cape Town | R150–R250 | R200–R300 | R250–R400 | R250–R350 |
| Durban | R120–R220 | R180–R280 | R220–R380 | R220–R320 |
| Pretoria | R100–R200 | R150–R250 | R200–R350 | R200–R300 |
The cheapest option in any city is your regular GP. If you do not have a GP, search for "PrDP medical certificate" on Google Maps — many doctors advertise the service and list their prices. Expect to pay around R200 on average regardless of city.
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.
Yes, if the DLTC has an on-site doctor. Get the medical done first, then submit your PrDP application at the same location. This saves a trip and usually takes about an hour total.
No. There is no fasting requirement. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. The exam checks vision, blood pressure, and general fitness — not blood glucose levels.
Bring them. The eyesight test is done with your correction in place. You need to achieve 6/12 or better with glasses or contacts. Many drivers pass comfortably with corrected vision.