How to become an e-hailing driver in South Africa (2026 guide)

Driving for an e-hailing app can be a good way to earn. You choose when you work. You meet new people. And you can start without a boss or a shift schedule.

But there are rules. This guide explains, step by step, what you need to become an e-hailing driver in South Africa in 2026.

Step 1: Check the basics

Before anything else, make sure you have:

• A valid South African ID, passport or work permit.
• A valid driver's licence.
• A smartphone with data and GPS.
• A car in good condition, usually four doors and seats for four passengers.
• A clean record. Apps and the law both ask for a criminal background check.

Step 2: Get a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)

A PrDP is a permit that lets you carry paying passengers. The law says e-hailing drivers need one.

You apply at your local driving licence testing centre. You will usually need your ID, your driver's licence, a medical certificate, and a police clearance. A PrDP has to be renewed every two years.

Step 3: Apply for an operating licence

This is the big one. Since the amended National Land Transport Act, e-hailing is formally part of public transport in South Africa. That means each car used for e-hailing needs an operating licence.

The licence says which area you may pick up passengers in. You can drop people off in another city, but you have to go back to your own area before you take new pickups.

The process can take a few months, so start early. We wrote a full guide: how to get an e-hailing operating licence in Gauteng.

Step 4: Get your car ready

New rules say e-hailing cars should have:

• Branding that shows the car is a registered e-hailing vehicle.
• A panic button for the driver and passenger.
• A valid licence disc and, where asked, a roadworthy certificate.

Step 5: Sign up with an app

Now you can join a platform. With Loop, it takes four simple steps and less than five minutes:

1. Open Loop and tap Become a Driver.
2. Add your personal details and your car details.
3. Upload your ID, a selfie, your driver's licence and your licence disc.
4. Wait for our review. We check applications within 24 hours.

Once you are approved, you can go online and start taking trips.

What does it cost to start?

Costs change and depend on your province, but plan for these:

• Operating licence application: a fee per car, plus printing and certified copies.
• Panic button: installation, and sometimes a monthly tracking fee.
• Roadworthy certificate, if asked for.
• PrDP: an application fee every two years.
• Running costs: fuel, data, insurance, services and tyres.

Bolt's driver guide lists rough figures, such as about R600 for the operating licence application in many provinces. Always check the latest fees with your provincial office before you go.

What makes Loop good for drivers?

We built Loop to be fair and simple for the people behind the wheel.

• See your payout first. Every trip shows what you will earn after fees.
• Fast cash-outs. Request a payout and funds arrive within 2 hours.
• Less empty driving. We help you spend more time with a rider in the car and less time waiting.
• Work when it suits you. Drive full-time, part-time or only on weekends.
• Your time counts. We think about the fuel and time it takes you to reach a rider.
• Tips are 100% yours.
• Grow your level. Move from Bronze to Silver to Gold.

Quick checklist

• ID and driver's licence
• PrDP
• Operating licence (or application in progress)
• Panic button and branding
• Car in good condition
• Smartphone with data

Ready to go? Read our tips on how to earn more as an e-hailing driver, or see everything about driving with Loop.