PrDP and operating licence: what Uber & Bolt drivers need in 2026
To carry passengers for money you need a valid driver's licence, a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), an operating licence (yours or the operator's), e-hailing insurance and the vehicle papers in the car. Since August 2026 Gauteng has been impounding cars without them.
What changed in 2026
In late August 2026 three things happened at once in Gauteng: Uber, Bolt and inDrive began asking drivers to declare whether they are foreign nationals, authorities impounded e-hailing cars operating without permits, and drivers protested in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The message is clear: being active on the app is no longer enough. Your own paperwork must be in order.
Your compliance checklist
| Document | Who needs it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s licence | Everyone | Foreign licences are only valid for a limited time in SA |
| PrDP (category P) | Everyone carrying passengers | Renew before it expires, not after a roadblock |
| Operating licence / permit | The vehicle operator | Get written confirmation of what your fleet or platform provides |
| E-hailing insurance | The vehicle | Personal car insurance usually doesn’t cover paying passengers |
| Vehicle registration & licence disc | The vehicle | Copies in the car, originals safe |
| Passport + work permit | Foreign nationals | Expiry dates well in the future |
What an impoundment really costs
| Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Release & storage | R5,000+ |
| Lost fares (2 weeks) | R16,000–R30,000 |
| Payments that keep running | R6,000+ |
| Total | R27,000–R41,000 |
Estimates as reported by FleetCalc, August 2026.
How YeboAuto helps
Every YeboAuto e-hailing car is road-legal from day one: we help you apply for your PrDP, support the operating-licence application, include insurance that covers e-hailing passengers and put the vehicle papers in the cubby. See e-hailing cars.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and change often.
Questions drivers ask
Do I need a PrDP to drive for Uber or Bolt?
Yes. A Professional Driving Permit (category P) is required to carry passengers for reward in South Africa.
What happens if my e-hailing car is impounded?
Release fees and storage often run into thousands of rand, and you lose your income while the car is held. Industry estimates put a two-week impoundment at R27,000–R41,000 in total cost to the driver.
Can foreign nationals drive for Uber in South Africa?
Yes, if they are legally in South Africa with a permit that allows work, and hold a valid licence and PrDP. Gauteng drivers are now asked to declare their nationality on the platforms.