How to Become An Uber Driver in South Africa

Have you been thinking of joining the Uber driving services in South Africa? You’re at the right place. In this guide, you’ll learn the complete process of becoming an Uber driver in South Africa 2024.

If you’re a car owner, you can make money off it with Uber. In fact, Uber can be a great way to make money while working flexible hours, however, they are some requirements that must be met.

Thousands of South Africans trust Uber to get them around their city safely every day, a reason the online taxi service is thriving. Aside from that, the company also has a responsibility to thousands of driver-partners who rely on Uber’s service for their livelihoods.

Uber allows drivers to work their own hours and drive their own vehicles, charging a percentage of their earnings for using the company’s services and application.

Vehicle Requirements to Become an Uber Driver

You might want to ask, which car is right for Uber services in South Africa? Well, the answer is that not all type of vehicles is up to the standard requirements. Before signing up, you should ensure your vehicle meets the vehicle requirements in South Africa.

• Model year 2013 or newer
• 4-door sedan or minivan
• Good condition with no cosmetic damage
• No hatchbacks accepted

Documents Requirements to Join Uber in South Africa

Aside from your vehicle meeting the requirements, you also need to meet submit some essential documents before you can join the Uber-driver partnership.

1. Professional Drivers Permit (PrDP)

This is a Professional Driver’s Permit that licenses a Professional Driver to operate legally in South Africa. Uber requires a local, South African, PrDP issued from the Licensing Department.

Driver-partners need to undergo a police clearance to obtain their permit.

2. Operators Card (Double disc): The Operator Card is obtained from the Licensing Department.

3. Receipt of Application for Operating License (Business Plan Application): This is obtained from the DOT (Department of Transportation).

4. Commercial Insurance with public liability: All driver-partners are required to register for Uber with their commercial vehicle insurance and have public liability insurance.

Uber also offers rider insurance which is provided by Chubb, a global insurance leader, through their South African subsidiary, Chubb Insurance South Africa Limited.

4. Pass a vehicle inspection (Roadworthy Certificate)

All driver-partners must pass a vehicle inspection at an Uber Approved Inspection Centre before taking their first trip and once a year after that.

Once a driver-partner passes, they need to upload their readable report to their account and ensure the vehicle registration number matches the vehicle on their Uber profile.

How to Join Uber in South Africa

Now that you have your documents ready, you need to proceed to the next step stated below.

Sign Up Online

Once you have all your documents ready, you need to sign up with Uber.

Wait for Uber Background Checks

Typically, it takes Uber between 6 to 8 weeks to perform their background checks using the AFIS security database). Specifically, they will take the documents provided and do a comprehensive criminal background check.

Note – as part of the qualification requirements for Uber in South Africa, you need to be medically fit, and also never had your driver’s license revoked at any point in time.

Get an Uber Approved Car

As for the vehicle to use, you need to make sure it fits the car requirements specifically for Uber drivers in South Africa (or your specific city). Note – Uber has various services, so you should know which service you are interested in before buying a car (if you do not have one).

Interview

Once you have completed the preceding steps, you will be able to go into the Uber office for an interview, for which you should make sure you have sufficient street and route knowledge regarding your area/city. You should be dressed professionally for this interview.

If you pass the interview, you will be invited for a training session at a specific date, after which your vehicle’s documents will be checked, and you will officially become an Uber driver and/or Uber partner.

You will also receive an Uber-issued cell phone which will have the Uber application installed on it to allow you to get clients. However, if you wish to use your own smartphone, it is perfectly fine to return the cell phone.

Selecting an Uber Service

Another important thing to keep in mind when selecting a car is which category of Uber you wish to work with. They are actually three categories available in South Africa which are UberX, UberBLACK and UberVAN.

Among the three categories, the most common one is the UberX and it is recommended to most drivers.

Maintaining your Rating

Meeting Uber’s requirements does not stop there, however, and drivers will have to maintain a certain rating or face action.

Drivers are required to maintain a minimum average rating depending on the number of trips they have completed.

The required average driver ratings based on trips completed are detailed below.

Trips Completed                                                Average Rating to Maintain

20 Rated Trips                                                    4.0

40 Rated Trips                                                    4.2

60 Rated Trips                                                    4.2

80 Rated Trips                                                    4.35

100+ Rated Trips                                                4.4

An Uber driver whose rating falls below this threshold must attend retraining.

Drivers are given two opportunities to attend retraining and recover their rating. If their rating falls for the third time, the driver will be suspended from the platform.

How Much Can I Make with Uber in South Africa?

The amount of money an Uber driver earns is dependent on a number of factors, including which vehicle class they operate.

According to Uber’s driver portal, drivers in Johannesburg can expect to make between:

• R80-R120 per hour.
• R4,000-R9,000 gross earnings per week.

Also, if you’re working full-time, you should expect your earnings to be on the high side.

Uber Working Hours

One of the biggest factors influencing driver income is their working hours. Average hourly earnings vary depending on day and time, and Uber has used its data to outline the best times for drivers to be online.

Weekends are the busiest time and the best places for drivers to find riders include Sandton, Fourways, Illovo, Johannesburg Town, and Parkhurst.