Uber requires drivers in South Africa to add a vehicle to their account before they can go online with that car. This affects Gauteng residents looking to operate in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, where the platform enforces strict vehicle, insurance, and inspection requirements.
Drivers whose documents are incomplete, unclear, or do not meet Uber’s city-specific rules may experience delays, with vehicles remaining inactive until issues are resolved.
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What you need before you start
Adding a vehicle is a two-stage process. Drivers must first enter the vehicle details, then upload supporting documents for verification. The vehicle only becomes active once Uber completes its review.
In Gauteng, delays most commonly occur when drivers upload the incorrect inspection certificate, submit insurance that does not clearly indicate business use, or provide images where critical details are not visible.
Step by step: how to add your car to your Uber account
Uber allows drivers to register a vehicle either through the Driver app or through the Partner Portal using a web browser.
Option 1: Register your car using the Driver app
Drivers can add a vehicle by following these steps:
• Open the Driver app
• Tap the profile photo
• Select Account
• Tap Vehicles
• Select Add vehicle
• Enter the required vehicle details and upload documents when prompted
Option 2: Register your car using a web browser
Drivers may also register a vehicle by logging into their Uber driver account online and following the vehicle registration prompts.
Once vehicle details and documents are submitted, the company reviews the information before approving or rejecting the vehicle.
Vehicle rules apply in South Africa
Uber enforces baseline vehicle requirements across South Africa, including Gauteng. These rules cover the vehicle’s age, body type, safety features, and condition.
The platform states that:
• Vehicles must fall within the approved model year range for each product
• Vehicles must be four-door sedans, SUVs, minivans, or approved hatchbacks
• ABS, driver, and passenger airbags are required
• Vehicles must be in good working condition
• Cosmetic damage may result in rejection
Documents required for vehicle approval
Uber requires drivers to upload specific documents before a vehicle can be approved for use on the platform.
These include:
• An Operating Card, also referred to as a double disc
• A valid Uber vehicle inspection certificate
• Comprehensive vehicle insurance covering business or commercial use
• Operating licence related documentation, depending on the city
In Johannesburg and Pretoria, Uber only accepts vehicle inspection certificates issued by approved testing centres. A standard roadworthy certificate is not accepted as a substitute.
Insurance details that must be visible
For insurance documents to be approved, Uber requires that the following information is clearly visible:
• Comprehensive cover
• Business or commercial use
• Name of the insurer
• Policy start date
• Policy number
• Vehicle registration number
Documents that are cropped, blurred, or missing this information may be rejected.
Common issues that delay vehicle approval
Vehicle approvals are frequently delayed due to:
• Blurry or poorly lit document photos
• Cropped images missing corner details
• Insurance documents that do not show business use
• Uploading an incorrect inspection certificate
• Entering incorrect vehicle details during registration
If a vehicle is added incorrectly, drivers must delete the entry and re-add the vehicle with the correct information and fresh document uploads.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For many Gauteng residents, registering a vehicle on Uber is not only an administrative step but a compliance requirement. Drivers operate in metropolitan areas where enforcement levels are high, and documentation may be checked during routine operations.
Because Uber links vehicle activation to document verification, any missing or non-compliant paperwork can prevent drivers from earning on the platform. Changes to vehicle eligibility rules may also affect drivers who plan to upgrade vehicles or move between Uber service categories.
FAQ
Can I register my vehicle using the app only?
The app routes drivers through Uber’s online portal to complete vehicle registration and document uploads.
What documents are required to register a car
Drivers must submit an operating card, an approved vehicle inspection certificate, comprehensive insurance, and operating licence-related documents where applicable.
Is a roadworthy certificate accepted
A standard roadworthy certificate is not accepted as the vehicle inspection document required by Uber.
How long does vehicle approval take
Approval timelines vary depending on document accuracy and volume of submissions, but vehicles remain inactive until review is complete.
What happens if my documents are rejected
Drivers must correct the issue, delete the incorrect vehicle entry if required, and resubmit documents for review.
What happens next
Once documents are submitted, Uber reviews the vehicle information and either activates the vehicle, requests updates, or rejects the submission. Drivers may be required to re-upload documents if standards are not met.
Uber may also revise vehicle eligibility rules or document requirements, which means drivers should regularly check compliance when changing vehicles or service categories.
