Bolt has confirmed updated driver and vehicle registration requirements for South Africa in 2026, affecting new and existing drivers in Gauteng who use the ride-hailing platform to earn income. The changes reinforce stricter documentation checks, digital vehicle inspections, and age and licensing rules, which must be met before a driver can go online.
The updated process matters for thousands of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni residents who rely on ride-hailing as a primary or supplementary source of income, particularly as enforcement and compliance checks increase.
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Who can register as a Bolt driver in 2026
Bolt requires all applicants to meet minimum legal and platform standards before they can begin the onboarding process. These requirements apply nationally but are enforced most consistently in major metros.
According to the platform, drivers must:
• Be 21 years or older
• Hold a valid South African driver’s licence
• Hold a valid Professional Driving Permit with Goods and Passengers classification
• Own or have access to a smartphone compatible with the Bolt Driver app
• Have a clear criminal record check dated within the last 12 months
Asylum seeker and refugee documentation is not accepted for driver registration.
Documents drivers must prepare before applying
Bolt requires all documents to be uploaded digitally during registration. Incomplete or unclear submissions are a common cause of application delays.
Applicants must prepare:
• A valid South African driver’s licence
• A valid Professional Driving Permit with a future expiry date
• A recent criminal record check issued within the past 12 months
• A clear driver profile photograph showing head and shoulders
• A vehicle inspection report in PDF format
The platform states that screenshots or scanned photographs of inspection reports are not accepted.
Criminal record checks explained
A criminal record check is mandatory for all Bolt drivers. The report must show no criminal history and must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
According to Bolt’s requirements, criminal record checks can be obtained from authorised service providers and must be uploaded in full, with all pages clearly visible.
Vehicle inspection standards for 2026
Bolt uses a digital vehicle inspection system to assess whether cars meet minimum quality and safety standards. Vehicles must pass inspection before they can be linked to a driver profile.
Inspection requirements include:
• A minimum score of 70 for both interior and exterior
• Interior and exterior rated between fair and excellent
• A valid licence disc
• No major cosmetic or structural damage
Only digital inspection reports submitted as PDFs are accepted.
Minimum vehicle standards
For Gauteng drivers, Bolt applies uniform vehicle age and quality rules across service categories.
Vehicles must:
• Be a 2014 model year or newer
• Be a four-door sedan, hatchback, or SUV
• Be mechanically sound and visually presentable
• Have working seatbelts, windows, and safety features
Vehicles that fail to meet these standards cannot be activated on the platform.
How to link a vehicle to the Bolt Driver app
Bolt uses a digital car linking process, which requires drivers to add a vehicle through the app once documents are ready.
Drivers must:
• Open the Bolt Driver app
• Go to Settings
• Select Vehicles
• Choose Add new vehicle
• Enter the licence plate number
• Input vehicle details including make, model, year, and colour
• Upload the digital inspection report
Once submitted, the vehicle is reviewed before approval.
What happens if a driver does not own a car
Bolt allows drivers without vehicles to operate through approved fleet partners. These arrangements typically involve renting a qualifying vehicle through a third party.
According to the platform, fleet arrangements are subject to separate contracts and conditions, and drivers remain responsible for meeting all licensing and compliance requirements.
Common reasons applications are delayed or rejected
Bolt identifies documentation issues as the primary cause of onboarding delays.
Common problems include:
• Expired or incorrectly classified Professional Driving Permits
• Criminal record checks older than 12 months
• Blurry or cropped document images
• Inspection reports submitted in incorrect formats
• Vehicles failing minimum inspection scores
Drivers are required to correct and resubmit documents before approval.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, particularly those in Johannesburg and Tshwane, the updated Bolt registration process reflects tighter enforcement of transport regulations and platform standards. Ride hailing remains a key income source, but entry barriers have increased as compliance requirements become more structured and digital.
Drivers considering ride-hailing as an income option must now plan for inspection costs, permit renewals, and document preparation before applying.
How long does the approval process takes
Approval timelines vary depending on document accuracy and application volume. Bolt states that applications remain under review until all requirements are met.
Drivers cannot accept trips until both their profile and vehicle are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Professional Driving Permit to drive for Bolt?
Yes. A valid permit with Goods and Passengers classification is mandatory.
Is a roadworthy certificate enough?
No. Bolt requires a digital vehicle inspection report meeting its scoring criteria.
Can I register without owning a car?
Yes. Drivers may operate through approved fleet partners if all requirements are met.
How old can my vehicle be in 2026?
Vehicles must be 2014 model year or newer.
What happens if my documents are rejected?
Drivers must correct the issue and resubmit documents before approval.
What happens next
Bolt is expected to continue refining its onboarding and compliance systems as ride-hailing regulation evolves across South Africa. Drivers are advised to monitor permit expiry dates and inspection requirements to remain active on the platform.
As enforcement increases across Gauteng metros, compliance with both platform rules and transport regulations will remain central to continued access to ride-hailing work.
