New Permit Rules for eHailing Drivers and Owners

From 11 March 2026, the rules for eHailing drivers in South Africa have officially changed. If you drive for Uber, Bolt, or any other eHailing platform - this affects you. Here is what you need to know, straight and simple.

So What Changed?

The big one is the new eHailing operating permit (also called an operating licence) - a requirement formalised under the National Land Transport Amendment Act, gazetted by the Department of Transport in September 2025. But that is not all. Depending on your area, you may also need:

• A valid eHailing operating permit / operating licence
• A PDP (Professional Driving Permit)
• A vehicle tracking device
• A panic button or safety feature
• Branding / identification on your vehicle
• Proof that your vehicle is registered on the platform

Right now, the permit is the main thing everyone is talking about.

The Problem: Permits Are Taking Months

Here is the issue. The law says you must have this permit. But getting it? That is taking time - often a long time:

• Some areas: around 3 months
• Other areas: up to 6 months
• Some cases: even 12 months

So the law wants something from you that the system is not yet giving you quickly. That is the real problem.

Will My Claim Be Rejected if I Don’t Have the Permit Yet?

This is the number one question drivers are asking. And the honest answer is: not automatically.

Right now, insurers in South Africa understand that:

• The rules are still being rolled out
• There are delays in the system - not always the driver’s fault
• Uber and Bolt trips do not always fit into the old fixed-route transport model

A delayed permit does not automatically mean your claim is rejected - especially if you can show you already applied and are waiting.

But - and this is important - it can still become a problem if you cannot show proof that you tried to comply.

Keep Proof. Keep Everything.

While you are waiting for your permit, save every document you can. Insurers want to see that the delay was the system’s problem, not yours.

Keep:

• Your proof of application
• Payment receipts
• Any interim / temporary permit paperwork
• Application reference numbers
• Any communication from the licensing authority
• Any messages from Uber or Bolt about compliance

If you have a claim and these documents are ready, it shows you did the right thing. That can make a big difference.

What Can Get Your Claim Rejected

Even with the permit delay being understood, other things can still put your claim at risk:

• You never applied for the new permit at all
• You have no proof you started the process
• Your vehicle is not insured correctly for eHailing use (private cover is not enough)
• Your PDP is expired or missing
• Your tracking device is not installed or not working
• You did not disclose everything when you took out the policy

These things matter - sometimes more than the permit itself.

What Should You Do Right Now? 7 Steps

1. Apply for the permit now. Do not wait. Even if it takes months, apply today.
2. Save all your documents. Every slip, every reference number, every message.
3. Get the right insurance. Private car cover is not enough for eHailing. Make sure your policy covers your actual use.
4. Keep your PDP valid. This remains critical - an expired PDP can sink a claim.
5. Check your tracking device. Make sure it is installed and working.
6. Consider a dashcam. Not compulsory, but it can save you if there is a dispute.
7. Ask questions before something happens. Speak to your broker now, not after an accident.

Bottom Line from TaxiSure

The new eHailing permit rules have created some uncertainty - but they should not scare you. If you applied and you are waiting, most insurers will not automatically reject your claim.

What matters is that you:

• Applied for the permit
• Kept your proof
• Have the right cover
• Keep your PDP and tracking in order

Do not ignore this. The best time to fix your cover is before a claim - not after.

WhatsApp us or send us a message - we work with eHailing drivers every day and we will give you a straight answer.

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Taxisure Risk Specialists (Pty) Ltd | Authorised Financial Services Provider | FSP 52693