Bolt driver requirements, documents and car considerations

Ride-hailing app Taxify rebranded to Bolt in 2019, intending to revolutionise travel option. The app has brought much ease for travellers in South Africa, leading to thousands of clients locally. Interestingly, most drivers are interested in joining the platform but are unaware of the Bolt driver requirements. Hence, there is a need to clarify the company's expectations from intending drivers.

One can request a cab or personal driver from the Bolt app. Some cities the Taxify app operates include Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. The best part is that a driver is an own boss with Bolt (Taxify). You can plan your working schedule as you please.

Bolt driver requirements in South Africa

You should meet Taxify driver requirements in South Africa and the registration process to work for this company. Below are Bolt driver requirements in South Africa:

• PrDP (South African Professional Driving Permit with goods and passengers)
• A clean criminal record check
• Profile picture
• Motor Vehicle Licensing Disc with Operator Card
• Dekra Vehicle Shuttle inspection report
• Passenger Liability Insurance for drivers
• A phone with GPS

What kind of a car is needed for Bolt?

There are standard Bolt car requirements for the type of cars the company accepts. The requirements differ with the city the vehicle will be operating in. The general requirements for Bolt vehicles are:

• It must have gone for less than 100,000 km.
• It must be in good condition.
• It must pass the Dekra inspection.

Bolt car requirements for metropolitan cities in SA

There are different Bolt rides in metropolitan cities. The categories for rides include:

• Cape Town: Go, Base, XL, Comfort, and Premium
• Johannesburg: Go, Base, XL, Premium, Comfort, and Van
• Durban: Go, Base, XL, and Comfort

What type of cars does Bolt accept in SA's metropolitan cities?

Bolt vehicle requirements vary with the type of ride. Below are different Bolt rides operating in SA's metropolitan cities and the vehicle requirements for each ride:

Bolt car requirements for remote cities in SA

SA's remote cities Bolt operates in include East London, Emalahleni, Ermelo, Garden Route, Grahamstown, Kimberley, Mbombela, Mthatha, Phuthaditjaba, Mahikeng, Pietermaritzburg, Polokwane, Potchefstroom, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Rustenburg, Thohoyandou, Upington and Welkom.

What type of cars does Bolt accept in SA's remote cities?

Bolt Go and Base rides are available in these cities. Bolt XL is available in specific remote towns in SA. Here are the vehicular requirements for these categories:

Which models are accepted for Taxify Premium in Johannesburg?

• It must be a 2013 luxury sedan, SUV (or a newer model).
• It should be a 6-11 seater.
• The vehicle must have gone for less than 100,000 km.
• The car must pass the Dekra inspection.

How do I become a Bolt driver in South Africa?

Those who meet Taxify driver requirements in South Africa can register as Bolt drivers using this process:

• Sign up on Bolt's application page.
• You must provide your contact details, select the city you want to operate in and upload your driving and/or vehicle documents.
• Complete an online safety training session on the Bolt app.
• Your profile will be activated within 24-48 hours after training.
• You will receive an SMS with your username.
• Please follow the instructions to create a password.
• You should submit your fingerprints and vehicle inspection reports. These submissions are payable in-store via cash/debit or credit card.

You can take a safety training session on Bolt's app at various Bolt offices. It takes about ten minutes to complete the test. Once you pass the training, Taxify representatives will check your car to ensure it meets the company's vehicle requirements.

How to register your car for Bolt?

One registers as a Bolt driver and then registers the car with the company. You can also join the platform without a vehicle. Here is how to register your car for Bolt:

• Sign up on Bolt's application page.
• You must provide your contact details, select the city you want to operate in and upload your driving and/or vehicle documents.
• Complete an online training session.
• Your profile will be activated within 24-48 hours after passing the training.
• Your Bolt username will be sent to you via SMS.
• Create a personal password using the instructions provided in the message.
• Submit your fingerprints and vehicle inspection reports. These submissions are payable in-store via cash/debit or credit card.

How long does it take to become a Bolt driver?

Your account will be ready one to three days after passing the safety training session. You can start working as a Bolt driver when your account is activated.

How long should I have driven to join Bolt?

Bolt in South Africa employs drivers with at least 6 months of experience.

Can you join Bolt without a car?

You can join Bolt without a car and get one on loan from the platform. There are no restrictions on using the vehicle as long as you repay the loan's monthly installments.

What happens when the diver no longer wants to operate on Bolt?

If you got your car from Bolt on loan, you would continue paying the monthly installments with Stanbic Bank as per your amortization schedule.

Can the driver pay a lump sum or more than the installment fee?

Yes. Stanbic Bank will guide you on how to go about it.

How to get paid as a Bolt driver?

Clients pay for rides via cash or using Bolt's in-app (card payments). Bolt's driver payment cycle runs from Monday at 00:00 to the following Sunday at 23:59. Balance statements will be issued afterward. Your bank's processing time will determine how long the money will reach your account.

How much do Bolt drivers earn?

Taxify's driver rates do not have hidden fees or monthly charges. Drivers get a 23% average commission per ride (including 3% in SARS VAT). Most banks process Bolt driver payments within a day and two business days.

What is Bolt registration fee?

Bolt does not give drivers minimum working hours. The driver does not answer to a boss, and there are no monthly fees. You can contact Bolt South Africa for via further clarification about the registration fee.

Bolt driver requirements help the company hire qualified and professional drivers. The company is geared towards providing fast, easy, safe, reliable, and convenient travel solutions.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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