Do e-hailing drivers need an operating licence?

Yes. E-hailing services fall under the National Land Transport Act and drivers require the appropriate operating licence and PrDP.

Can I transport my own staff without a licence?

Transporting your own employees without charging a fare is treated differently from carrying passengers for reward, but the vehicle must still be roadworthy and appropriately certified. Confirm with the PRE for your province.

What is a certificate of fitness?

A stricter roadworthy inspection specifically for passenger-carrying vehicles, renewed more frequently than an ordinary roadworthy.

What happens if I am caught operating illegally?

The vehicle can be impounded and released only on payment of a substantial impoundment fee, along with prosecution.

Transport & Vehicles

Temporary Public Transport Operating Licence

In plain English

Carrying passengers for reward — minibus taxi, bus, shuttle, tourist transport or charter — requires an operating licence under the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009. Short-term and once-off needs are covered by temporary operating licences issued by the provincial regulatory entity or the municipal licensing authority.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Taxi and bus operators, shuttle services, tour operators, schools and event organisers transporting passengers for payment.

When is it required

Before carrying paying passengers. Operating without a licence leads to impoundment of the vehicle.

Eligibility

The vehicle is roadworthy and registered for the intended passenger capacity
The operator is registered and, for taxis, affiliated to the relevant association where required
The route or service is supported by the municipal Integrated Transport Plan
Drivers hold valid professional driving permits (PrDPs)

Documents you need before applying

Completed operating licence application to the Provincial Regulatory Entity
Vehicle registration papers and roadworthy certificate
Certificate of fitness for the passenger vehicle
Operator's identity and company registration documents
Route description or the event contract for a temporary licence
Drivers' PrDPs
Municipal recommendation or comment on the route

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Decide which licence you need
A temporary licence covers a defined short period or a specific event or contract; a permanent operating licence covers an ongoing route or service.
2
Get the vehicle certified
A passenger vehicle needs a valid certificate of fitness, which is stricter than an ordinary roadworthy.
3
Apply to the Provincial Regulatory Entity
The PRE receives the application and refers it to the relevant planning authority (usually the municipality) for comment.
4
Respond to the municipal comment
The municipality checks the route against its Integrated Transport Plan and existing services. This is where most applications are delayed or refused.
5
Collect the licence and display it
The operating licence disc must be displayed in the vehicle, and the vehicle may only operate on the authorised route or service.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The Provincial Regulatory Entity for the province, with the municipal transport authority providing route comment.

Fees

Application and licence fees are set provincially; certificate of fitness fees apply separately.

Processing time

Temporary licences are faster, but often still weeks. Permanent operating licences commonly take months.

Validity

Temporary licences typically cover a short defined period; permanent licences run for several years.

Renewal

Apply for renewal well before expiry — operating on a lapsed licence risks impoundment.

Common mistakes to avoid

Operating a shuttle for an event on the strength of a hire agreement alone
Using a vehicle whose certificate of fitness has expired
Deviating from the authorised route
Drivers without a valid PrDP

Tips to speed up your application

Start the application well before an event date — municipal comment is the bottleneck
Keep the operating licence, CoF and PrDP copies in the vehicle
Confirm insurance covers passengers for reward, not just private use