How to Become a Delivery Driver in South Africa | Complete Guide 2025

You need a valid South African driver's license appropriate for the vehicle type. Code B (Code 08) license for cars, bakkies, and light delivery vehicles (most delivery jobs). Code C1 (Code 10) for vehicles between 3,500kg-16,000kg GVM (larger delivery trucks). Code EB for vehicles with trailers. Ensure your license is not expired, not endorsed with serious violations, and you have at least 1-2 years driving experience (preferred by most employers). For professional drivers delivering goods for hire, you'll need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) from your local driving license testing center. Cost: R200-R500.

Company drivers: The company provides the vehicle—you just need your license. Independent contractors (food delivery, courier): You need your own reliable vehicle—car, bakkie, motorcycle, or bicycle depending on platform. Vehicle must be roadworthy (valid roadworthy certificate if required), registered and licensed, insured (comprehensive insurance often required for commercial use), and well-maintained with good fuel efficiency. For motorcycle/scooter delivery (Uber Eats, Mr D Food), you need appropriate motorcycle license and protective gear (helmet, jacket).

Master defensive driving techniques, knowledge of local geography and routes, GPS and navigation app proficiency (Google Maps, Waze), time management and route optimization, customer service and professionalism, and basic vehicle maintenance knowledge. Take a defensive driving course if possible (improves safety and employability). Practice using navigation apps extensively. Learn peak traffic times and alternative routes in your target delivery area.

Most employers require: Clear criminal record (police clearance certificate R80-R150), clean driving record (obtain from traffic department R50-R100), proof of residence (municipal account or affidavit), valid ID document, banking details for salary/payment, and contact references from previous employers. Some companies conduct credit checks for positions involving cash on delivery (COD) collections. Prepare all documents in advance to speed up the application process.

Choose your path: Company employee drivers for courier companies (The Courier Guy, RAM, Skynet, DHL, FedEx), e-commerce delivery (Takealot, Makro, Checkers Sixty60), food delivery (Uber Eats, Mr D Food, Bolt Food), or retail/grocery delivery (Woolworths, Pick n Pay). Gig economy/independent contractor: Register as driver-partner with Uber Eats, Mr D Food, Bolt, or Checkers Sixty60. Owner-driver opportunities: Join courier networks as independent contractor with own vehicle. Highlight your clean driving record, local area knowledge, reliability and punctuality, customer service orientation, and tech-savviness (delivery apps). Apply through company websites, job boards (Pnet, Indeed), recruitment agencies, or directly via delivery app platforms.

Most employers provide orientation covering company policies and procedures, delivery app/system training, customer service standards, safety and security protocols, and vehicle inspection procedures. For gig economy platforms, complete online registration, vehicle inspection, and app training (usually self-paced). Start with probation period (1-3 months) where performance is closely monitored. Focus on on-time delivery rates, customer satisfaction ratings, vehicle care and cleanliness, professional communication, and safety record. Top performers often get priority routes, bonuses, and advancement opportunities to supervisory roles or logistics coordinator positions.