Driving Jobs in South Africa (2025): Requirements, Salaries, and the Best Places to Find Work

Why Driving Jobs Are in High Demand in South Africa

Driving jobs in South Africa are booming in 2025, driven by economic growth and changing consumer habits. From city streets to long-haul routes, the need for drivers is at an all-time high. Here’s why these roles are in such demand:

• Growth in E-commerce and Logistics: The freight and logistics market is set to reach USD 14.70 billion in 2025, fueled by e-commerce. With over 500 million active online shoppers expected across Africa, companies like Takealot and Checkers Sixty60 need drivers for last-mile deliveries, creating jobs for both light and heavy vehicles.
• Youth Unemployment and Gig Economy: With youth unemployment near 60%, many young South Africans turn to gig economy roles like Uber, Bolt, and delivery services. These jobs offer flexibility and quick income, appealing to those with a driver’s license but limited formal qualifications.
• Private Transport Services: Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are expanding in cities and smaller towns, requiring drivers with valid licenses and often a Professional Driving Permit (PDP). Private chauffeur services for businesses are also growing, adding more opportunities.
• Shortage of Code 14 Drivers: A severe lack of heavy vehicle drivers, especially Code 14 (now Code EC), is plaguing logistics. With demand for freight transport rising, firms like Imperial Logistics are offering competitive pay to attract skilled drivers for local and cross-border routes.
• Infrastructure and Urban Growth: New road projects and urban expansion increase the need for drivers. Major routes like the N1 and N3 rely on freight drivers, while cities hire for municipal tasks like waste collection and school transport.

“E-commerce is changing the game—there’s always a package to deliver!” – Courier Driver, Johannesburg

Explore more career opportunities in South Africa’s job market on our career blog.

Sources: Mordor Intelligence, Maersk, Statista

Types of Driving Jobs Available in 2025

From light vehicles to heavy trucks, South Africa offers a range of driving jobs based on your license type. Here’s a breakdown:

Code 8 (Light Vehicles)

Perfect for urban roles, requiring a license for vehicles up to 3,500 kg gross vehicle mass (GVM).

• Uber/Bolt Driver: Flexible gig work in cities.
• Chauffeur/Private Driver: Transport VIPs or executives.
• Courier: Deliver parcels or documents for companies like Aramex.

Code 10 (Minibuses & Light Trucks)

For vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM, ideal for passenger or local delivery roles.

• Minibus Taxi Driver: Transport passengers on fixed routes.
• School Transport Driver: Ensure safe student commutes.
• Municipal Delivery Jobs: Handle local government logistics.

Code 14 (Heavy Vehicles)

For articulated vehicles over 16,000 kg GVM, high in demand for logistics.

• Long-Distance Truck Driver: Local or cross-border freight transport.
• Logistics/Warehouse Freight Drivers: Move goods for retailers like Takealot.
• Petrol Tanker/Hazardous Materials Drivers: Specialized roles with extra certifications.

Special Licenses

Additional qualifications open doors to niche roles.

• PDP (Professional Driving Permit): Required for commercial driving, like taxis or ride-hailing.
• Dangerous Goods Certifications: Essential for transporting hazardous materials.

Sources: South African Government, iDriving School

Who’s Hiring in 2025?

The driving job market is buzzing with opportunities. Here are top employers and platforms hiring in 2025:

• Courier Companies: RAM, Aramex, The Courier Guy (Careers).
• Retail Chains: Checkers Sixty60, Pick n Pay ASAP, Takealot (Careers).
• Logistics Firms: Imperial Logistics, Bidvest, Unitrans (Careers), DHL, Transnet.
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Bolt, Uber (Drive with Uber).
• Municipal Jobs: Public works, sanitation roles via government portals (SA Gov).

Sources: Careers24, JobMail

Minimum Requirements to Apply

Securing a driving job starts with meeting these basic requirements:

• Matric: Preferred by some employers, not always mandatory.
• Valid SA Driver’s License: Code 8, 10, or 14, depending on the role.
• PDP: Required for commercial roles like taxis or ride-hailing.
• Clean Criminal Record: Essential for most positions.
• Navigation Skills: Ability to use maps or delivery apps.
• Bonus: Defensive driving certificate, forklift license, or dangerous goods certification.

Sources: South African Government

How Much Do Driving Jobs Pay in 2025?

Earnings depend on your role, experience, and location. Here’s what drivers can expect:

• Code 8 (Uber/Bolt): R5,000–R15,000/month, based on hours and area.
• Code 8 (Courier): R6,000–R10,000/month.
• Code 10 (School Transport): R6,000–R9,000/month.
• Code 10 (Local Delivery): R7,500–R12,000/month.
• Code 14 (Long-Haul Trucker): R15,000–R25,000/month.
• Code 14 (Tanker Driver): R18,000–R30,000/month.

Public vs. Private Sector

Public sector roles offer benefits like pensions, while private sector jobs may include bonuses for performance.

“Long-haul pays well, but it’s the overtime that really adds up.” – Truck Driver, Durban

Sources: Indeed, Glassdoor

Best Places to Find Work

These regions are hotspots for driving jobs due to logistics and economic activity:

• Johannesburg & Pretoria: Major logistics hubs for all driver types. Explore jobs in Johannesburg.
• Cape Town: Port and e-commerce center, ideal for delivery roles.
• Durban: Key for cross-border trucking.
• Gqeberha & East London: Automotive export hubs for heavy vehicle drivers.
• Key Routes: N1, N3, N2 highways offer high-demand industrial zones.

Find more job opportunities across South Africa on our homepage.

Sources: Gumtree

Where to Find Legit Job Listings

Stick to trusted sources to avoid scams:

• Department of Transport: Municipal roles (Government Jobs).
• Job Portals: Careers24, Indeed, JobMail (Indeed).
• Company Websites: Imperial Logistics, Takealot, DHL.
• Facebook Groups: “Driving Jobs in SA” for networking.

Sources: Careers24

Tips to Get Hired Faster

Stand out with these practical steps:

1. Build a Strong CV: Highlight licenses, PDP, and experience with a professional CV. Learn how to create the perfect CV.
2. Get Your PDP Early: Essential for commercial roles.
3. Write a Cover Letter: Emphasize reliability and safety.
4. Keep a Clean Record: No criminal or accident history.
5. Network: Use LinkedIn or social media groups for leads. For more job search strategies, check out our ultimate guide.
6. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common questions to ace your interview.

Sources: Gauteng News

Entry-Level vs. Experienced Drivers

Your career stage shapes your path:

Beginners

Start with Code 8 roles like courier or Uber, focusing on experience and reputation.

Upskilling

Move to Code 10 or 14 with training, opening higher-paying roles like trucking. Consider learnerships to gain valuable skills.

Earnings Growth

Build reliability to secure bonuses or start your own transport business.

Sources: iDriving School

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• Uber
• Careers Portal