Last Updated on April 6, 2025 by admin
Do you want to become your own boss with good pay or you want to earn extra money by driving for a few hours weekly. If yes, Uber or Bolt is the right answer to your needs. Most Nigerians become drivers to make a few extra Naira, while others drive on a full-time basis.
To start with, you’ll need a car and access to a smartphone, which allows you to connect with paying passengers. The good thing with Uber is that it offers a golden opportunity to become your own boss, you can become a driver without having your own car even.
For starters, every Bolt and Uber driver in Nigeria must meet a minimum age requirement and possess some valid documents,driver’s license status, and driving experience. We are going to walk you through for requirements to become Uber and Bolt driver
How to drive with Uber in Nigeria
Driving with Uber in Nigeria is a easy process. Here are the steps to get started:
- Visit the Uber website and create an account using your email address and phone number.
- Upload Required Documents:
- Valid Nigerian driver’s license.
- LASDRI card (for Lagos drivers).
- Vehicle inspection report.
- Vehicle insurance certificate.
- Roadworthiness certificate.
- Hackney permit (for Lagos drivers).
- Ensure your car meets Uber’s vehicle requirements, such as being a 4-door car in good condition with working windows and air conditioning.
- Attend a virtual info session and complete the required safety screening.
- Once all steps are completed, your account will be activated, and you can start driving
Documents you will need
To drive with Uber in Nigeria, here are the essential documents you’ll need to prepare:
- Valid Nigerian Driver’s License: Proof that you’re legally authorized to drive in Nigeria.
- Vehicle Insurance Certificate: Ensures your vehicle has valid insurance coverage.
- Roadworthiness Certificate: Confirms your car meets safety and road standards.
- Vehicle Inspection Report: A report from an approved inspection center verifying the condition of your vehicle.
- Hackney Permit (for Lagos drivers): Required to operate commercially in Lagos.
- LASDRI Card (for Lagos drivers): Lagos State Drivers’ Institute certification.
Required vehicle documents
1. You should have a vehicle inspection report
2. Vehicle insurance must be in place
3. Road worthiness certificate and A valid Hackney permit
Vehicle requirement for Uber services
To drive with Uber in Nigeria, your vehicle must meet the following requirements:
- A 4-door car that seats at least four passengers (excluding the driver).
- Cars must not be older than 15 years (e.g., 2008 model or newer).
- The vehicle must be in good working condition, with no cosmetic or structural damage.
- Functional air conditioning is required for passenger comfort.
- Must pass a vehicle inspection at an approved Uber inspection center.
- The car must have valid vehicle registration papers, including a license plate.
- Must have valid vehicle insurance coverage (third-party or comprehensive).
Additional requirements may vary slightly depending on your city or state. If you don’t own a car, you can explore Uber’s vehicle solutions program or partner with someone who has an eligible vehicle.
Uber Driver Paperwork Requirements:
- Valid Driver’s License: To show you’re authorized to drive in Nigeria.
- Vehicle Insurance: Proof of your car’s insurance coverage.
- Roadworthiness Certificate: Verifies your car is safe for use.
- Vehicle Inspection Report: Confirms your car meets Uber’s standards.
- Hackney Permit (for Lagos drivers): Required for commercial use.
- LASDRI Card (for Lagos drivers): Certification from Lagos State Drivers’ Institute.
- Vehicle Registration Papers: Proves your car is legally registered.
How to get started with Uber registration
Getting started with Uber registration in Nigeria is straightforward! Follow these steps:
- Visit the Uber website or download the Uber app to create an account.
- Provide basic information, such as your name, email, and phone number.
- Enter details about the car you plan to use. Make sure it meets Uber’s vehicle requirements (4-door car, recent model, and in good condition).
- Upload Required Documents:
- Valid Nigerian driver’s license.
- Vehicle insurance certificate.
- Roadworthiness certificate.
- Vehicle inspection report.
- Hackney permit and LASDRI card (for Lagos drivers).
- Uber requires you to attend an information session and complete background checks to ensure safety.
- Get your car inspected at an Uber-approved inspection center to confirm it meets the required standards.
- Once all steps are completed and approved, your account will be activated, and you can start driving with Uber.
4. Activate your account
If you’ve completed all the above steps, congratulations! You’re ready to activate your account and start making money.
Please note: Uber charges 25% as commission while driver take 75% but it actually takes a little more than that from their earnings. This is all due to the fact that some additional fees are taken by rideshare companies, resulting in a higher percentage for the cut.
How to drive with Bolt in Nigeria
For starters, every Bolt driver in Nigeria must meet a minimum age requirement and possess some valid documents either as a part-time driver or Full time,You can earn approximately N120,000 a week as a full time Bolt driver.
Bolt Driver requirements:
To become a Bolt driver in Nigeria, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
Driver Requirements:
- Driver’s License: A valid Nigerian driver’s license is mandatory.
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Smartphone: A smartphone with GPS to use the Bolt Driver app.
Vehicle Requirements:
- Car Type: A 4-door sedan or hatchback that seats at least four passengers (excluding the driver).
- Car Model: The vehicle must be 2003 or newer.
- Condition: The car should be in excellent condition, with functioning windows and air conditioning.
- Inspection: Pass a Bolt-approved vehicle inspection.
- Insurance: The car must have valid vehicle insurance.
Required Documents:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Vehicle registration papers.
- Vehicle insurance certificate.
- Roadworthiness certificate.
- Hackney permit (for Lagos drivers).
- LASDRI card (for Lagos drivers).
- Passport photograph.
Once you meet these requirements, you can complete the Bolt registration process online or through their mobile app.
Steps for the Bolt driver Registration process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering as a Bolt driver in Nigeria:
1. Sign Up Online
- Visit the Bolt website or download the Bolt Driver app.
- Create an account by providing your personal details, such as name, phone number, and city.
2. Upload Required Documents
- Valid Nigerian driver’s license.
- Vehicle documents (e.g., registration, insurance, and roadworthiness certificate).
- Hackney permit and LASDRI card (for Lagos drivers).
- Passport-sized photo.
- Any other documents specified during the registration process.
3. Attend a Vehicle Inspection
- Book an appointment for your car to be inspected at a Bolt-approved inspection center.
- Ensure your vehicle meets Bolt’s requirements (e.g., model year 2003 or newer, 4-door sedan or hatchback, in excellent condition).
4. Complete Driver Training
- Attend a short online or in-person training session to understand Bolt’s standards and learn how to use the Bolt Driver app effectively.
5. Account Activation
- Once your documents are verified, and your vehicle passes the inspection, your Bolt account will be activated.
- You can now start accepting ride requests using the Bolt Driver app!
If you don’t own a car, Bolt offers options for partnering with fleet owners or renting eligible vehicles.
How to use the Bolt Driver App
Using the Bolt Driver App is simple and efficient. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate it:
- Open the app and tap the “Go Online” button to start receiving ride requests.
- When a request comes in, review the details and tap “Accept” to confirm.
- Use the in-app navigation or your preferred map app to reach the rider’s location.
- Once the rider is in the car, tap “Start Trip” in the app.
- Follow the navigation to the rider’s drop-off point.
- Tap “End Trip” once the rider has been dropped off.
- Provide feedback on the rider’s behavior and experience.
- View your earnings and trip details in the app’s dashboard.
The app also allows you to manage settings, view bonuses, and access support if needed.
How to get paid as Bolt Driver
As a Bolt driver in Nigeria, you get paid weekly. Here’s how the payment process works:
- Earnings Calculation:
- Your earnings are calculated based on completed trips, bonuses, and incentives, minus Bolt’s commission (usually 15-20%).
- Payment Cycle:
- The payment cycle runs from Monday to Sunday. At the end of the week, your total earnings are calculated.
- Bank Transfer:
- Payments are transferred directly to your registered bank account. This typically happens within 1-2 business days after the payment cycle ends.
- In-App Earnings Overview:
- You can track your earnings in the Bolt Driver app under the “Earnings” tab. This includes trip details, bonuses, and total payouts.
- Cash Payments:
- If a rider pays in cash, you keep the cash, and it is deducted from your weekly payout.
Make sure your bank account details are up-to-date in the app to avoid delays
Please note: Bolt only takes 20% commission on each trip, meaning that you get to keep 80% on every trip. If you want to get more detailed information, please contact us at nigeria-driver@bolt.eu.