Driver Jobs in South Africa: How to Get Hired Fast

Why driver jobs are in high demand

Driver jobs are among the most consistent sources of work in South Africa. The growth of online shopping, food delivery, and same day courier services has pushed retailers, logistics operators, and e commerce companies to hire delivery and transport drivers all year. On top of that, factories, distribution centres, and passenger services need drivers to keep goods and people moving.

For job seekers with a valid licence, driving offers steady demand, clear pay, and the chance to grow into long haul, fleet, or owner driver roles. Many positions are open to candidates without a degree, so a clean licence and a reliable attitude can be enough to get started.

Types of driver jobs and the licence you need

The role you can apply for depends on your licence and any professional driving permit (PrDP):

• Delivery and courier driver (Code B): deliver parcels, food, or documents in a car, bakkie, or light vehicle. The most common entry point.
• Owner driver: use your own vehicle to deliver for a company on contract, often with higher earning potential and more responsibility.
• Truck and freight driver (Code C or EC): move goods between cities and depots. Usually requires a PrDP and more experience.
• Shuttle, taxi, or passenger driver: transport people, which requires a PrDP for passengers.

A valid licence, a PrDP where required, and a clean driving record are the basics employers check first.

Where the jobs are: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban

Driving demand follows trade and population, so the metros lead:

• Johannesburg and Pretoria (Gauteng): the busiest hub for courier, e commerce, and freight driving, with constant openings around distribution centres.
• Cape Town: retail delivery, tourism transport, and port freight all hire drivers year round.
• Durban: the major port drives strong demand for freight and container truck drivers.

Owner driver and courier roles are available in every metro, especially where delivery companies operate.

What driver jobs pay

Pay depends on the vehicle class, the hours, and whether you supply your own vehicle. Light delivery and courier roles are often paid by shift, by route, or per delivery, while truck and long haul driving pays more and may include allowances for nights away. Owner drivers earn more per job but cover their own fuel and vehicle costs, so it helps to compare the full package before you accept.

What employers look for

Because driving involves company vehicles, goods, and safety, employers screen carefully:

• A valid licence and a PrDP for the vehicle class, plus a clean driving record
• Reliability and punctuality, since deliveries run to a schedule
• Good area knowledge and comfort with navigation apps
• Care with vehicles, cargo, and basic vehicle checks
• A calm, professional attitude with customers at the door

Prior delivery, courier, or logistics experience is a strong plus, and for owner driver roles a well maintained vehicle matters too.

Stand out with a 30-second video application

When many drivers apply for the same route, a short video is the fastest way to show you are licensed, reliable, and ready to start. Keep it under a minute. Say your name and city, your licence and PrDP class, the vehicle you can drive or own, your availability, and any delivery experience. Speak clearly, look at the camera, and record in good light.

A confident clip often beats a paper CV because an employer can see your professionalism and confirm your availability in seconds. On CazVid you record one video profile and reuse it to apply to many driving roles.

Ready to start? Browse openings and apply with a short video on the CazVid jobs page, or upload your video resume so employers can find you first.

How to find and apply

Combine several sources to find the most openings:

• Video first marketplaces like CazVid, where you apply with a short clip instead of a long form
• Courier and delivery companies, plus e commerce and retail fleets
• Logistics and freight operators hiring truck and long haul drivers
• Owner driver programmes run by delivery and courier firms

Related guides: see general worker jobs in South Africa and cleaning jobs in South Africa for more entry level options.

Frequently asked questions

What licence do I need to be a delivery driver? A valid Code B licence covers most light delivery and courier roles. Truck and freight driving needs Code C or EC, and carrying passengers or goods professionally usually requires a PrDP.

Can I work as an owner driver? Yes. Many delivery and courier companies contract owner drivers who use their own vehicle. You earn more per job but cover your own fuel and maintenance, so compare the full package first.

How can I apply faster? Record one short video profile on CazVid stating your licence class and availability, then reuse it to apply to many driving roles so employers can see your details before they call.

Hiring drivers yourself? You can post a job and review video applications in minutes, or learn more about how to hire with CazVid. For more job search tips, visit the CazVid blog.