How to Become a Takealot Driver in South Africa (Updated 2026)

Step by Step Guide, Requirements and Application Process

Takealot hires driver partners throughout the year, but availability depends on each branch’s capacity. This guide will show you exactly what you need, how the process works and where to apply.

1. Minimum Requirements

To qualify as a Takealot / Mr D driver partner, you must have:

• A smartphone with Android 7 or higher (for the GPS and driver app)
• South African ID or Work Permit (for foreign nationals)
• Valid SA Driver’s Licence
• National/International licence for foreign nationals
• Your own motorbike or light vehicle
• Proof of address
• Proof of bank details
• Vehicle registration form (RC1)
• Valid roadworthy certificate
• Clear criminal record

2. What Takealot Offers

Working as an independent contractor gives you:

• Flexible working hours (full-time or part-time)
• Premium rates on Fridays to Sundays
• Free training for successful applicants
• Personal injury insurance while on duty
• Free emergency road assistance
• Work available Monday to Sunday

3. What Drivers Actually Earn

Driver earnings vary depending on:

• Hours worked
• Area/branch demand
• Vehicle type (bike vs car)
• Tips
• Weekend shifts
• Number of completed deliveries

According to a South African YouTuber who shared multiple real weekly payout breakdowns, earnings can vary significantly from week to week.

Real Weekly Earnings Examples

Here are some examples from his payslips:

Week	Orders Completed	Approx Earnings
Week 1	36 orders	~R1,595
Week 2	63 orders	~R2,802
Week 3	45 orders	~R2,379
Week 4	49 orders + parcels	~R2,731

This suggests that many active drivers may earn roughly:

• R6,000 – R12,000+ per month
  depending on:
• hours worked,
• delivery volume,
• tips,
• and branch demand.

How the Pay Structure Works

Drivers are generally paid through a combination of:

Base Collection Fee

Drivers receive a small fee for collecting an order from a restaurant or pickup point.

Delivery Fee

A larger fee is paid for successfully delivering the order.

Distance Fees

Extra compensation may be added for longer delivery distances.

Tips

Customer tips can significantly increase earnings.

In one week shown in the breakdown:

• the driver earned over R1,200 in tips alone.

Premium Fees

Additional bonuses are often paid:

• Friday evenings
• Saturdays
• Sundays

These periods are usually busier and pay more per delivery.

Important Costs & Deductions

Drivers should also expect deductions such as:

• Insurance
• Uniform/clothing fees
• Possible penalties for expired or incomplete orders

In one example:

• over R400 was deducted because an order expired before collection.

This is why drivers are encouraged to:

• double-check orders,
• avoid missing items,
• and manage deliveries carefully.

Watch the Original Breakdown

🟥Takealot Driver Earnings Breakdown (Video

4. How to Apply

Takealot uses a central application process.

Application Link (to apply click on the blue link below):

They will connect your application to your closest operational branch.

For queries:

Email: drivers@takealot.com

5. How Long Does It Take to Hear Back?

Response times vary by branch. Most applicants report:

• 2 – 7 days if the branch is actively hiring
• 2 – 4 weeks if the branch is full
• Sometimes no reply until new positions open

Takealot does not offer a tracking system, so applicants should expect delays.

5. Important Notice

Takealot recruitment is ongoing, but hiring availability differs from branch to branch.
Submitting an application does not guarantee immediate placement.

Branches recruit based on capacity. If you don’t receive feedback immediately, your application stays on file.

FAQs

Can foreigners apply to become a Takealot driver?

Yes. Foreign nationals can apply if they have:

• a valid work permit,
• a valid driver’s licence,
• and the required supporting documents.

Some branches may have additional verification requirements.

Does Takealot provide vehicles or motorbikes?

No. Drivers are generally expected to use their own:

• motorbike,
• scooter,
• or light vehicle.

Applicants are also responsible for fuel, maintenance, and licensing costs.

Do I need previous delivery experience?

Not always. Many drivers start without previous delivery experience.

However, having:

• navigation skills,
• customer service skills,
• and knowledge of your area
  can improve your performance.

Successful applicants usually receive onboarding and basic training.

How much do Takealot and Mr D drivers earn?

Earnings vary depending on:

• number of deliveries,
• tips,
• branch demand,
• and hours worked.

Some drivers report earning between:

• R1,500 – R3,000+ per week
  before fuel and vehicle expenses.

Weekend and evening shifts often pay more due to premium rates.

Can I work part-time as a Takealot driver?

Yes. Many drivers work flexible or part-time shifts.

However, income depends heavily on:

• availability,
• active hours,
• and delivery demand in your area.

How long does the application process take?

Some applicants receive feedback within:

• 2–7 days

while others may wait:

• several weeks

depending on branch capacity and hiring demand.

What happens after I apply?

After applying, successful candidates may be contacted for:

• document verification,
• onboarding,
• training,
• and activation on the driver platform.

Branch availability will affect how quickly this happens.

Are there deductions from driver earnings?

Yes. Depending on the branch or delivery partner, deductions may include:

• insurance,
• uniforms,
• penalties for delivery issues,
• or third-party partner commissions.

Drivers should carefully review payment structures before starting.

Is working for Takealot or Mr D worth it?

This depends on:

• your area,
• vehicle costs,
• and hours worked.

Many drivers use it as:

• a side hustle,
• temporary income source,
• or flexible work opportunity.

Drivers using fuel-efficient motorbikes generally keep more profit than those using larger vehicles.