Bolt offers an excellent opportunity to earn income with flexible hours across the UK, competing with Uber while charging drivers lower commission rates. With operations in over 20 cities nationwide and a 10-20% commission structure compared to Uber’s 25%, Bolt puts more money in drivers’ pockets.
Steps to Becoming a Bolt Driver
Meet the Basic Requirements
To qualify as a Bolt driver in the UK, you must meet specific criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a valid UK DVLA driving licence
- Possess a Private Hire Driver Licence (also known as PCO licence in London) from your local licensing authority
- Have a Private Hire Driver badge
- Provide a DVLA check code for verification
Register Your Profile
Visit the Bolt driver sign-up page to begin your registration. During registration, you’ll need to provide:
- Contact details and personal information
- DVLA driving licence details
- Private Hire Driver Licence
- Proof of address (recent bank statement or other official bill – internet, land line, electric/gas, etc)
- Profile picture meeting specific requirements
Your profile picture must meet the following standards: your face should be centered in the frame with a friendly expression, and you should be the only person in the image. The photo should be clear, sharp, and well lit, with your face turned toward a light source such as a lamp or window. Please use a solid background, keep the camera at eye level, and avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses (eyeglasses and religious garments are allowed). Finally, make sure it’s an original photo, not a picture of a printed photo or another screen.
Meet Vehicle Requirements
Your vehicle must satisfy specific criteria to be approved for the Bolt platform:
- Must be a 4-door vehicle with minimum 4 seats (excluding driver)
- In excellent working condition with no cosmetic damage or visible scratches
- No commercial branding on the vehicle
- Properly licensed as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) by your local licensing authority
- Valid hire and reward insurance certificate
- MOT test certificate (issued within the last 6-14 months depending on council region)
- V5C logbook or New Keeper Slip
- Compliance with local emission standards (ULEZ in London, Euro 6 for new licenses)
For London specifically, all PHVs licensed for the first time since January 1, 2023, must be zero emission capable and meet Euro 6 emission standards.
Upload Required Documents
After registration, you’ll receive an email specifying which documents to upload. Required documents typically include:
Driver Documents:
- DVLA driving licence (both paper and photocard)
- DVLA check code (valid for 21 days)
- Private Hire Driver Licence
- Private Hire Driver badge
- Bank statement
- Profile picture
Vehicle Documents:
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence
- MOT test certificate
- V5C logbook or New Keeper’s slip
- Insurance certificate with supporting documents
Complete the Background Check
Bolt conducts comprehensive background checks to ensure passenger safety. This verification process examines your criminal record and driving history to confirm you meet safety standards.
Get Activated
Once your documents are verified, you’ll proceed to activation through one of two methods:
Remote Activations:
- Receive a booking link for a convenient call time
- Choose your time slot in the scheduling portal
- Attend the virtual call via the email invite
Hub Activations:
- Receive a booking link for an in-person appointment
- Bring all required documents to your local Bolt hub
- Complete onboarding with assistance from the Bolt team
Get Verified and Start Driving
The first time you go online, you’ll need to verify yourself with a picture of your driving licence and a selfie. Follow the in-app instructions to complete verification. If you attended a hub activation, a team member will assist you with this process.
Where Does Bolt Operate in the UK?
Bolt has expanded significantly across the United Kingdom, operating in major cities and regions including:
- London (M25 area and surrounding airports including Stansted, Luton, Southend-on-Sea, and Gatwick)
- West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton)
- Greater Manchester
- Scotland (Edinburgh)
- Wales (Cardiff)
- South Coast (Bristol and Bath, Portsmouth, Havant, Southampton)
- East of England (Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Peterborough and Huntingdonshire, Buckinghamshire)
- East Midlands (Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield)
- Newcastle
- Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
This extensive coverage means drivers have opportunities across major metropolitan areas and surrounding regions throughout the UK.
How Much Can You Earn as a Bolt Driver?
Average Earnings
Bolt drivers in the UK can expect varied earnings depending on multiple factors. According to industry data, the typical Bolt driver earns approximately £10 per hour, with a range of £5-£22 when accounting for bonuses and fees.
Working full-time (40 hours per week for 52 weeks annually), potential annual earnings range from £11,000 to £47,000. However, actual earnings depend on several key factors:
- Number of hours worked
- Time of day (peak hours command higher demand)
- Location and demand for rides
- Distance and duration of trips
- Bonuses and incentives
- Vehicle type (electric vehicles receive reduced commission)
Commission Structure
Bolt’s commission structure is more driver-friendly than many competitors:
- Standard vehicles: 15-20% commission per ride
- Electric vehicles: 10% commission (50% less than standard rates)
- No booking fees deducted from driver earnings
For example, on a £10 ride:
- Bolt takes £1.50-£2.00 (15-20% commission)
- You receive £8.00-£8.50 before expenses
Compare this to Uber, which charges 25% commission plus additional booking fees that aren’t paid to the driver.
Electric Vehicle Benefits
Driving an electric vehicle on Bolt offers significant financial advantages:
- Only 10% commission versus 20% for standard vehicles
- Potential savings of approximately £4,000 annually on commission alone
- Access to all ride requests (not limited to customer-specified EV requests)
- Compliance with London’s ULEZ regulations without daily charges
Maximizing Your Earnings as a Bolt Driver
Strategic Route Planning
Use GPS and real-time traffic data to avoid congested areas and minimize delays. Efficient route planning helps you complete more rides per shift, directly increasing your income. Consider driving a fully electric vehicle to reduce fuel costs and benefit from the 10% commission rate.
Be Strategic with Timing and Location
Position yourself in high-demand areas during peak hours:
- Weekday mornings/evenings: Business districts and commuter hubs
- Weekends: Entertainment venues, restaurants, and nightlife areas
- Special events: Concert venues, sports stadiums, conference centres
- Airport runs: Major airports (Stansted, Luton, Gatwick, etc.)
Take Advantage of Bonuses and Incentives
Bolt regularly offers promotional bonuses to drivers:
- Sign-up bonuses for new drivers
- Referral bonuses for bringing new drivers to the platform
- Peak hour promotions and surge pricing
- Trip completion milestones
Check your app regularly to stay informed about available promotions, as each bonus has specific criteria such as completing a certain number of trips within a week.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Maintain high ratings by offering professional, courteous service:
- Keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained
- Arrive promptly at pickup locations
- Drive safely and follow traffic laws
- Be polite and professional with all passengers
- Handle difficult passengers calmly and with empathy
Positive reviews lead to higher ratings, which can result in better earnings and more ride requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements to become a Bolt driver?
You must be at least 21 years old to drive for Bolt in the UK.
Do I need a special licence to drive for Bolt?
Yes, you need a Private Hire Driver Licence (PCO licence in London) from your local licensing authority, along with a valid UK DVLA driving licence.
How old can my vehicle be?
While Bolt doesn’t specify a strict age limit in all regions, vehicles should generally not be older than 10 years and must be in excellent working condition. All vehicles must meet local licensing authority requirements and emission standards.
What documents do I need to provide?
Required documents include your DVLA driving licence, DVLA check code, Private Hire Driver Licence and badge, bank statement, vehicle insurance certificate, PHV licence, MOT certificate, V5C logbook, and a profile picture.
How much commission does Bolt charge?
Bolt charges 15-20% commission on standard vehicles and only 10% on electric vehicles. This does not apply to tips, bonuses, or additional fees.
Can I drive for both Bolt and Uber?
Yes, many drivers work for multiple platforms simultaneously to maximise their earning potential, as long as you meet the requirements for each platform.
How long does the application process take?
The application timeline varies depending on how quickly you submit required documents and complete background checks. Once documents are verified, you’ll be invited to either a remote or hub activation session.
Do I need to own a vehicle?
No, you can use a hired vehicle as long as it meets all Bolt requirements and you have the proper documentation, including fleet insurance policy certification if applicable.
What are the vehicle emission requirements for London?
Since January 1, 2023, all new PHV licenses in London require vehicles to be zero emission capable (fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell) and meet Euro 6 emission standards.
How do I get paid?
Bolt processes driver earnings weekly. Commission is automatically calculated and deducted, with payments made directly to your registered bank account.
Can I choose when to work?
Yes, Bolt offers complete flexibility. You can go online and accept rides whenever it suits your schedule, making it ideal for those seeking work-life balance.
What if I have a problem during a ride?
The Bolt app includes safety features and support options. You can contact Bolt support directly through the app for assistance with any issues during or after a ride.