Bolt, originally known as Taxify, is an international transportation company that provides an interface for drivers and passengers to connect with no stress.
Being one of the fastest-growing transport platforms in Africa, Bolt has millions of drivers and riders within its interface.
It debuted in Nigeria in 2016, with Lagos serving as the original hub. However, in less than five years of operation, the company has traversed over 22 Nigerian states and developed branches in nearly all of the country’s major towns.
The expansion of the business has had a significant role in reducing youth unemployment. Driving employment is open to everyone who meets the requirements.
With Nigeria’s high rate of unemployment, taking up a driving job with bolt is a sure-fire way to supplement your income. You could work full-time or part-time. In any case, you get to work at your own pace and convenience.
Table of contents
Requirements for Becoming a Bolt Driver in Nigeria
The first thing you’ll need before working with Bolt is a car. It may be yours, or you could outsource one.
Once you have a car, the remainder of the requirements will be a breeze for you.
Before entering the industry, both the driver and the vehicle must be inspected.
Vehicle Requirements
- To begin with, the car cannot be more than 14 years old.
- Air conditioning, doors, seat belts, mirrors, and other vehicle components must be in excellent functioning order.
- A suitable body must inspect the vehicle.
- A registered body must insure the vehicle.
- Four doors are required on the vehicle. Bolt prohibits vehicles with fewer than two doors.
- The vehicle’s back compartment should be large enough to accommodate at least four people.
The most widely accepted vehicles are Toyota Avensis, Honda City, and Toyota Corolla.
Specifications for Bolt Driver in Nigeria
- Drivers for the Bolt must be over the age of 21.
- Individuals with a previous criminal record are not permitted.
- Drivers must own a current driver’s licence.
- They must have a track record of safe driving and roadworthiness.
Cars Accepted by Bolt Nigeria
Here is the list of cars accepted by Bolt in Nigeria;
- 2006 Toyota Corolla
- 2007 Honda Civic2004 Toyota Corolla
- 2004 Toyota Camry
- 2009 Honda Civic
- Honda City
- 2006 Toyota Matrix
- 2007 Hyundai Sonata
- 2009 Toyota Yaris
- 2004 Toyota Camry
- 2005 Kia Sorento
Getting Started as a Bolt Driver
After passing the requirements test, the following step is to register with the platform. You’d have to register both yourself and the vehicle, or vehicles, as the case may be.
- You must first download the Bolt Google Play or App Store
- Continue to the sign-up page.
- Fill out all of the essential information to register.
- Following that, you would receive an email inviting you to an onboarding session.
Follow these procedures to register your vehicle:
Bolt Vehicle Inspection
You must first get your vehicle examined by a Bolt-approved inspection bureau.
- Submit your driver’s licence, insurance certificate, and any other documents necessary by the platform.
- Proceed by clicking on the button.
When you receive the email invitation, you must go to the local station to confirm your registration and attend training/inspection.
Following the completion of the registration and onboarding process, it may take one to 72 hours until you are formally qualified as a bolt driver.
Does Bolt Provide Cars to Drivers?
Even if you don’t own a car, you can become a Bolt driver in Nigeria. Bolt recognizes that owning a car may be costly. As a result, Bolt allows ambitious drivers to lease automobiles and payback in monthly instalments.
You may buy a new or used automobile. The payment options are both convenient and adaptable.
You just need to pay 15% of the total price of the vehicle upfront. After that, you must pay a minimum of ₦40,000 each month for two to three years to cover the cost.
Other advantages come with borrowing automobiles. Bolt also provides automobile tracking insurance and maintenance. However, the fees for these would be included in your overall amount.
Though the automobile will be registered under Bolt, you are free to use it as you see fit as long as you do not injure it and fulfil the due date for the instalment payment.
Do Bolt Drivers Undergo Training?
Drivers must be tested to verify that they are physically fit. This screening would have to take place in a Bolt office so that you could be screened by authorised personnel. However, in other cities, the screening may be done virtually.
You will be invited to this screening by email. After you have registered with the site, you will receive an email. You will not be able to attend the session unless you get this email.
Benefits of Driving for Bolt in Nigeria
When you work at Bolt, you stand to enjoy a lot of benefits. The following are the primary benefits of working with Bolt:
- Flexibility
- Good Pay
- There Is No Monthly Fee
- Exposure
Flexibility
As a bolt driver, you have no set working hours. You are permitted to work at your leisure. This freedom avails you the opportunity to run other errands that need to be attended to.
With this flexibility, you can run a side business aside from being a bolt driver. All you need to do is put someone in charge of it and you could go inspect it when you do not have a ride order.
Good Pay
As a Bolt driver, you may make as much as you want. However, several factors might affect the pace at which you earn. Nonetheless, if you work during the day, you may be certain of earning a sizable sum at the end of the day.
There Is No Monthly Fee
Apart from the standard 15% commission they collect on every trip, Bolt does not charge their drivers any additional fees. Clients can pay you in cash and then return it to Bolt, or they can pay through Bolt. Drivers are paid weekly in any case.
Exposure
As a Bolt driver, you will almost certainly come into touch with some high-profile individuals. Even celebs reserve a bolt. Not all passengers, however, enjoy conversing with drivers. You can engage them if you are fortunate enough to meet an easygoing one.
There have been instances where drivers have been given numerous opportunities by passengers.
Driving for Bolt also allows you to visit places you might not otherwise visit. It exposes you and forces you to know the town’s routes like the back of your hand.
How Much Do Bolt Drivers Get Paid in Nigeria?
Bolt drivers are paid 85 per cent of the total revenue earned from all of their rides in a given week.
There is no set salary for all bolt drivers because many circumstances influence how much they earn. The availability of passengers varies by state.
Lagos drivers earn the most money out of the 22 states where Bolt is offered.
A Lagos Bolt guy gets around ₦400,000 per month on average after Bolt has taken the necessary 15% cut.
Aside from the predetermined 85 per cent. Bolt drivers are permitted to accept tips from passengers who desire to commend their work.
Drivers can be tipped in cash or through a transfer to Bolt. Bolt will then deposit these monies into your account together with your weekly earnings. However, tips will only be given if the passenger gives you a rating of 4/5.
Furthermore, Bolt provides incentives to worthy drivers. These incentives can be obtained by consistently receiving great reviews from passengers or by completing a set number of rides in a specific time frame.
How to Increase Your Earnings as A Bolt Driver
How can you increase your pay as a bolt driver?
- Use Rush Hour to Your Advantage
- Relocate to The Hotspots
- Be Courteous
Use Rush Hour to Your Advantage
To maximise your revenue, carefully consider the hours when people are most in need of transportation and make yourself available during those times.
Morning rush hour is from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. in major cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja.
In the evening, the hours of 5-8 p.m. are the busiest.
Weekends, in general, are frequently packed with ride bookings, so make yourself available for booking.
Relocate to The Hotspots
If residents in your neighbourhood do not patronise Bolt, it is best to relocate to areas that do.
You may use the Bolt app’s live map to see where passengers are available in large numbers.
Be Courteous
Improving customer service is a guaranteed way to get tips. Maintain a friendly demeanour at all times to keep your passengers at ease.
Your hygiene is also important; try to keep your car spotless at all times.
Bolt Driver Tips and Tricks
How Do You Cut Costs?
There are a few simple methods you may use to save money on gas for your car.
- Choose Open Windows
- Use Shorter Routes
- Turn Off the Engine
- Purchase A Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Choose Open Windows
Turning off the air conditioning can help you save fuel if you don’t have a passenger. Even if you do, you can ask the passengers if they mind the natural breeze instead. If they insist, leave the air conditioner on.
Use Shorter Routes
Always use Google Maps to find the shortest path to the pickup spot. Taking shortcuts can also help you save fuel.
Turn Off the Engine
If you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for a passenger, try to turn off the car’s engine. You would not only save fuel, but you would also save the environment from the car’s extra CO2 emissions.
Purchase A Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Some vehicles consume less fuel than others. This category includes the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Camry, and Honda Insight.
Conclusion
With a few simple steps, you can become a bolt driver. All you have to do is meet the requirements and then register. As a bolt driver, you are your employer, and you pick when to work and when to leave for the day. You can even decide to work exclusively on weekends.
Apart from that, Bolt provides you with advantages and insurance plans.
What’s more? through their financing programs, you can acquire an automobile. If you want to become a bolt driver, go straight to their registration website.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.
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Hello
Thank you.
Please I am a female and I’m intending to register with bolt as a driver in Lagos..already I have a car but I’m scared on how my first ride would turn out because I don’t know the roads very well plus the hike in fuel price is another thing to consider..does it pay off now that fuel is very expensive?
Hi there,
I understand your concerns about registering as a Bolt driver in Lagos, especially as a female driver. The high fuel prices and the unfamiliarity with the roads can be daunting. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process a little bit easier.
First, familiarize yourself with the Bolt app and how it works. You can do this by signing up as a rider and taking a few rides yourself. This will give you a better understanding of how the app works and what is expected of drivers.
Second, learn the roads in your area. You can do this by driving around your neighborhood or by using a navigation app. The more familiar you are with the roads, the less likely you are to get lost or confused.
Third, consider getting a fuel-efficient car. This will help you save money on fuel costs. You can also try to drive more efficiently by avoiding unnecessary stops and by using cruise control when possible.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are ever unsure about something, you can always contact Bolt support. They will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you have.
As for whether or not it pays off to be a Bolt driver in Lagos, that depends on a number of factors, including the number of rides you can get, the fuel prices, and your operating costs. However, if you are able to get a decent number of rides and you can manage your fuel costs, it is possible to make a profit.
Here are some tips to help you make more money as a Bolt driver:
1. Drive during peak hours. This is when there are more riders and you are more likely to get a fare.
2. Be friendly and professional. Riders are more likely to give you a good rating if you are polite and helpful.
3. Keep your car clean and well-maintained. This will make a good impression on riders and make them more likely to choose you.
4. Offer water and snacks to your riders. This is a small gesture that can go a long way.
I hope these tips help you!
Hi I’d like to connect with you and give you some advices,can you message me on WhatsApp ? If yes text Hi to 08119867832 on WhatsApp… Thank you!
I am from Warri, Delta State. I have decided to completely register myself and my private car as a bolt driver to the bolt company.
Kindly tell me the steps to take here in warri if possible bolt office address and contact number in Warri.
Sure, I can help you with that.
Here are the steps on how to register as a Bolt driver in Warri:
1. Go to the Bolt website and create an account.
2. Provide your personal information, including your name, email address, phone number, and driver’s license number.
3. Upload a copy of your driver’s license and car registration.
4. Take a photo of yourself holding your driver’s license.
5. Pay the registration fee.
6. Attend an onboarding session.
The Bolt office address in Warri is:
Suite 40, Peck Shopping Mall, 110 Airport Road beside Greener Line, Warri.
The Bolt contact number in Warri is:
+234 803 901 2019.
Once you have completed the registration process, you will be able to start driving for Bolt.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when registering as a Bolt driver:
1. Your car must be in good condition and meet the Bolt requirements.
2. You must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.
3. You must be at least 21 years old.
4. You must be able to speak English.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have other requests or questions.
Please I want bolt company to assist me with a Toyota Corolla 2009 model for higher purchase so that I can join as a driver.
Thank you.
08160856120
Akwa Ibom state
Please drop for me the site to get registered as bolt driver… please do you have office in Umuahia ?
Here is the address;
28 Brass Street, Aba, Abia State
I dont have a car and I intend to become a driver.How do I go about it?
Hello Obatobi
You will have to rent a car.
Please I need a car for higher purchase how can I get it please help me
Hello Mr Peter,
What’s your location?
Can I use Peugeot 307
Yes, Mr Clement
My name is Okonji Mathew. I am interested in becoming one of your drives. I do not have a car of mine,is there anyway I can get a car on higher purchase and even if it’s not on higher purchase,I can drive to do the delivery car deal which maybe monthly or weekly.
Yes, Mathew
You can get a card for Bolt.
Try to meet with any individual at your location who will want to make such arrangements with you.
I wish you success.
Please I want to be a part of the blessed bolt drivers but my problem is that I don’t have a car
Can I be help with a car for a higher purchase from bolt, if Please can someone put me through on how to go about it
Am looking forward to hearing from you and I be so grateful to be helped by bolt to get a car thank you
Hello Emmanuel,
You can apply online on the website to get a car from bolt.
I am having issues with registering a car given to me on higher purchase by a Friend on bolt. Can someone put me through please?
Hello Chijioke,
What exactly is the issue?
I am very much grateful for all the success direction you render freely, My your days be bless with joy and success by the power of Almighty God.
Thank you, Musa.
It is our delight to be helpful in whatever way possible.
You can always reach out to us if you have questions.