Transport and delivery

School transport (lift club or scholar transport)

Drive children to and from school every day for a monthly fee, with the licences, permits and insurance the law needs.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Calm, punctual drivers with a suitable car or minibus, who parents trust with their children.

In South Africa: Strong demand in townships and suburbs with working parents.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 15 hours a week · age 21+

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.

What people charge

R770 to R1 070 per child a month

Schools publish about R770 a month (Durban Prep High) and R850 to R1,067 by distance (Lantern School). Private lift clubs often charge less; check what parents near you pay.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R3 000 to R20 000
Every month
Fuel, insurance, services and tyres, licence renewals, an adult helper for small children.
Payment fees
EFT or debit order.
Margin
Moderate after fuel, insurance and wear.

How it is paid: A monthly fee per child, paid in advance. Our viability score for it: 60 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Ask ten parents at one school what they pay and what frustrates them now
    • Phone your provincial transport department about the operating licence steps
    • Success signal: six children signed up for one route

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Check your vehicle can legally carry learners and book a roadworthy test
    • Find out the PrDP and operating licence steps for your province
    • Ask the school principal for a letter of support

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Apply for your PrDP, police clearance and operating licence
    • Get passenger insurance quotes from two insurers

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Draw up a parent agreement with fees, times and rules
    • Plan a second route only once the first runs smoothly

Licences, roadworthy and police clearance take time. Plan for the new school term. First income usually takes 30 to 180 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

School transport: from your operating licence to your first full route

23 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Working parents near a school, from Grade R to matric.

Children get to school and home safely while parents are at work.

Is there demand?

Schools publish what parents pay for transport: about R770 a month (Durban Prep High) and R850 to R1,067 by distance (Lantern School). Government rules need an operating licence, a PrDP for every driver and an adult supervisor for primary-school children (National Land Transport Act regulations).

A morning and afternoon route for one schoolAftercare and extra-mural runsHoliday camp transport

Getting customers

Parents at the school gate, school WhatsApp groups and the principal’s office.

Word of mouth and referralsIn-person networkingDirect messages

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Children’s safety comes first: carry only as many children as there are seatbelts, and use seatbelts and an adult helper for young children
  • Driving without an operating licence or PrDP can lead to fines and an impounded vehicle
  • Breakdowns: have a backup driver or vehicle agreed

Competition: Moderate; safety and punctuality keep families for years.

Room to grow: Grows with a second route, a bigger vehicle or another driver.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Scholar transport needs an operating licence from your provincial transport department, with a contract or letter from the school principal, and every driver needs a professional driving permit (PrDP).
  • Gauteng also asks for police clearance, a roadworthy certificate, insurance, a route and learner list, and SARS tax compliance.
  • Bakkies may not carry learners.
  • Rules and fees differ by province, so check with your provincial department.
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start school transport in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R3 000 to R20 000. Recurring costs: Fuel, insurance, services and tyres, licence renewals, an adult helper for small children.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 90 days, and between 30 and 180 days. Licences, roadworthy and police clearance take time. Plan for the new school term.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Scholar transport needs an operating licence from your provincial transport department, with a contract or letter from the school principal, and every driver needs a professional driving permit (PrDP). Gauteng also asks for police clearance, a roadworthy certificate, insurance, a route and learner list, and SARS tax compliance. Bakkies may not carry learners. Rules and fees differ by province, so check with your provincial department. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (5)

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy