Shocking Bolt Driver Application Experience – Blocked, Ignored, and Financially Impacted

I am writing this review out of sheer frustration and disappointment. I have spent over four days trying to apply as a new Bolt driver. Despite being told I had a “permanently suspended account,” I have never been a Bolt driver before. I only had a rider account and was applying to drive for the first time.

Here’s what I’ve gone through:

Repeatedly blocked by technical errors during sign-up — on both the app and desktop.

Sent screenshots, videos, and all required documents (CarScan, DEKRA inspection, license with PrDP, police clearance, etc.).

Spent over R1,000 of my own money to meet their requirements — wasted.

Received contradictory responses: “no account exists,” then “you already have an account,” then “you’re permanently suspended.”

When I request the account to be deleted or escalated, I’m sent in circles — “use the app,” which doesn't work.

Asked multiple times when this supposed account was created and received no clear answer.

Even after receiving login PINs, the app refuses to proceed to the next step — for more than 72 hours now.

I have requested a senior specialist to investigate and assist, and Bolt continues to provide copy-paste responses with no ownership or resolution.

This has caused unnecessary financial loss, stress, and wasted hours. I’ve never seen such a poor, dismissive customer experience from a company of this size.

If Bolt does not intend to onboard new drivers, they should say so. Otherwise, they need to be held accountable for technically flawed processes, lack of escalation, and unjust rejection of legitimate applicants.

I will be sharing this experience with consumer rights channels and across public platforms if this is not resolved urgently.