If you are looking to make extra money and explore Ireland’s cities and countryside, then becoming a taxi driver could be the right career choice for you. It requires a valid taxi licence and registration with the National Transport Authority (NTA). This Insure My Taxi blog post will outline the process of how to become a taxi driver in Ireland. 

Driving a taxi can be an incredibly rewarding profession and the benefits are numerous. Not only do taxi drivers provide a service that’s essential to their communities, but they also enjoy the independence and flexibility of being their own boss. Unlike most jobs, you’ll have full control over when you work, whom you pick up, and how much you earn. You’re not tied down to a desk and you can work around your own schedule. So, let’s look at exactly how to become a taxi driver in Ireland.  

 

What are the requirements for becoming a taxi driver? 

To be an eligible candidate for taxi driving, you must meet the following criteria: 

· Hold a full driving licence (for at least one year). 

· Have no convictions or penalty points on your driving record (within the last three years). 

· Have your personal tax affairs up to date. 

· Be over the age of twenty-one. 

 

A step-by-step guide: How to become a taxi driver in Ireland

1. Prepare to take a small public service vehicle (SPSV) test

To obtain a taxi driver licence in Ireland, you must pass the SPSV test. To prepare for the test, you should study industry knowledge as well as the area in which you plan to drive a taxi. You can download the official manual for operating in the SPSV industry from the National Transport Authority (NTA). You’ll need to achieve a score of 75% to pass the test and receive your SPSV Skills Development Certificate. There are lots of online training courses you can avail of to help you prepare.  

 

2. Take the Test

The next step in how to become a taxi driver in Ireland is to take the SPSV test. You can book your test through the National Transport Authority by calling 0818 064 000. At the booking stage, you’ll need to provide your contact details, PPS number, full licence details and the test fee of €90. The fee can be paid over the phone by credit card or by postal order.  

There are five test centres located in Ireland, so you can select the one that’s most convenient for you to get to. The test centres are in Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Sligo.  

 

3. Apply For Your SPSV Licence

The SPSV licence permits you to carry passengers and operate all categories of small public service vehicles (including taxis, hackneys and limousines). Once you’ve completed the SPSV test and received your certificate, you can apply for your taxi licence in Ireland. 

Wondering how to apply for your SPSV licence and become a taxi driver in Ireland? Just follow these steps: 

· Fill in a PSV 15/18 form (found in your local Garda station). 

· Submit three identical passport photos. 

· Pay the licence fee of €250 to the NTA (call 0818 064 000). 

· Submit the form along with all other relevant required documents to your local Garda station.  

After your application has been submitted, you will be informed of whether you have been successful within three months. When approved, you’ll receive a conditional offer letter (valid for 90 days). Now, you’ll need to complete the last remaining steps in the licencing process.  

4. Other Requirements

In the next stages of how to become a taxi driver in Ireland, you must equip your chosen vehicle in accordance with SPSV regulations. The NTA has outlined a set of requirements for taxis in Ireland. These include: 

· The vehicle must be listed as acceptable in the Suitable Vehicle List. 

· The vehicle must incorporate a luggage area of at least 420 litres. 

· Windows must be clean, and readily operable and the windscreen must allow at least 70% visible light transmission. 

· The vehicle must be in good, clean condition. 

· The vehicle must be fitted with a taximeter, verified and calibrated with the current national maximum fare order and connected to a working printer. The meter must be sealed by the Legal Metrology Service.  

· The vehicle must be fitted with a roof sign (to be in place when operating as a taxi and removed when in a public area and not operating as a taxi). 

· The vehicle must have prescribed taxi branding on the front doors.  

· The driver must display tamper-proof licence discs specifying licence and vehicle details.  

· The vehicle must always carry safety and passenger communication equipment which include: 

Ø A fire extinguisher 

Ø A first-aid kit 

Ø Advance-warning triangle  

Ø A torch 

Ø Pen and paper 

In addition to this, you should book your vehicle’s Initial Suitability Inspection to obtain your taxi licence.  

Important to know: You’ll need to renew your SPSV licence every 6/12 months.  

 

 

5. Get On the Road

Now that you know how to become a taxi driver in Ireland, you’ll need to get insured. Much like public liability insurance, taxi insurance in Ireland is a specific type of cover provided by specialised brokers like Insuremytaxi.ie. Unlike your regular car insurance in Ireland, taxi insurance includes cover for metres, printers, roof signage and satnavs! However, you can’t insure your taxi as a second car to avail of multi car insurance discounts. 

Did you know that the fares drivers charges to their passengers for taxi journeys are liable to VAT? It’s a good idea to avail of an accountancy service to assist with your tax requirements.  

 

Being a taxi driver is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding and satisfying career for those who are looking for a unique and independent job. We hope you found this guide on how to become a taxi driver helpful. And remember, if you park your taxi in your home garage, make sure you’ve got good home insurance in Ireland.
 

For more information on how to become a taxi driver in Ireland, talk to our team at Insure My Taxi today by calling 01 231 9305.

If you're in the market for othery types of insurance too, head over to our partner companies: Insuremyvan.ie are the best broker for van insurance in Ireland and Coverinaclick.ie can really bring down the price of the car insurance quotes for you. 

If you're in the market for other types of insurance too, head over to our partner companies: Insuremyvan.ie are the best broker for van insurance in Ireland and Coverinaclick.ie can really bring down the price of the car insurance quotes for you.

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