Looking to obtain a taxi licence in Ireland? If you want to become a taxi driver in Ireland, you must first obtain a taxi licence. This licence is issued by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is sometimes known as a small public service vehicle (SPSV) driver’s licence. It’s valid for three or five years, depending on your driving record. Keep reading the guide published by InsureMyTaxi.ie to find out all the steps and costs involved.

What Criteria Must You Meet to Apply for a Taxi Licence in Ireland? 

To obtain a taxi licence in Ireland, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

· Be at least 21 years of age. 

· Have held a full driving licence for at least one year. 

· Have no conviction or penalty points on their driving record in the last three years – you will be vetted by An Garda Síochana as a suitable person to hold a taxi licence in Ireland. 

· Have no known medical conditions, serious illness or disabilities that could affect their ability to drive safely (medical report including eye check report). 

· Have a good understanding of the local area and the ability to use navigational aids. 

· Have personal tax affairs up to date (check Revenue.ie). 

Apply For an SPSV Test

Once you’ve met all the criteria, you can book the SPSV driver entry test. This test evaluates your knowledge of the industry and ensures you’re familiar with good practices. You must pass to apply for your taxi licence in Ireland.  

The cost of the test is €90, and you can call 0818 064 000 to book.  

What To Expect From The Test 

To apply, you’ll need to supply the following to the National Transport Authority (NTA): 

· Your contact details 

· Your PPS number 

· A full driving licence 

· The test fee – This can be paid by credit or with a debit card by phone or postal order.  

The SPSV driver test can be taken in any one of five test centres. These are located in the following regions: 

· Cork 

· Dublin (Greenhills, and Northpoint) 

· Galway 

· Sligo.

The test is multiple choice, and you must answer 90 questions in total. You must earn 75% on each module to pass the test and be eligible to obtain a taxi licence in Ireland. The test is divided into two parts, both of which you’ll complete on the same day. These include: 

1. Industry knowledge module - At Insure My Taxi, we recommend you download and study The Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry from the NTA. All test questions will be taken from this textbook. That way, you can be sure to pass your test and obtain a taxi licence in Ireland.  

2. Area knowledge module - This will test your knowledge of urban centres, national roads and motorways, towns and villages, and places of interest in the county you plan to operate in. You can download the Taxischool App to help you prepare for the area knowledge module for a fee of €99. The subscription for this tool lasts 60 days.  

The Next Steps in Obtaining Your Taxi Licence in Ireland

Once you’ve passed the test, you can then apply for your taxi licence in Ireland. To do this you must: 

1. Get a PSV 15/18 application form from your local Garda station and fill it in. 

2. Obtain three identical passport-style photos (10cm x 7cm). 

3. Pay the licence fee of €250 to the NTA. You can pay over the phone by calling 0818 064 000. 

4. Submit your PSV 15/18 form to your nearest Garda station. (If living in Dublin, you should submit your form to the Carriage Office). Along with this form, you must also provide: 

• Your NTA receipt from paying the licence fee. 
• The 3 photos. 
• Your Tax Clearance Certificate.  
• A copy of your driving licence, 
• A written undertaking that you won’t drive an SPSV for more than 11 hours on any three consecutive days. 
• Details of other occupations you’re engaged in. 
• A declaration that your health doesn’t materially affect your ability to drive an SPSV, and you’re not taking drugs or medication that would impair your ability to drive safely. 
• Any other relevant documents requested by An Garda Síochána.  

After submitting your application, An Garda Síochána will assess you to decipher if you’re a suitable person to hold a taxi licence in Ireland. The assessment may take up to 3 months. If you are successful, you will be issued an SPSV driver’s licence. The Gardaí will inform the National Transport Authority in Ireland on your behalf that you now hold a taxi licence. The National Transport Authority will send you your driver identification cards.  

Once you’ve received your SPSV licence and smart card, you can then drive a taxi. You’ll also be licenced to drive a wheelchair-accessible taxi, hackney and limousine.  

Now That You’ve Received Your Taxi Licence

Finally, you must purchase taxi insurance and obtain a car that is suitable for taxi use. All vehicles in Ireland must pass an annual safety inspection and drivers must hold a current SPSV or taxi licence. Much like van 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 uses telematics to reduce the risk of claims. However, you can’t insure your taxi as a second car to avail of multi car insurance discounts.  

Driving a taxi can be a rewarding and satisfying way to make a living. But obtaining a taxi licence in Ireland requires a significant commitment and involves a rigorous process.  

By following all the necessary steps and taking all the required tests, any potential taxi driver in Ireland will be in a good position to acquire a valid taxi licence and start earning an income. Call Insure My Taxi today at 01 231 9305 to learn more. If you park your taxi in your home garage, make sure you have a good home insurance. 

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