TAXI & SPSV · START FROM ZERO
How to Get a Taxi Licence in Ireland
In Ireland, “taxi licence” can mean two different things: the licence for you as an SPSV driver, and the separate SPSV licence for the vehicle. This guide explains both so you know which process you need.Checked against current official Irish information: 9 September 20261. Check that you can apply as an SPSV driver
NTA states that regular SPSV driver applicants must meet driver-licensing conditions including the Driver Entry Test, tax compliance, the required driving-licence history and Garda suitability vetting. A regular SPSV driver licence permits driving taxis, hackneys and limousines.
- Hold an acceptable Irish, EU, EEA or other recognised driving licence for the required period.
- Keep your tax affairs up to date.
- Expect Garda vetting / suitability assessment.
2. Pass the SPSV Driver Entry Test
The SPSV Driver Entry Test has two modules: Industry Knowledge and Area Knowledge. You must pass both before applying for a regular SPSV driver licence. TPI keeps these subjects separate so you can study them properly.
- Industry Knowledge covers SPSV regulation and good practice.
- Area Knowledge covers the county in which you want to be licensed.
- The current NTA pass mark is 75% in each module.
3. Complete Safeguarding and Disability Awareness
New SPSV driver applicants who pass the entry test must complete the free online NTA professional-development course on safeguarding and disability awareness before paying the driver-licence application fee.
4. Pay the driver-licence application fee and apply to An Garda Síochána
NTA currently lists a €250 SPSV driver-licence application fee. The driver then completes the PSV15 application and submits the required documents through the local Garda station. The documents include items such as the fee receipt, photographs, tax-compliance evidence, driving licence, NDLS driver history and SPSV test certificate.
5. If you will own or supply the taxi vehicle, licence the vehicle separately
A driver licence is not the same thing as an SPSV vehicle licence. NTA has a separate vehicle-licensing process covering vehicle suitability, application, inspection and licensing. A person may therefore need both a driver licence and an appropriately licensed SPSV vehicle, depending on how they will work.
6. Learn the operating rules before taking passengers
The official SPSV manual covers driver licensing, vehicle choice, working as an SPSV operator, finding your way around, fares, customer service, business responsibilities and safety. TPI can teach these topics in plain language while keeping the official NTA manual as the source of truth.