How to get a taxi licence in Ireland

To drive a taxi, hackney or limousine in Ireland you need an SPSV driver licence (SPSV stands for Small Public Service Vehicle) from the National Transport Authority (NTA). The main hurdle is the SPSV Driver Entry Test, sometimes called the taxi test. This guide covers everything you need to know to get through it.

What an SPSV licence is

One SPSV driver licence covers taxis, hackneys and limousines. The vehicle needs its own separate SPSV vehicle licence; this guide is about the driver licence, which is the one that needs the test.

The four steps

1. Book and pass the SPSV Driver Entry Test (€90) by phoning 0818 064 000.
2. Complete the free online Safeguarding and Disability Awareness course. It takes about 30 minutes and there is no pass or fail.
3. Pay the SPSV driver licence application fee (€250).
4. Submit form PSV15 at your local Garda station with: the receipt for the €250 fee, three passport-style photos (10cm × 7cm), a tax clearance certificate, your current driving licence, an NDLS driver history statement and your SPSV Driver Entry Test certificate. An Garda Síochána then carries out vetting.

Who can apply

• You must have held an Irish driving licence, or one from another EU, EEA or other recognised state, for at least 12 months without endorsement.
• Your tax affairs must be up to date (you need an electronic tax clearance certificate from Revenue).
• You must be found suitable after Garda vetting.

The SPSV Driver Entry Test

• Cost: €90.
• Format: 90 multiple-choice questions in two modules.
• Industry Knowledge module: 54 questions on the rules and good practice of the SPSV industry — licensing, fares, vehicles, customer service, safety and running your business.
• Area Knowledge module: 36 questions about the county you want to be licensed in — places, landmarks, roads, routes and neighbouring areas.
• Pass mark: 75% in each module. You need to pass both.
• If you fail one module, you only repeat that module, and you have 12 months from your original test date to pass it. After that you sit the whole test again.
• Booking: phone the NTA Industry Information Line on 0818 064 000. Have your contact details, PPS number, full driving licence and payment (card by phone, or postal order) ready. Tests run in NTA test centres around the country.
• Extra help: extra time and one-to-one assistance can be arranged; ask when booking.

The Area Knowledge syllabus was revised with effect from 1 October 2025 — check the NTA’s announcement so you study the current scope.

How to study for it

Industry Knowledge: the NTA’s Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry is the textbook for this module, and there is an audio version too. Read it, then practise questions until the rules stick.

Area Knowledge: there is no single textbook, so this is where most people need the most practice. You need to know where places are, which areas border each other, and how to get between them.

Then test yourself under exam conditions. Aim to score comfortably above 75% in both modules before you book.

Quick answers

Official sources

GoSPSV is an independent study resource, not the NTA. Always confirm fees, rules and booking details with the NTA before you book:

• NTA: The SPSV Driver Entry Test
• NTA: Applying for an SPSV driver licence
• NTA: Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry (PDF)