Who needs to sit the SPSV Entry Test?
I am already an SPSV driver, do I still need to sit the test?
I am already a dispatch operator do I still need to sit the test?
What is the area knowledge test?
What is the Industry Knowledge Test?
I live on the border of two counties, will I have to sit two area knowledge tests?
How do I book an appointment?
How much will it cost?
How do I pay?
How do I obtain the pre-paid credit card voucher?
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Is the test provided in the Irish language?
How many test centres are there?
What identification do I need to take?
What happens when I get to the test centre?
How many questions are there on the tests?
How long will the tests take?
What is the pass mark?
I am not very good with computers, will this be a problem?
I have difficulty with reading, will this affect my ability to complete the exam?
Is there study material I can purchase and where can I get it?
If I make a mistake can I change my mind and select another answer?
If I get stuck can I miss questions out and then go back to them?
If I finish the test early can I leave?
When do I find out if I have passed?
If I fail, will I be told where I went wrong?
If I fail, how soon can I take the test again?
Is there a limit on how many times I can take the tests?
What are the next steps when I pass?
What is the Skills Certificate for?
I would like some specific information on SPSV licensing
Can I appeal my test result?
What will the questions look like?
What is the SPSV Entry Test?
The SPSV Entry Test has been developed by the National Transport Authority for anyone who wishes to operate in the SPSV industry. It is divided into two main sections, the Industry Knowledge module and the Area Knowledge module. The Industry Knowledge module can be prepared for by studying The Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry, and the Area Knowledge module by studying the area (county) in which you wish to operate.
Who needs to sit the SPSV Entry Test?
All new applicants for an SPSV driver licence will need to pass the test before they can apply to the Gardaí for a licence.
Applicants for a dispatch operator licence must nominate an individual from the organisation to sit the test before applying to the Authority for a licence.
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I am already an SPSV driver, do I still need to sit the test?
Licensed SPSV drivers are encouraged to sit the Industry Knowledge Test. This is the same as the first section of the SPSV Entry Test and can be prepared for by studying the SECOND EDITION of the manual (this has a red cover). You do not need to sit the Area Knowledge test unless you wish to become licensed for an additional area (county). If successful in the Industry Knowledge test you will be entitled to exchange your current ID cards for certified (purple) ID cards.
I am already a dispatch operator do I still need to sit the test?
Dispatch operators must be licensed by the Authority. In order to be granted a licence you must nominate an individual from your organisation to sit and pass the Entry Test.
What is the Area Knowledge test?
This is the same as the Area Knowledge module of the SPSV Entry Test and consists of questions about routes and places of interest in any one county. It is for those who already have an SPSV driver licence and wish to become licensed to stand or ply for hire in an additional area.
What is the Industry Knowledge Test?
This is the same as the Industry Knowledge module of the SPSV Entry Test and consists of questions testing your knowledge of the SPSV industry. The Industry Knowledge test can be prepared for by studying The Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry.
I live on the border of two counties, will I have to sit two area knowledge tests?
An SPSV driver is only licensed to stand or ply for hire in the area(s) for which he/she has demonstrated adequate knowledge. You may only sit one area knowledge test at a time, so you should choose the county that you would most like to operate in. Once you become licensed as an SPSV driver for one county, you may apply to sit a second area knowledge test in order to be allowed to stand or ply for hire in a second county.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online by clicking on this link
By calling the booking line on: 1890 340 123
By sending an application form with payment to: Prometric Ireland Limited, PO Box 788, Togher, Cork, Co. Cork
The application form is available to download and print here
Once your test has been scheduled, you will receive your confirmation letter confirming your test appointment with the conditions/documentation required to take your test. The confirmation letter will also include the following information.
- Which test or appointment you have booked
- Which test centre you are taking your test at
- Your full name
- PPS number
- Driving licence number
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address (if given)
How much will it cost?
SPSV Entry Test – €86.10
SPSV Industry Knowledge Test - €86.10
SPSV area knowledge test - €86.10
How do I pay?
If you are booking online or over the telephone, you can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Laser or any pre-paid credit card voucher (such as 3V www.3v.ie or WireCard www.wirecard.com ). You may also pay by cheque or postal order which are to be made payable to Prometric Ireland Limited. If you are paying by cheque or postal order, you must submit an application form with your payment as stated above.
How do I obtain the pre-paid credit card voucher?
These vouchers can be purchased in over 600 shops nationwide and will allow you to book your test or appointment either by telephone or internet, where payment is similar to that of a standard credit card payment process. This will provide you with a faster method of confirming your test time and location than by sending in a postal application with a cheque or postal order.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
You must provide five working days notice to reschedule or cancel your test appointment free of charge and obtain a full refund. If you do not contact us in time you will lose your full fee.
Is the test provided in the Irish language?
No, the test is only available in the English language at present. If you require the test in Irish please visit http://taxiregulation.nationaltransport.ie/ outlining your requirements.
How many test centres are there?
There are 41 locations around the country served by 16 fixed test centres and 25 additional locations administered by mobile testing units. Candidates can choose the test centre that best suits them.
What identification do I need to take?
New SPSV driver licence applicants – Driving licence
Dispatch operators - Driving licence or passport
Existing SPSV drivers – SPSV driver ID card (either display card or smart card will suffice) and regular driving licence
The identification that is stated at the time of booking is the identification that must be presented to the test centre staff when you attend to take your test. You will not be able to take your test unless you provide the same ID that you stated at the time of booking. The name on your ID must match the name on your booking.
If you are providing a driving licence as identification, it must be an Irish category B licence or one from an EU, EEA or other Recognised State. If you do not hold an Irish or UK driving licence but hold a driving licence from an EU, EEA or Recognised State and wish to use this as your identification at the test centre, you have two options, as follows:
- This option is most efficient from the point of view of the applicant. Arrange to get an Irish driving licence by presenting your current domestic driving licence at the Motor Tax Office. On request, they will exchange your current licence for an Irish one. (If your licence is from a Recognised State, you will in any event have to swop it for an Irish licence in advance of the next licence renewal).
- You submit with your application your domestic licence as certified to be official and valid by your Embassy/Consulate, as appropriate. Where an EEA/EU/Recognised State licence is in a language other than English, the certified licence must be accompanied by a formal translation into English that has also been certified/stamped by your Embassy/Consulate.
The costs associated with any translations or official certificates are the responsibility of the applicant.
What happens when I get to the test centre?
The test centre staff will check your documentation to confirm/validate your identity and driving licence details if required. Your photograph will be taken. You will then be signed in and a test centre administrator will explain the procedures and how the test works. They will then show you to your workstation where you will take your test.
How many questions are there in each test?
The SPSV Entry Test contains 90 multiple-choice questions in total (54 industry knowledge questions and 36 area knowledge questions)
The Industry Knowledge Test contains 54 multiple-choice questions relating to the material in the Skills Development Manual
The Area Knowledge Test contains 36 multiple-choice questions relating to your selected county.
How long will the tests take?
The SPSV Entry Test will take 90 minutes to complete although the test appointment time is slightly longer for you to familiarise yourself with the test process before starting your test.
The Industry Knowledge Test will take 54 minutes to complete although the test appointment time is slightly longer for you to familiarise yourself with the test process before starting your test.
The area knowledge test will take 36 minutes to complete although the test appointment time is slightly longer for you to familiarise yourself with the test process before starting your test.
What is the pass mark?
The pass mark is 80% for all tests. In the SPSV Entry Test, you must pass both sections of the test in order to pass overall.
I am not very good with computers, will this be a problem?
The test is presented in a very easy-to-use format and usually poses no problems for candidates with limited experience using computers. A simple tutorial is presented at the beginning of the test which will explain how the test works. The test can be taken with an easy to use touch screen, or by using a mouse.
I have difficulty with reading, will this affect my ability to complete the exam?
A voiceover facility is provided which enables the candidate to listen to the exam on headphones if they wish. The manual is also provided in audio format.
You can apply for extra time to take your test or a reader/recorder service where a staff member will read the questions and answers to you and record your answer on screen.
To apply for extra time or a reader / recorder test you will be requested to write to Prometric with evidence on official headed paper from a teacher, doctor or adult literacy agency confirming the assistance you require and also enclosing an application form. Please ensure your application form contains all the information required to complete your booking.
Is there study material I can purchase and where can I get it?
The Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV lndustry is essential study material for the Industry Knowledge module and is available at a cost of €30. You can order your copy by phoning 0761 064000. You will then be posted out a receipt and you can use this receipt to collect a manual from one of the National Transport Authority’s vehicle licensing centres.
Applicants for the SPSV Entry Test and the Area Knowledge Test are advised to spend considerable time researching and familiarising themselves with routes and places of interest in their selected county in order to be sufficiently prepared for the Area Knowledge module. Pages 88 to 93 of the manual also provide advice on how to prepare for this module. County map packs can be purchased from OSI which may assist in your preparation, but applicants should note the publication dates of this maps.
If I make a mistake can I change my mind and select another answer?
Yes, there is a simple way to cancel your answer and select another.
If I get stuck can I miss questions out and then go back to them?
Yes, you can skip questions and come back to them later. You can also mark questions for later review.
If I finish the test early can I leave?
Yes.
When do I find out if I have passed?
You will be advised of your result before you leave the test centre.
If I fail, will I be told where I went wrong?
You will be provided with the percentage achieved. The SPSV Entry Test is divided into two sections and your score report will provide your result broken down by section. You must pass both sections in order to pass overall.
If I fail, how soon can I take the test again?
If you fail, you can schedule another test if you wish by phoning 1890 340 123 or by clicking here. Please note that you cannot re-sit a test for a three-day after your previous appointment. It is advisable to spend sufficient time preparing before taking the test again.
Is there a limit on how many times I can take the tests?
No, an applicant can take the tests as many times as they want.
What are the next steps when I pass?
Upon passing the SPSV Entry Test, an official SPSV Skills Development Certificate will be issued by the National Transport Authority and sent to your address within two weeks of your test date. If applying for an SPSV driving licence you must do so within 18 months of your test date. Dispatch operators must always have a Skills Certificate on file that is no more than 3 years old.
Upon passing the Industry Knowledge Test, an official SPSV Skills Development Certificate will be issued by the National Transport Authority and sent to your address within two weeks of your test date. You will also be entitled to swap your current ID cards for certified (purple) cards which indicate that you have passed the Skills Development Test.
Upon successful completion of an area knowledge test, the Authority will send you out a display card indicating your new area of operation.
What is the Skills Certificate for?
If you wish to apply for an SPSV driver licence you must hand in your SPSV Skills Development Certificate to the Gardaí with your application – this certificate will then be kept on file at the PSV Office. You must make this application within 18 months of the date of issue on the certificate.
If you are sitting the test on behalf of a dispatch operator, the dispatch licence application can be sent to the Authorityas soon as the test has been passed and there is no need to await receipt of the Skills Development Certificate in the post. The certificate can instead be kept on file at the dispatch operator for the duration of your employment there.
I would like some specific information on SPSV licensing
You can find out more information by visiting http://taxiregulation.nationaltransport.ie or by calling the industry information line on lo-call 0761 064000.
Can I appeal my test result?
If you wish to query your test result you should speak to a test centre administrator before leaving the test centre or appeal against the decision, using appeal forms available at each test centre, and request that we re-mark the test.
You must:
- Appeal within ten working days.
- Enclose a further fee of €15.
When your appeal in received, your test will be re-marked and you will receive the result within five working days.
If it is found that the original marking was wrong:
- You will be refunded the fee of €15 with your appeal.
- If you passed the test you will be issued with an SPSV Skills Development Certificate.
What will the questions look like?
On renewal, an SPSV must undergo a National Car Testing Service roadworthiness test every
(A) one year.
(B) two years.
(C) three years.
(D) four years.
Currently, how many categories are there of SPSVs?
(A) Two categories
(B) Three categories
(C) Four categories
(D) Five categories
An SPSV driver can reasonably refuse service to passengers
(A) with shopping bags.
(B) who request journeys of 15 km.
(C) who are consuming food or drink.
(D) who request a journey under 3 km.
A driver has a passenger who cannot communicate verbally but uses a communication aid. What is the best approach for the driver to take to communicate effectively?
(A) Speak in a loud voice
(B) Ask yes or no questions
(C) Speak slowly and clearly
(D) Write questions on paper
