Requirements for licensing

To qualify for an SPSV driver licence, you must:

• Hold a driving licence from the EU, EEA or another recognised state
• Show that your tax affairs are up to date by producing a current tax clearance certificate
• Pass the SPSV Entry Test to obtain the Commission Skills Development Certificate
• This test verifies that you have a good knowledge of the local area in which you operate and that you understand the SPSV Regulations and general road traffic legislation*
• Be certified as a fit and proper person to hold an SPSV driver licence by An Garda Si­ochana

*If as a taxi driver you propose to stand or ply for hire in more than one county, you will need to pass the area knowledge test for each additional county.

SPSV Regulations

Whether you drive your own vehicle, a vehicle owned by someone else, or work as an employee for a dispatch operator or another third party, you must comply with the SPSV Regulations. To comply with SPSV Regulations when operating an SPSV you must specifically have the following:

1. An SPSV driver licence
   • You must have an SPSV driver licence in addition to your driving licence.
   • You must display your driver identification card clearly on the dashboard of the vehicle
   • You must also carry your driver smart card at all times when operating
2. A licensed SPSV
   • The vehicle that you operate must have a valid vehicle licence and tamper-proof licence discs
3. A valid certificate of insurance
   • The vehicle must be insured to operate as an SPSV
   • You will have to have a good knowledge of all the regulations that apply to SPSV operators in order to pass the Skills Development Test. For further information and a detailed list of all SPSV Regulations please refer to the Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry.

Period of validity

An SPSV driver licence is currently valid for five years. It is issued by An Garda Si­ochana.

Can an SPSV driver licence be transferred?

An SPSV driver licence is issued to a specified individual, and cannot be used by anyone other than that person. The Commission will in the future take over the processing of applications for SPSV driver licences from An Garda Si­ochana. When this happens, some of the licensing conditions may change. However the vetting of applicants will remain the responsibility of the Garda­.

For more information: Order your copy of the manual by phoning 1890 347 347 or check our frequently asked questions section.