Becoming a licensed taxi driver in Dublin is a straightforward process, but it involves several steps across different agencies — the National Transport Authority (NTA), An Garda Síochána, and Revenue. From studying for the SPSV entry test to receiving your licence card in the post, the entire process typically takes 3–4 months.
This guide walks you through every step, with costs, timelines, and practical tips from someone who's been through the process.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you can apply for an SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicle) driver licence, you need to meet these basic requirements:
A full driving licence — Irish, EU, EEA, or other recognised state. You must have held it for at least 12 months with no endorsements.
Tax compliance — Your tax affairs must be up to date with Revenue. You'll need an electronic Tax Clearance Certificate and your Tax Clearance Access Number from revenue.ie.
No disqualifying convictions — An Garda Síochána will vet you as part of the application. Certain criminal convictions can prevent you from getting a licence.
A PPS number — Required for booking the test and for the Garda vetting process.
The Complete Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Study for the SPSV Entry Test
The SPSV Entry Test is the first hurdle. It has two parts, both multiple-choice, both taken on the same day:
Industry Knowledge — 54 questions on regulations, fares, licensing, customer service, and safety. The only study material you need is The Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry (available as a free PDF from the NTA website).
Area Knowledge — 36 questions on routes, streets, landmarks, hospitals, hotels, and key locations in Dublin. Study detailed street maps of Dublin and familiarise yourself with major routes, one-way streets, and points of interest.
You need 75% or higher in both sections to pass. If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to resit the failed section. Most people need 4–6 weeks of study to be ready.
Step 2: Book and Sit the SPSV Entry Test
Book your test by calling the NTA on 0818 064 000. Have your contact details, PPS number, driving licence details, and a credit/debit card ready (the test fee is €90).
Test centres in Dublin are located at Greenhills and Northpoint Business Park. You can also sit the test in Cork, Galway, or Sligo. After booking, you'll typically be scheduled 3–6 weeks later.
The test lasts 120 minutes total — 54 minutes for Industry Knowledge and 36 minutes for Area Knowledge. Results are available quickly after the test.
Step 3: Complete the Safeguarding & Disability Awareness Course
After passing the test, the NTA will send you a link to a free, 30-minute online course on Safeguarding and Disability Awareness. There's no pass or fail — you just need to complete it before applying for your licence. It covers how to provide better service to vulnerable and disabled passengers.
Step 4: Pay the SPSV Licence Fee
Call the NTA on 0818 064 000 and pay the €250 licence application fee by credit or debit card. They'll issue you a receipt — keep this safe, you'll need it for the Garda application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application to An Garda Síochána
Get a PSV15 application form from your local Garda station. If you live in Dublin, submit it to the Carriage Office. If you live outside Dublin, submit it to the Garda PSV office nearest to your home.
You'll need to bring the following documents:
Your SPSV Skills Development Certificate (received after passing the test)
The €250 licence fee receipt from the NTA
3 identical passport-style photographs (10cm x 7cm, not more than 6 months old)
Your driving licence and an up-to-date NDLS Driver History (Driver Statement)
Tax Clearance Access Number from Revenue
A health declaration confirming your health doesn't affect your ability to drive
A declaration about convictions as specified under the Taxi Regulation Acts
A written undertaking that you won't drive an SPSV for more than 11 hours on any three consecutive days
Details of any other employment and, if it involves driving, evidence that your employer has been informed
Step 6: Garda Vetting
After submitting your PSV15 form, An Garda Síochána will carry out a vetting process. This can take up to 12 weeks, though it's often faster. They'll check your background and confirm you're a suitable person to hold an SPSV licence.
If approved, you'll receive your paper SPSV Driver Licence from An Garda Síochána by post.
Step 7: Receive Your ID Cards from the NTA
Once you have your paper licence, apply to the NTA for your two identification cards:
SPSV Driver Display Card — This must be displayed in your taxi at all times, visible to passengers.
SPSV Driver Smart Card — Your personal identification card as a licensed driver.
These cards are posted to your home address. Once you receive them, you're officially licensed and can start working as a taxi driver in Dublin.
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SPSV Entry Test | €90 | Paid when booking the test |
| SPSV Licence Application | €250 | Paid to NTA by phone |
| Passport Photos (x3) | ~€10 | 10cm x 7cm, recent |
| NDLS Driver History | €15 | From ndls.ie |
| Safeguarding Course | Free | Online, 30 minutes |
| Total | ~€365 |
How much is a taxi licence in Ireland?
The licence itself costs €250 — the SPSV licence application fee you pay to the NTA by phone after passing the entry test (Step 4 above). It's a national system, so the same fee applies to every taxi licence ireland issues, not just Dublin. After payment, An Garda Síochána issues your paper licence and the NTA posts your driver ID cards.
The full process comes to roughly €365, as the table above shows: €90 for the SPSV Entry Test, ~€10 for passport photos and €15 for the NDLS Driver History, with the Safeguarding course free. These fees are set by the NTA and can change, so check the NTA website for current fees before you book.
Once you're licensed, the next cost to consider is platform commission. See what you need to start driving with CaminoCabs — Partner drivers pay from just 5% commission.
Timeline — How Long Does It Take?
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Study for SPSV test | 4–6 weeks |
| Wait for test date after booking | 3–6 weeks |
| Safeguarding course + licence fee | 1–2 days |
| Submit PSV15 + Garda vetting | 4–12 weeks |
| Receive ID cards from NTA | 1–2 weeks |
| Total (typical) | 3–4 months |
Getting Started After You Get Your Licence
Do You Need Your Own Car?
No — not immediately. Many new drivers start by renting an SPSV vehicle from a fleet operator. This keeps your initial costs low and means you're driving a fully licensed, insured, and metered vehicle from day one. Once you're established and earning, you can look into getting your own vehicle and SPSV vehicle licence.
Joining a Platform
Once you have your licence, you can register with taxi platforms to start receiving ride requests. Each platform charges a different commission on fares — this is the main cost of working as a driver and varies significantly between platforms.
What Can You Earn?
Earnings vary depending on hours worked, time of day, and how busy it is. Full-time taxi drivers in Dublin typically earn between €600 and €1,200 per week before expenses (fuel, insurance, platform fees). Evening and weekend shifts tend to earn more due to higher tariffs and increased demand. Your net earnings depend heavily on the commission rate of your platform — which is why choosing a low-commission platform like CaminoCabs makes a significant difference over time.
Tips for New Taxi Drivers in Dublin
Learn the city thoroughly. Even with GPS, knowing Dublin's one-way systems, shortcuts, and traffic patterns will make you faster and earn you better ratings from passengers.
Start during quieter hours. Build your confidence on weekday mornings or afternoons before taking on the chaos of Friday and Saturday nights.
Keep your documents updated. Your SPSV licence, vehicle insurance, and NCT all have expiry dates. Set reminders well in advance — driving with expired documents is a serious offence. CaminoCabs has an in-app document management system with automatic reminders at 30, 14, and 7 days before expiry.
Track your expenses from day one. Keep records of fuel, maintenance, insurance, platform fees, and phone costs. You'll need these for your tax return. As a self-employed driver, you can claim legitimate business expenses against your income.
Invest in a dashcam. It protects you in case of disputes or incidents. Many experienced drivers consider it essential.
Ready to Start Driving in Dublin?
Register free to join the CaminoCabs driver waitlist: lowest commission in Ireland, no contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a taxi driver in Dublin?
The total cost is approximately €365, which includes the SPSV Entry Test fee (€90), licence application fee (€250), passport photos (~€10), and NDLS Driver History (€15). The Safeguarding and Disability Awareness course is free.
How much is a taxi licence in Ireland?
The SPSV licence application fee is €250, paid to the NTA by phone after you pass the entry test. The full process — test, licence, photos and driver history — adds up to about €365. These fees are set by the NTA and can change, so check the NTA website for current fees.
How long does it take to get a taxi licence in Dublin?
The entire process typically takes 3–4 months from when you start studying to receiving your licence cards. The longest part is the Garda vetting, which can take up to 12 weeks.
Where do I sit the SPSV test in Dublin?
The SPSV Entry Test centres in Dublin are at Greenhills and Northpoint Business Park. You can also sit the test in Cork, Galway, or Sligo. Book by calling the NTA on 0818 064 000.
What is the pass mark for the SPSV test?
You need 75% or higher in both the Industry Knowledge section (54 questions) and the Area Knowledge section (36 questions). If you fail one section, you only need to resit that section.
Do I need my own car to be a taxi driver?
No. Many new drivers start by renting an SPSV vehicle from a fleet operator. This keeps initial costs low and ensures you have a fully licensed, insured, and metered vehicle.
Where do I submit my PSV15 form in Dublin?
If you live in Dublin, submit your PSV15 application form to the Carriage Office. If you live outside Dublin, submit it to the Garda PSV office nearest to your home.
How much do taxi drivers earn in Dublin?
Full-time drivers typically earn €600–€1,200 per week before expenses. Earnings depend on hours worked, time of day, and platform commission. Choosing a low-commission platform significantly increases your net income.
What is the best taxi platform to join in Dublin?
CaminoCabs offers the lowest commission in Ireland — from just 5% for Partner drivers. There are no signup fees, no contracts, and features like the Signal System (0% commission pickups for Partner drivers), CaminoPoints rewards, and flexible billing. New drivers join a waitlist and are activated in phases as passenger demand grows. Learn more about driving with CaminoCabs.
Related: Drive With CaminoCabs · Book a Taxi in Dublin · Dublin Taxi Fares Explained · Getting Around Dublin at Night · Taxi Fare Calculator