Overview
The SPSV Driver Entry Test is the knowledge test for people who want to drive a small public service vehicle (SPSV) in Ireland, such as a taxi. It is run by the National Transport Authority (NTA). It checks that a new entrant knows the rules of the industry, understands good practice, and knows the county where they plan to work.
Who can apply
Every new applicant for an SPSV driver licence must pass the test first. The one exception is an applicant for a local area hackney driver licence, who does not need to sit it.
To book, you need a valid full Irish or EU/EEA driving licence and a PPS number.
Exam pattern
The test has 90 multiple-choice questions, split into two modules.
| Module | Questions | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Knowledge | 54 | Regulations and good practice in the SPSV industry |
| Area Knowledge | 36 | The county where you want to be licensed |
You sit the Area Knowledge module for one chosen county. The NTA runs the test at five centres across the country, and you pick the time and location.
Syllabus
The Industry Knowledge module draws on the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016 and the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015, along with good practice for drivers. The NTA's official study material is its Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry, which is available as a PDF and also as an audio version.
For the Area Knowledge module, the NTA announced a revised version from 1 October 2025. It puts more weight on motorways and transport hubs, on places such as tourist attractions, hospitals, sports venues, theatres and music venues, and on urban knowledge such as major streets, one-way systems and city routes. The NTA said this reflects that online maps are now widely used, while passengers still expect drivers to know the local area well.
Marking and results
You must pass both modules, and the pass mark for each is 75%. If you pass one module and fail the other, you can retake only the failed module within 12 months. If you do not pass it within that time, you must sit the whole test again.
Fees
The test fee is 90 euro. It is paid by credit or debit card over the phone, or by postal order.
How to apply
Book by calling the NTA Industry Information Line on 0818 064 000. Have your contact details, PPS number, driving licence details and the test fee ready.
Candidates with special reading needs can ask for extra time and one-to-one assistance. Contact the NTA on the same number or by email through its taxi enquiries address.
After the exam
Once you have passed, you can go on to apply for your SPSV driver licence.
Preparation tips
Study the NTA's SPSV industry manual, including the revised chapter on finding your way around, as it is the official preparation material.
Use the audio version if you prefer listening.
Learn the roads, hubs and key venues of your chosen county, not only the town you live in.
Do I need to pass both modules?
Yes. You must pass the Industry Knowledge module and the Area Knowledge module for your chosen county, each with at least 75%.
What if I fail only one module?
You can retake just that module within 12 months. After that, you must resit the full test.
Does everyone need to take the test?
All new SPSV driver licence applicants do, except those applying for a local area hackney driver licence.