The manual: A study guide for the (taxi licence) SPSV exam
The Manual is FREE NOW’s online training resource to help aspiring taxi drivers like you become an accredited SPSV (small public service vehicle) operator and start a career as a taxi driver in Ireland.
What is the manual?
To become a licensed taxi driver in Ireland, you must be a certified SPSV driver and you must first pass the entry test.
The Manual is FREENOW's online training resource and study guide to help aspiring taxi drivers like you become accredited an SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicle) operator and start a career as a taxi driver in Ireland.
This is the ultimate online revision platform (WORTH €500 and available to you for FREE) to help you prepare more effectively for the SPSV test.
How to become a licenced taxi driver in Ireland?
Study with the manualIf you study everyday, you will be ready for your test in ONLY 5 weeks!
Book and pass your examNow that you’re well prepared, it’s time to book and pass your test with the National Transport Authority.
Apply for your SPSV taxi licencesApply for your SPSV Driver Licence (must have passed) and your SPSV Vehicle Licence (if you own your own vehicle)
Get set up on the FREENOW appWhen you're ready to hit the road we’re here to help. We’ll show you how to get set up on the app and help you with your first steps.
- Study with the manual
If you study everyday, you will be ready for your test in ONLY 5 weeks!
- Book and pass your exam
Now that you’re well prepared, it’s time to book and pass your test with the National Transport Authority.
- Apply for your SPSV taxi licences
Apply for your SPSV Driver Licence (must have passed) and your SPSV Vehicle Licence (if you own your own vehicle)
- Get set up on the FREENOW app
When you're ready to hit the road we’re here to help. We’ll show you how to get set up on the app and help you with your first steps.
What our students have to say
What to expect from the manual?
The manual online driver training platform is broken up into two sections: Area and Industry Knowledge.
- Area knowledge is broken down into 14 chapters with over 500+ questions. -
- Industry knowledge is broken down into 7 chapters and has a total of 150+ questions.
Each chapter is related to specific questions that arise in the SPSV test and the majority of the questions in the manual have appeared in the test before.
What areas can I study?
We are always working on adding in new areas. We currently offer the manual in several counties in Ireland:
Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Wicklow, Sligo, Louth, Kildare, and Kilkenny.
We also have an industry study section if we don’t have the area you are looking for.
- NTA SPSV exam
Visit the National Transport Authority website to learn more about getting your SPSV licence and becoming a taxi driver in Ireland.
Learn More - FREENOW driver app
Made with drivers in mind. Easy to use, making it even easier to earn. Get live updates and information, see how and where you can earn more, track your earnings, manage your progress, plan ahead with prebooked jobs, and more. All in a few taps, so you can make the most out of your shift.
Learn More - Go electric
We’re committed to making our cities healthier, greener places to live. That means adding more electric vehicles to our fleet and offering drivers more ways they can benefit from driving them.
Together let’s push towards a more sustainable future. Read on to see how we can help you make the switch and save big when you do.
Learn More - Nta licences
Visit the National Transport Authority website to learn more about the types of licence needed to driving a taxi in Ireland.
Learn More
- NTA SPSV exam
Visit the National Transport Authority website to learn more about getting your SPSV licence and becoming a taxi driver in Ireland.
Learn More - FREENOW driver app
Made with drivers in mind. Easy to use, making it even easier to earn. Get live updates and information, see how and where you can earn more, track your earnings, manage your progress, plan ahead with prebooked jobs, and more. All in a few taps, so you can make the most out of your shift.
Learn More - Go electric
We’re committed to making our cities healthier, greener places to live. That means adding more electric vehicles to our fleet and offering drivers more ways they can benefit from driving them.
Together let’s push towards a more sustainable future. Read on to see how we can help you make the switch and save big when you do.
Learn More - Nta licences
Visit the National Transport Authority website to learn more about the types of licence needed to driving a taxi in Ireland.
Learn More
Need help?
The decision to start a career as a taxi driver can be a big one and you might have some questions. Take a look at our FAQs and if you don’t find the answer you need, get in touch with us.
Chat with The Manual team
Reach out to chat with a member of the team: manual@free-now.com
How can I prepare for the SPSV test?
If you wish to become a licensed taxi driver in Ireland, you must be a certified SPSV driver and you must first pass the entry test.
The first step of this journey is preparing for the SPSV Entry test. The FREE NOW Manual is one of the most comprehensive learning platforms around. It’s got all the resources you need to pass the test, and it’s a free to use service.
FREE NOW Manual incorporates the use of spaced repetition which automatically helps you focus on weak questions. This modern approach utilises embedded Google Street View and Google Maps content to provide visual context for users while preparing for the difficult entrance exam.
The SPSV entry test covers both Industry and Area knowledge:
Industry knowledge: This section of the test covers everything from SPSV regulations, fares, charges, vehicle knowledge and customer service.
Area knowledge: Area knowledge will be specific to the county that you wish to operate in. This section covers everything from national roads and motorways, urban districts and places of interests.
When you have passed the SPSV entry test and have got Garda Síochána clearance you will be issued with a driver display card (Dashboard ID) and a smart card indicating that you are a certified driver.
How do I book my SPSV test?
Now that you’re well prepared, it’s time to book and pass your test! We’ve laid out all the information needed to get yourself booked in.
You can book and pay for your test over the phone on 0818 064 000. Before you book though you will need the following:
You will need:
- Your own contact details e.g. email, postal address, and mobile number.
- Your PPS number (i.e. social security number)
- A full Irish driving licence or a driving licence from another EU, EEA or any other recognised state
Let us know when you booked your test so we can send you additional tips and resources!
Paying for your test
The €90 test fee is paid over the phone with a credit or debit card.
If you have any special requirements please state this at time of booking. You will be notified by post or email of the date, time, and location of your test.
When successful you’ll receive your PSV Skills Development Certificate on the day, this is used to apply for SPSV Driving and Vehicle Licence application.
Which licences do I need and how do I apply?
So, you’ve sat your SPSV entry test and hopefully passed. Well done! Now you’re probably wondering what to do next?
If you want to operate an Small Public Service Vehicle (taxis, WAV taxis, hackneys, local area hackneys, WAV hackneys and limousines), you must hold a valid SPSV driver and vehicle licence.
You must have the following licences to operate as an SPSV driver in Ireland:
- SPSV Driver Licence (must have passed your entry test to apply)
- SPSV Vehicle Licence (only necessary for drivers who own their own vehicle)
In Ireland there are two governing bodies in charge of allocating these licences: An Garda Síochána and the NTA.
More information on how to apply to each of these licenses can be found https://free-now.com/ie/getting-your-licence/
How do I get set up on the FREENOW app?
When you're ready to hit the road we’re here to help. We’ll show you how to get set up on the app and help you with your first steps. Learn more about the FREENOW app here.