Can You Drive a Hackney with a Taxi Licence in Ireland?
If you’re thinking about turning your private vehicle into a revenue‑generating ride‑share, the first question that pops up is: “Can I just use my existing taxi licence to operate a hackney?”
In Ireland the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It hinges on the type of licence you hold, the vehicle you intend to use, and the regulations set by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and local county councils. In this post you’ll discover everything you need to know to decide whether your current taxi licence will let you drive a hackney, or if you’ll need to take the extra steps to obtain a dedicated hackney licence.
1. Quick‑Look Definitions
| Term | What It Means in Irish Transport Law |
|---|---|
| Taxi | A vehicle that can be hired on the spot (street‑hail, taxi rank, phone booking) and must display a taxi licence issued by the NTA. The driver must hold a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence – Category B. |
| Hackney | A private hire vehicle that can only be booked in advance (via phone, app, or website). It operates under a hackney licence (also a PSV licence, but a different category). |
| PSV Licence | The overarching permit that allows you to carry passengers for hire or reward. It comes in several categories (A, B, C, D) depending on vehicle size and use. |
| Private Hire Licence | The specific authority (usually a local authority) that authorises you to run a hackney service. It is not interchangeable with a taxi licence. |
2. How the Irish Licensing System Works
2.1 The Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence
All professional drivers who carry passengers for payment must hold a PSV licence. The licence is issued by the NTA after you:
- Pass the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) – a theory and practical exam.
- Complete a medical examination – to verify fitness to drive.
- Submit a background and criminal‑record check.
The category of PSV licence you obtain depends on the vehicle type:
| PSV Category | Vehicle Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| A | Small buses (up to 16 seats) | Community transport, school buses |
| B | Taxis, small private hire cars (up to 9 seats) | Standard taxis, hackney cars |
| C | Large private hire vans (10‑16 seats) | Group hire, airport shuttles |
| D | Buses (more than 16 seats) | Public bus services |
Both taxi and hackney drivers usually hold a Category B PSV licence, but the authorising body for the vehicle (taxi rank vs. private hire operator) differs.
2.2 The Taxi Licence vs. Hackney Licence
| Aspect | Taxi Licence | Hackney (Private Hire) Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Granting Authority | National Transport Authority (NTA) | Local Authority (e.g., Dublin City Council, Cork County Council) |
| Booking Requirement | Can be hailed on the street, at a rank, or by phone | Must be booked in advance (no street‑hail) |
| Vehicle Markings | Taxi sign on roof, “TAXI” on side, mandatory meter | No special roof sign, may display company branding |
| Meter | Mandatory fare meter regulated by the NTA | No meter – fares set by operator/booking platform |
| Insurance | Commercial passenger insurance (minimum €5 million) | Same level of commercial passenger insurance required |
| Renewal Frequency | Every 5 years (subject to DCPC and medical checks) | Every 5 years (subject to same checks) |
| Fees | Licence fee: €450‑€800 (varies by area) | Licence fee: €300‑€600 + operator registration fee |
Key takeaway: Even though both licences fall under the same PSV Category B, they are not interchangeable. A taxi licence does not automatically grant you the right to operate a hackney, and vice‑versa.
3. Why the Distinction Matters
3.1 Consumer Protection
- Booking Transparency: Hackney services must provide a pre‑agreed price or clear fare structure before the trip starts. Taxi fares are calculated by the meter.
- Safety Standards: Hackney operators are required to keep a record of every booking (date, time, passenger name, pick‑up/drop‑off points). This data helps the regulator investigate any complaints.
3.2 Regulatory Oversight
- Local Authority Monitoring: Hackney licences are issued by the local authority where the vehicle is based. This body conducts periodic vehicle inspections and may audit driver logs.
- NTA Oversight for Taxis: The NTA monitors taxi ranks, fare structures, and compliance with national standards.
Because the oversight mechanisms differ, the Irish government deliberately separates the two licences.
4. Steps to Operate a Hackney If You Only Have a Taxi Licence
If you already hold a taxi licence and wish to start a hackney (private hire) service, you’ll need to follow five key steps:
| Step | What You Must Do | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Verify Your PSV Category | Ensure you hold a Category B PSV licence (most taxi drivers do). | Immediate |
| 2️⃣ Apply for a Private Hire Licence | Submit an application to your local authority (e.g., Dublin City Council). Include proof of PSV licence, medical certificate, and a clean criminal‑record check. | 4‑6 weeks |
| 3️⃣ Obtain Commercial Passenger Insurance | Purchase a policy that meets the €5 million minimum liability requirement. | 1‑2 weeks |
| 4️⃣ Vehicle Compliance Check | Have the vehicle inspected for safety, emissions, and accessibility. It must meet the National Vehicle and Driver Standards for private hire (e.g., no roof sign, adequate interior lighting). | 1‑2 weeks |
| 5️⃣ Register with a Private Hire Operator (if applicable) | Most hackney drivers work under a licensed operator (e.g., Uber, FreeNow, local dispatch company). Sign a contract, get the operator’s insurance endorsement, and set up your driver profile. | 1‑3 weeks |
Bottom line: The process is straightforward, but you cannot skip the private‑hire licence step. Operating a hackney without that licence can lead to fines of up to €5 000 and possible seizure of the vehicle.
5. Pros & Cons of Switching from Taxi to Hackney
5.1 Advantages
- Higher Earnings Potential – Hackney rides are often longer, airport‑to‑city trips, which command higher fares.
- Flexible Working Hours – You decide when to log on to the platform; no need to stay at a rank.
- No Meter Required – You can set flat rates for popular routes, simplifying fare negotiations.
5.2 Disadvantages
- No Street‑Hail Income – You lose spontaneous, short‑distance fares that taxis capture.
- Platform Fees – Most private‑hire operators charge 15‑30 % commission on each ride.
- Additional Administrative Burden – You must manage bookings, maintain driver‑partner agreements, and handle potential customer service issues.
6. Cost Comparison: Taxi vs. Hackney
Below is a simplified cost breakdown for a full‑time driver (≈ 200 working days/yr). All figures are approximate and will vary by county.
| Cost Element | Taxi Licence (per year) | Hackney Licence (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Fee | €600 (average) | €450 (average) |
| NTA/Local Authority Fees | €100 (meter calibration) | €200 (operator registration) |
| Commercial Insurance | €1 200 | €1 200 |
| Vehicle Maintenance (incl. inspections) | €1 500 | €1 700 |
| Platform Commission (if using an app) | N/A | €3 000 (15 % of €20 000 gross) |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | €3 900 | €5 350 |
Takeaway: Hackney drivers usually incur higher overheads, especially due to platform commissions and slightly higher inspection fees. However, the potential for higher gross revenue can offset these costs if you secure enough high‑value bookings.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use the same vehicle for both taxi and hackney services?
A: No. A vehicle must be registered under one licence only. Switching between the two would require you to de‑register the car from the taxi licence and re‑register it as a private‑hire vehicle, which involves a fresh inspection and insurance endorsement.
Q2: Do I need a separate driver’s licence (e.g., a private hire licence) in addition to my PSV licence?
A: The driver’s licence you need is the PSV Category B. The private‑hire licence is a vehicle‑based authorization, not a separate driver licence.
Q3: What happens if I operate a hackney without a private‑hire licence?
A: You risk substantial fines (up to €5 000), possible criminal prosecution, and confiscation of the vehicle. The NTA and local authorities conduct regular spot‑checks, especially in high‑traffic areas.
Q4: Is the fare structure for hackney rides regulated?
A: Unlike taxis, hackney fares are not set by the NTA. However, the operator (e.g., Uber, Lyft) must disclose fare estimates before confirming a booking, and any price‑gouging can be reported to the local authority.
Q5: Can I keep my taxi licence and also get a hackney licence?
A: Yes, you can hold both licences simultaneously, provided you keep separate records for each vehicle and ensure you’re not using a taxi‑licensed vehicle for hackney work.
Q6: Do I need to pass a separate medical test for a hackney licence?
A: No additional medical test is required; the same medical certificate that validates your PSV licence suffices for both taxi and hackney licences.
Q7: Is there a maximum number of hackney licences an individual can hold?
A: The law does not impose a numeric limit, but each licence must be tied to a distinct vehicle that meets safety standards. Managing many licences can become administratively cumbersome.
8. Checklist: Are You Ready to Drive a Hackney?
- Category B PSV licence (valid and up‑to‑date)
- Clean criminal record (Garda Background Check)
- Medical fitness certificate (within the last 3 years)
- Private‑hire licence from your local authority
- Commercial passenger insurance (minimum €5 million)
- Vehicle inspection report (private‑hire compliant)
- Operator registration (if you plan to work via a platform)
If you tick all the boxes, you’re legally cleared to start accepting pre‑booked rides.
9. Final Thoughts
The short answer to the title question is no – you cannot simply drive a hackney using a taxi licence alone. Both licences share the same PSV category, but the authorising authority, operational rules, and compliance requirements differ.
However, transitioning from taxi to hackney (or holding both licences) is entirely feasible if you follow the steps outlined above. It can open up a new revenue stream, especially for drivers who prefer scheduled, longer‑distance trips over the stop‑and‑go rhythm of street‑hail taxis.
Before you decide, weigh the costs, potential earnings, and lifestyle changes. Use the table and checklist provided to map out your path, and you’ll have a clear, legally sound roadmap to expanding your driving business in Ireland.
Ready to take the next step? Contact your local county council’s transport department for the official application pack, and start preparing your vehicle for the private‑hire inspection today. Safe driving!