Local Hackney

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Local Area Hackney Licence

The Local Area Hackney (LAH) licence is a special limited licence that aims to assist in the provision of part-time local hackney services in designated rural areas which cannot support a full-time taxi or hackney operation. One critical feature of this special limited licence is that no Local Area Hackney service may replace or displace any standard taxi or hackney service already operating and providing services in any area. As part of any LAH application assessment the impact of issuing such a special licence may have on existing, conventionally licensed taxis or hackneys is considering.

The key element of this service is that it will benefit the community by providing licenced, insured, economic transport by Garda vetted drivers in local areas. To apply for a Local Area Hackney licence a rural area must be proposed for operation. If a licence is granted the licence holder may only pick up passengers within a 7 – 10 KM radius of that approved designated area. The drop off point has no restrictions, with trips to healthcare facilities and transport hubs further afield anticipated. However, the Local Area Hackney may not pick up a new fare at the drop off point or any other point outside its designated area. A new application for a Local Area Hackney licence does not require the applicant to sit the SPSV Driver Entry Test. This is because the licence holder can only operate in the agreed rural area.

Like any hackney service, a Local Area Hackney may only be operated on a pre-booked basis and any fare must be agreed in advance by the driver and the hirer, who is normally the passenger.

If you are interested in providing this service to your community, there is a simple two stage application process.

Stage 1 Application

Read the Guide for obtaining a local area hackney licence, available here and check your motor insurance options for providing the services. You can also contact us on 0818 064 000 to find out more.

When you are confident that you will be able to complete both the vehicle and driver licensing processes, submit the fully completed Form LAH1 (local area hackney application) for your area. Click here to download and print the form.

Stage 2 Licensing

Each successful applicant will be guided through the Local Area Hackney licensing process to obtain a local hackney vehicle licence and local hackney driver licence. After this, Local Area Hackney services can start immediately. Two separate licences are legally required to operate a local area hackney service:

  1. A local area hackney vehicle licence (€50) issued by NTA for a suitable, appropriately insured vehicle; and
  2. A local area hackney driver’s licence (€20) issued by An Garda Síochána for a driver who has been assessed and found suitable to provide the service.

Please read the relevant guide, highlighted in each category below, to investigate whether your vehicle is suitable to be a Local Hackney and whether you can get insurance cover for the provision of services under a Local Area Hackney before you apply. If your application is successful, you have 30 working days to obtain both licences, so preparation is crucial.

Local Hackney Details

Eligibility

To be a part of the Local Area Hackney Pilot, you must:

  • be resident in, or in close proximity to, one of the areas designated;
  • provide a suitable, insured vehicle, less than 10 years old, with a recent NCT certificate;
  • provide confirmation from Revenue that your tax affairs are in order – an eTax Clearance Certificate;
  • obtain a local area hackney driver’s licence;
  • demonstrate that you understand the transport needs of your community and explain how you will help to fulfil those needs;
  • commit to provide Local Area Hackney service regularly for day to day activities and community events for 40 weeks of the year; and
  • provide this local service for a minimum number of hours weekly. Friday and Saturday nights must be included.

Application Process

Read the documents available below and check your insurance options. When you are confident that you will be able to complete both the vehicle and driver licensing processes within 30 working days, submit the completed Form LAH1 (local area hackney application) found here to NTA. If successful, complete the Local Area Hackney driver and vehicle licensing forms and processes which include:

  • passing the NTA Vehicle Initial Suitability Test and be issued a with local area hackney vehicle licence;
  • completing Garda vetting and assessment to be issued a local area hackney driver licence; and
  • starting to provide the local area hackney service for your community, keeping the appropriate records to allow your grant to be processed monthly.

Local Area Hackney Vehicle Licence – Initial Suitability Test

NTA has the Suitable Vehicle List, which lists vehicles which are suitable for use as a local area hackney. Check that your proposed vehicle is on this list which can be found here. If you are unsure, email details of the proposed vehicle to taxis@nationaltransport.ie and guidance will be provided. Do not purchase a vehicle without confirming it is suitable for use.

At a minimum the vehicle must:

  • be less than 10 years old;
  • have a minimum of four doors;
  • have a valid NCT roadworthiness certificate – irrespective of age (unlike a private car);
  • have fully clear windows – privacy/tinted glass is not permitted for safety reasons;
  • carry the required safety equipment; and
  • be insured to carry passengers for hire/reward (SPSV insurance).

When you are confident that your vehicle will pass the NTA Initial Suitability Test, submit the Local Hackney vehicle licence application form to NTA with the €50 licence application fee (bank draft or postal order made payable to NTA).

If your application has been successfully assessed, including NTA checking your tax clearance status with Revenue, we will send you a provisional vehicle licence number. With that you will also receive detailed instructions on how to complete the vehicle licensing process, including arranging the vehicle inspection.

Local Area Hackney Driver’s Licence

In order to be issued with a Local Area Hackney Driver Licence, the applicant must pass An Garda Síochána (AGS) Assessment and Vetting. The steps are as follows:

  • pay the driver licence fee of €20 to NTA
  • contact the nearest Garda office that deals with licensing of drivers of public service vehicles and obtain a PSV15 form. Complete the form and submit that to the AGS office along with the following:
  1. two identical passport-style photographs;
  2. your tax clearance access number;
  3. your driver licence fee receipt;
  4. your standard driving licence; and
  5. any other documentation required by AGS.

An Garda Síochána will commence their vetting process and contact you for further information, if required, or provide you with your local area hackney driver’s licence for the designated passenger pickup area.

An Garda Síochána will also inform NTA who in turn will produce your driver identification cards. The Local Area Hackney Driver Licence is issued for up to 3 years and cannot be renewed. After 3 years a new Local Area Hackney assessment must be submitted to NTA.

Commencement of Service

Having received both of the above licences, you may start providing this vital transport service for your community.

Forms and Guides

Local Area Hackney Licence Guidance to Local Authorities

Guide for obtaining a local area hackney licence

Form LAH1 (local area hackney application)