Where SPSV operators can work depends on the SPSV driver’s licence. All small public service vehicles are now licensed on a national basis: the vehicle itself can operate anywhere in the country (for more information on the national vehicle licensing system follow this link).
SPSV drivers are currently licensed by An Garda Síochána. Driver licences are generally provided on a county or city-wide basis, for example drivers licensed by the Carriage Office in Dublin are licensed to ply and stand for hire in Dublin only. This system is in place to ensure that the individual driver has an adequate knowledge of the area in which they are plying and standing for hire.
Any SPSV driver however can take a pre-booking for anywhere in the country, as the route can be determined in advance. However a driver can reasonably refuse a journey in excess of 30 kilometres beyond the pick up point.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation has produced ID cards for all SPSV drivers that were distributed in 2006. These clearly display the area in which a particular driver is licensed to stand or ply for hire. It is mandatory for each SPSV operator to display this card on the dashboard of their vehicle.