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  • / Getting a P endorsement and passenger services licence

Getting a P endorsement and passenger services licence

P endorsement training is not required to drive a passenger service vehicle (i.e. a vehicle that takes paying passengers e.g. taxi, bus, coach, etc). 

You are still required to hold a P endorsement, though. Drivers must have held a full New Zealand driver’s licence for at least two years before they can be granted a P endorsement.

No further driving test is required to get the P endorsement. However, passenger service vehicle drivers must know how to fill in a small passenger service vehicle logbook or a heavy vehicle logbook.

Licences

Drivers can get a Small Passenger Service Licence (SPSL) or a Large Passenger Service Licence (LPSL) or both.

A small passenger service includes taxis, shuttles, private hire, dial-a-driver and app-based services. These can be driven with a class 1 licence. You will get an ID card when you get a SPSL.

A large passenger service deals with passenger vehicles with 13 or more seats, including the driver, for example, single- and double-decker buses, coaches, and minibuses. These will usually require a class 2 or class 4 licence. You won’t get an ID card with an LPSL

Companies need to apply for an LPSL.

Do taxi drivers need to have P endorsements and additional training?

A P endorsement is required, but additional training is optional. They will also need to undergo a fit and proper person test. Cameras are required in taxis, but not in application-based services such as Uber because the journey is tracked the whole way.

Taxi drivers tend to have more comprehensive training in customer service because they operate as part of a larger business that has risks under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Do you need a passenger licence or P endorsement to hire a minivan or small bus?

If you are transporting your friends or relatives, your band or sports team, you do not need a P endorsement, SPSL or LPSL if the passengers are not paying a fare for the journey. You will need to hold the correct class of licence to drive the vehicle, though.

Can you carpool without a passenger licence?

Carpooling is allowed without a passenger licence, as are a number of exempt services such as charities, district health boards, and home or community support services.

Are there costs for a P endorsement?

Yes. You can apply for the endorsement for either 1 year or 5 years. It’s cheaper per year when you apply for a 5-year P endorsment.

How to apply

To apply for a P endorsement, visit NZTA’s website. It can take 30 working days to be approved!

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By Darren Cottingham

Darren has written over 3000 articles about driving and vehicles, plus almost 500 vehicle reviews and numerous driving courses. Connect with him on LinkedIn by clicking the name above

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