How Do I Get a Road Service Licence?

You can get an application form (RSL1) from the Department at the address given on page 1 of this guide.
A supplement sheet (RSL2) must also be completed for each vehicle you propose to operate giving details of the types of service and routes you propose to operate, ie, stage carriage, express, contract carriage, excursions and tours, or occasional private hire. (See Appendix B for service definitions). If you do not have enough space on the form to tell us what you intend to do please attach plain paper to the sheet and continue there. Remember that the more you tell us to begin with reduces our questions later.
If it is your first application you should return your completed forms at least 8 weeks before the licence is needed. This allows time for any necessary enquiries to be made.
Licences are for a one year period; you have to apply for a completely new one on each occasion. If you have a licence which is due to expire, the Department will usually send you an application form (RSL1) and supplement sheet(s) (RSL2) about 8 weeks before your present licence expires. However, you should always note the expiry date of your licence and make sure you apply for another one in good time. The responsibility for doing so is yours alone.
When the Department receives your application it is required to consult other Road Service Licence holders who are already providing facilities for the carriage of passengers for reward. The Department must take into account any representations which may be received from other Road Service Licence holders in the area the General Consumer Council, local authorities and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
As a result of representation from other Road Service Licence holders and the criteria listed in Section 6 of the Transport Act NI) 1967 (see Appendix D) the Department may not be fully satisfied about granting a licence. In such cases the Department is required to refer the application to the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland for consideration. You will be given the opportunity to explain your case to them. The GCC's recommendation will then be considered by the Department before a final decision is taken.
If the Department is satisfied that you seem on paper to fulfil all the requirements for a Road Service Licence, it may call you to an interview to clarify any outstanding points.