Are taxi drivers DBS checked in the UK?
Yes, it’s a legal requirement for every taxi driver in the UK to pass a criminal background check as part of the licensing process. This is called a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in England and Wales, an AccessNI check in Northern Ireland, and a Protecting Vulnerable Groups check in Scotland.
Without enhanced DBS checks, you won’t be able to operate as a licenced taxi driver or get the appropriate taxi insurance, whether in the public or private hire sector.
But what is the purpose of these criminal record checks and what does this process involve?
We’ll answer all of your questions in SimplyQuote’s latest guide.
Why do taxi drivers need an enhanced DBS check in the UK?
Taxi drivers need enhanced DBS checks to confirm they are who they say they are. Given the nature of the job and the range of passengers they transport, from children to vulnerable adults, ensuring drivers are trustworthy is crucial.
Enhanced DBS checks and taxi operator licences go hand in hand, as you cannot obtain one without the other.
DBS checks provide a comprehensive overview of taxi and private hire drivers’ criminal history, ensuring they are responsible individuals suitable for transporting passengers from A to B. In the UK, you need a taxi licence to operate as a taxi driver and this licence is only issued after successfully passing criminal background checks.
Why are DBS checks important?
- Public safety: DBS checks help identify individuals with a history of criminal activity that could pose a risk to passengers.
- Trust: Ensuring that taxi drivers undergo proper checks helps build public trust in the taxi industry.
- Compliance: DBS checks are a legal requirement for taxi drivers in the UK. Failing to comply can result in not having a taxi licence issued, hefty fines, or other penalties.
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Get QuotesWhat DBS checks do taxi and private hire drivers need in the UK?
According to Department for Transport statutory guidance, all taxi and private hire drivers are required to have an Enhanced DBS Check, which goes by several names across the UK:
| Region | Required DBS Check |
|---|---|
| England and Wales | Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check |
| Scotland | Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check (part of Disclosure Scotland) |
| Northern Ireland | AccessNI |
What do DBS checks involve?
- A check on the Police National Computer (PNC) for any spent or unspent convictions, reprimands, cautions, or warnings.
- A check on the Children’s or Adult’s Barred Lists, as per the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
- A check for any relevant police notes on the applicant’s record.
How do you apply for a DBS check?
Drivers cannot apply for a DBS check themselves. In the UK, licensing authorities must carry out an enhanced DBS check before granting taxi licences. They must ensure every taxi and private hire driver has an enhanced DBS certificate before issuing/renewing any taxi licence.
You can apply for taxi operator licences (and DBS checks) via:
- The local council – outside of London
- Transport of London (TfL) – in the Greater London area
- Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) NI – in Northern Ireland
What is the DBS update service?
The DBS Update Service is an online subscription provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service in the UK for all enhanced DBS check holders. It allows individuals to keep their enhanced DBS certificates up to date and any new information is updated via the platform.
The Department of Transport requires licensing authorities to perform criminality checks every six months. By subscribing to the Update Service (for £13 per year), you eliminate the need to undergo new DBS checks when renewing your licence. Taxi and private hire drivers must register for the Update Service within 30 days of their DBS certificate being issued.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle operator in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, you must have a clean criminal record, a valid taxi licence, and appropriate taxi insurance to transport passengers from A to B.
It’s against the law to transport passengers for hire and reward purposes without the proper credentials and you could face hefty fines or possible jail time by sidestepping this legality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
DBS checks usually take around 14 days in the UK. However, it could take longer in complicated cases.
- Basic DBS check = £18
- Standard check costs = £18
- Enhanced check costs = £38
- Enhanced with Barred List check = £38
- Update Service subscription = £13 per year
Note: DBS checks must be updated every six months, as per the Department for Transport guidelines.
There are various document/s you can use to obtain a DBS check:
- A current, valid passport
- Birth certificate/adoption certificate
- UK biometric residence permit
- A current driving licence
- Bank or building society statement