Taxi drivers in the UK are required to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check as part of their licensing process. This ensures they are suitable to work with the public, including children and vulnerable adults.
Both organisations and individual drivers can apply for a DBS check as both part of their licence application, as well as for contract work.
DBS Checks for Taxi Drivers
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What DBS Check Do Taxi Drivers Need?
When applying for a Taxi Driver Licence, or contract work that involves vulnerable groups, an Enhanced DBS Check is required.
This is the highest level of DBS check and is required because drivers often:
- Work alone with passengers
- Transport vulnerable individuals
- Are in positions of trust
An Enhanced DBS Check includes:
- A check of the Police National Computer for convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands
- A check of the Children’s and Adult’s Barred Lists (where applicable)
- Any additional relevant information held by local police forces
Licensing authorities use this information to decide whether an individual is suitable to hold a taxi licence.
DBS Checks for Taxi Companies & Licensing Authorities
Organisations responsible for taxi drivers often need to manage DBS checks at scale.
This includes:
- Taxi operators
- Private hire companies
- Licensing authorities
Using a dedicated system allows organisations to:
- Add and manage multiple drivers
- Track every DBS application
- Maintain compliance records
- Reduce admin and manual work
Our platform is designed to handle Taxi Driver DBS Checks for organisations, providing full visibility and control.
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Can Taxi Drivers Apply for a DBS Check Themselves?
Taxi Drivers can apply for their own DBS check.
At Taxi Driver DBS Check, we are set up to support Organisations & Local Authorities – not individuals. It is advised that you visit dbs-check.co.uk or Self-Employed DBS Checks to request your own individual check. Both of these websites specialise in supporting individuals with their DBS application.
How Often Do Taxi Drivers Need a DBS Check?
The Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards recommend that drivers are subject to regular criminality checks, typically every six months.
To support this, drivers are encouraged to join the DBS Update Service, which allows organisations to check the status of a DBS certificate without submitting a new application each time.
Our system includes an Automatic Update Service checker, allowing you to:
- Add Driver’s to the Update Service
- Monitor DBS statuses automatically
- Receive alerts if anything changes
- Stay compliant without manual checks
Our automatic checker will check the driver’s Update Service account every single day. As soon as there is any new information, you will be notified immediately so you can request a new check.
It costs just £16 per year to subscribe to the DBS Update Service, and by doing so, a new DBS check is not required again, as long as there is no new information on their account.
How Long Does An Enhanced DBS Check Take?
Typically, an Enhanced DBS check takes around 7-10 working days to complete, but often see them completed sooner.
To help speed up a DBS application, it is important to check through it carefully to ensure there are no spelling mistakes, incorrect information, or any details missing. Our system has a built-in error checker, which will highlight common mistakes as you or your applicant completes the form.
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DBS Checks for Taxi Drivers FAQ
Do all taxi drivers need an Enhanced DBS Check?
Yes. To get a licence, an Enhanced DBS check is required. Then, for any additional contract work, for example working with a school, and additional Enhanced DBS check with relevant Barred List checks is required.
Can a taxi driver work without a DBS check?
No, a valid DBS check is required before a taxi licence can be granted.
What is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service allows organisations to check a driver’s DBS status regularly without needing a new application. It costs £16 a year for paid workers.
Who can apply for a taxi driver DBS check?
Both organisations and individual drivers can apply, depending on the situation.