It is the job of private drivers and chauffeurs to transport a wide range of different passengers, including children and vulnerable adults. Given the trust placed in these drivers, licensing legislation for drivers require thorough vetting through enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. This level of checking is designed to reassure customers who are using the services of private drivers and chauffeurs that they are going to be safe on their journey. Asking drivers who wish to work in this field to apply for a DBS check, previously known as a CRB check, goes a long way in making sure that people with a serious criminal record are blocked from this sort of work.
Taxis and Private Hire
As far as the law is concerned, a private hire driver is treated the same whether they are driving a minicab, taxi, minibus or chauffeuring a very expensive limousine. The Department of Transport has extensive guidelines for anyone wishing to operate as a private hire driver. Drivers must be licensed by their local authority. The licencing process involves extensive background checks on the driver to make sure they are in the UK legally, and often also involve spoken and written English tests. The driver must have the correct driving licence, and the enhanced disclosure check will look into their criminal record to make sure there is nothing which might pose a risk to their passengers. Checks are also carried out on their vehicle to make sure it is roadworthy. Local authorities decide how often drivers must repeat this process to keep their licence, which is usually every two years.
DBS Update
A recent change by the government will mean that private hire drivers are checked more frequently than before. All are now required to sign up for the DBS Update service, which is an online database allowing current DBS information to be accessed at any stage. Checks will be annual, with any new information about a driver automatically logged on the Update system. The cost of being a member of Update is less for the driver than going through the whole enhanced DBS process every two years, or more frequently.
Detail of an Enhanced Disclosure
An enhanced disclosure is the most detailed level of check available. This certificate shows not only the applicant’s current criminal record, but also more distant information which the police feel could be relevant to their intended work as a private driver. For example, someone who has had multiple allegations of violence or sexual misconduct made against them might not be suitable as a taxi driver, even if they have never been convicted in a court.
Drivers will not carry their disclosure certificates with them but should display their licence. As a driver cannot get a licence without a disclosure certificate, this should provide some reassurance for passengers. It is always good practice to make sure that you check the licence when getting into any sort of car to make sure that the driver’s appearance matches the photo.
