UK taxi drivers are trusted to transport members of the public all over the UK everyday therefore it is no surprise your application to become a taxi driver will involve the completion of an enhanced DBS check.

Enhanced DBS checks are high-level criminal record checks conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service. If you live in Scotland the search will be managed by Disclosure Scotland.

DBS checks are a legal requirement for frontline work in the UK to keep the public safe. For those working in unsupervised contact with the public an enhanced check is necessary to ensure those who are unsuitable for close contact with the public are identified during the recruitment process.

Checks are carried out under legislation set out in the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. The act stipulates the level of check necessary for each job listed within the legislation.

A DBS check for a taxi driver is an enhanced check which will verify whether there are any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings in existence. Local police forces will also be able to contribute any relevant information to the Disclosure and Barring Services’ search.

You will need to complete this CRB check to work as a taxi driver in the UK. For further information visit Driving Licences For Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles.

To learn more about a DBS check for a taxi driver and your rights under the law, visit unlock.org.