Licensing and permits

2. Get your DBS and DVLA checks

If you have held a full valid driving licence for 12 months which has your current address on it, you can apply for your Certificate of Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and a DVLA Mandate from TaxiPlus who will process them on our behalf.

Apply for your DBS check and DVLA Mandate from TaxiPlus

TaxiPlus will also let you know when to apply for the following:

Please note: If you have lived overseas for three months or more since the age of 18, you will also need a Certificate of Good Conduct. 

What happens next?

TaxiPlus will contact you when your checks are complete and tell you how to proceed to the next steps of the application process.

DBS update service

If you register for the DBS update service we can check your certificate status online in the future without having to apply for a new check. Find out more about the DBS update service on GOV.UK.

I already have a DBS certificate – can I use it?

DBS disclosure certificates that have been produced for a taxicab or private hire licence from another authority can only be accepted if the certificate is on the DBS update service on GOV.UK, and is enhanced and produced for employment as taxi/private hire driver. A DBS disclosure certificate produced for employment other than as a taxi driver, such as social work, will be refused.

What convictions should I declare on my application?

Applicants must disclose all convictions. Convictions are never considered ‘spent’ when applying for a licence by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974. Advice on the Act can be obtained from NACRO, any Citizens Advice Bureau or your local law centre.

An applicant would generally be expected to be free from convictions for a period of five to 10 years (depending on the nature of their offences) before a licence will be issued.

Recent or current offences, and offences which have resulted in custodial sanctions, will inevitably reduce the likelihood of a licence being granted.

 How long will it take?

The time required to process DBS applications will vary. Applications will be delayed if the information on the form is incomplete or inaccurate.