DBS Checks for Taxi Drivers2024-11-05T14:55:54+00:00

DBS Checks for Taxi Drivers

MyVetting.com delivers fast, affordable online DBS Checks for drivers and transport providers. Drivers play an integral role in moving people and things around the UK, from your local courier to school transport drivers.

DBS Checks for Taxi Drivers

DBS Checks for Taxi Drivers 

When you’re starting out on your career as a taxi driver, there’s a lot to consider, like the cost of insurance for taxi drivers or whether to join an existing firm or start up on your own.

Before too long, you will need to consider the safeguarding and wellbeing of your passengers and you’ll seek out a taxi driver DBS. Formerly called CRB checks, DBS checks make checks against your records and will form part of securing your taxi driver licence.

The same applies to taxi company owners that are the taxi firm licencee.   

Why do I need a DBS to drive a taxi? 

If you’ve every driven a cab, you’ll know that your customers can come at any time of the day or night and you will transport a wide range of people and see all of life, from babies to vulnerable elderly people.

While other professions have to qualify for an Enhanced DBS, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) deem taxi driver and cab drivers to be ‘exempt’ from the Enhanced DBS usual eligibility criteria.

This means that while taxi, cab and private hire drivers may not take part in any regulated activity – the kind of activity that would normally dictate that an Enhanced DBS is required, taxi drivers have greater access to a wide range of people across society and so Enhanced DBS checks are in place in the interests of safeguarding.   

‘I want to drive for Uber’ 

Drivers that want to onboard with Uber will have to undergo a DBS check but who carried out the check depends on where you’ll be driving for Uber in the UK.

All Uber drivers in the UK need to be licenced as private hire drivers by their local authority. If you’re planning to drive for Uber in London, you will need the private hire licence for London, which is known as a PCO and is issued by Transport for London (TfL). Uber support their drivers through an onboarding programme called Ignition, which is full of useful information for drivers across the UK.  

Taxi Driver Enhanced DBS Check 

The Department for Transport states that all taxi, cab and private hire drivers are required to have an Enhanced DBS under DfT statutory guidance. An Enhanced DBS check will include: 

  • A check against the Police National Computer (PNC) for both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands 
  • A check against the DBS’s Children’s or Adult’s Barred Lists, formerly known as List 99 
  • A check for any relevant / local police notes 

Need a Sharecode Right to Work check? You can also buy online Right to Work checks with MyVetting 

Basic DBS Checks for Bus Drivers 

Drivers that are seeking employment as a bus or coach driver will need to undergo a DBS check before they start working with their employer. They type of DBS check required will depend on the type of transport that the driver will undertake.  

Basic DBS Checks for Bus and Coach Drivers 

Most often, bus and coach drivers will be eligible for a Basic DBS check only While they may transport vulnerable passengers, the job is not considered as a regulated activity.  

Enhanced DBS Checks for Bus and Coach Drivers 

School bus drivers will not be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check unless they are operating as school transport drivers. The Enhanced DBS for School Transport Drivers will also cover those driving a car, rather than a bus.  

Volunteer coach and bus drivers, for example a community minibus, may require a Volunteer’s Enhanced DBS check. The organisation you are volunteering with will be aware if their volunteer drivers need an Enhanced DBS check. 

Online DBS Checks for Transport Drivers 

How long does DBS take? 

Applying for DBS checks for transport drivers is quick and simple.  

Register in seconds and send check alerts directly to your employees. They’ll be alerted instantly and can begin the check process straight away. Don’t worry – if they’re busy and forget to start their check, we’ll send them a text reminder after 24 and 48 hours.  

When your employees upload their proof of identity, their reports will be returned within 5-10 days.   

Start your Taxi DBS check now.

 

DBS Checks for Taxi Drivers

Our Products

My Vetting DBS Check Packages

Basic DBS

£21.50

Government fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£27.50

Total

  • Basic (48h), Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually.

Standard DBS

£21.50

Government fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£27.50

Total

  • Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Standard Checks in 5-10 working days

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually

Enhanced DBS

£49.50

Government Fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£55.50

Total

  • Enhanced Checks in 5-10 working days

  • Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually

Volunteer DBS

£0

Government fee

+

£6

MyVetting Handling Fee

=

£6

Total

  • Data-Encrypted Online System

  • Volunteer Checks in 5-10 working days

  • Approved UK Home Office Provider

  • Powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT)

  • Live Status Updates

  • Expert Customer Support

  • Our fees range from £6.00 to £11.00 (inc. VAT) depending on the number of checks required annually

Helpdesk

Frequently asked questions

What is a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:42:57+00:00

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) is a check of an individual’s criminal history. The level of check will depend on the amount of information that is accessed from police intelligence records and the DBS barred list information. All levels of DBS checks are to help employers and organisations to recruit both employees and volunteers more safely. DBS Checks were formerly known as the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.

What is a CRB check?2024-01-12T11:42:27+00:00

The DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check has taken the place of the CRB check. The introduction of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 saw the closure of the CRB and ISA (Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), with the Disclosure and Barring Service opened in its place. DBS is now responsible for checking that had previously been carried out by CRB and ISA.

What types of DBS checks are there?2024-01-12T11:41:57+00:00

There are three types (or levels) of DBS check – Basic, Standard or Enhanced. At MyVetting.com, we carry out all three levels of DBS Checks.

Basic Check – A Basic DBS Check shows all of the applicant/s’ unspent convictions. A Basic DBS Check can be applied for either by a company or by an individual.

Standard Check – A standard DBS check is more detailed than the basic check, and in addition to disclosing any of your unspent convictions, a standard check may disclose older information which is felt to be relevant to the position which you are applying for. Standard checks are mostly used for positions in financial services or the justice system, so things like theft or fraud convictions might be of particular interest. Decisions about what to disclose are made on a case-by-case basis.

Enhanced Check – An Enhanced DBS Check is mandatory for roles that involve children and/or vulnerable adults, whether in paid employment or volunteering. An Enhanced DBS Check will show all spent and unspent criminal convictions and reprimands. An Enhanced DBS is checked against the Police National Computer and the children and adults barred lists.

Do I need a DBS Check?2024-01-12T11:41:02+00:00

If you are an applicant, your employer or lead organisation should be able to tell you if you need a DBS Check. They can use the UK Government Eligibility Tool to check as required and it will indicate whether an employee or volunteer needs a DBS Check for a specific role and also what level of check they need. Businesses and organisations will be liable legally if safeguarding is compromised when working with children and/or vulnerable adults. To prevent safeguarding issues, all eligible staff and volunteers should be checked as indicated by the Eligibility Tool.

What DBS check do employees need?2024-01-12T11:40:52+00:00

It is the responsibility of the employer or organisation to decide on the level of disclosure for an employee or volunteer. This may be guided by the role and/or the environment they will work in, for example in a caring or coaching role. The UK Government Eligibility Tool can help you to identify what level of DBS Check is required.

Is a DBS check a legal requirement?2024-01-12T11:39:03+00:00

A business or organisation is legally responsible for ensuring an individual can apply for a particular role. Employers and organisations are legally obliged to check and confirm, via DBS Check, that anyone working for their organisation with or near children and vulnerable adults has not been barred from working with either adults or children.

Can you fail a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:36:46+00:00

You cannot fail a DBS check as a DBS Check will only show whether an applicant has a criminal record or not. It is the employer’s decision as to whether an applicant is suitable for employment.

Who owns the DBS certificate?2024-01-12T11:36:38+00:00

A DBS Certificate belongs to the person whose name is printed on the certificate. It should be made available to your employer.

How long does a DBS certificate last?2024-01-12T11:36:27+00:00

DBS Certificates do not have an expiry date; however, an organisation or employer should stipulate how regularly DBS Certificates should be renewed by employees, contractors or volunteers. If you leave employment to start a new role you will need to complete this procedure again. It is recommended that Disclosures are renewed annually or at least every 2 years.

Can anyone ask for a DBS?2024-01-12T11:36:22+00:00

An individual can request a Basic disclosure on and for themself.  The Basic Check includes information on unspent convictions. However, an individual cannot request a Standard DBS Check or Enhanced DBS Check. These levels of DBS Checks must be requested by an employer or umbrella organisation.

Can I get my own DBS check?2024-01-12T11:35:57+00:00

An individual can request a Basic disclosure on themselves, which will contain information on unspent convictions. An individual cannot request a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check.

Can I contact the DBS directly?2024-01-12T11:26:50+00:00

Contact the DBS directly by phone on 03000 200 190 or by email at customerservices@dbs.gov.uk 

You will need your reference number.

Who pays for a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:26:38+00:00

That will depend on the policy of your employer or organisation. Some companies pay for applicants’ DBS Checks while others request that applicants pay for their own DBS Check at the point of application. If you are an applicant and unsure of the company policy, please check directly with the organisation.

What is a spent conviction on a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:26:32+00:00

A ‘spent’ conviction is a conviction, caution, warning or reprimand that has been received by an individual but that has expired after a certain period of time. While the conviction is ‘unspent’, it remains on their criminal record and the Police National Computer. The period of time that a record will remain before expiring is defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spent convictions will not appear on a Basic DBS Check. For Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks, spent convictions may or may not appear – according to filtering according to legislation put in place on 29th May 2013. This means that while spent convictions will not appear on a Basic DBS Check, they may also not appear on a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check – however the list of conviction types and offences that can never be filtered from a certificate is considerable.

What is an unspent conviction on a DBS check?2024-01-12T11:26:25+00:00

An unspent conviction, warning, caution or reprimand is one that has had a certain length of time attached to it by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 which means that it is still on their criminal record and on the Police National Computer. It will appear on Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Check certificates.

I have lost my DBS Disclosure document. Can I get another copy?2024-01-12T11:26:16+00:00

There are only certain circumstances under which the DBS will reprint a DBS Check:

  • If the original DBS certificate was lost in the post en-route to the applicant
  • If this loss is reported within 90 days of the issue date.
  • For DBS Checks, there will only be one paper copy of the certificate and this is issued to the applicant.
Do all checks complete within 48 hours?2024-11-01T13:25:38+00:00

Most of the Basic DBS Checks can be completed within 48 hours, but we ask that you allow at least 48 hours in case of a large volume of traffic at the Disclosure and Barring Service. Standard and Enhanced Checks are more involved and can take up to 10 working days, however, at MyVetting.com, we work towards 10 working days, targeting five working days. It may take up to 10 days for your certificate to arrive in the post.

I’ve got a DBS. Can I use it for a new job?2024-01-12T11:26:01+00:00

Every DBS certificate is connected with a role within the named organisation. Moving organisation will require a new DBS check and moving roles within the same organisation may mean that you need to move from a Standard DBS Check to an Enhanced DBS Check, if you are now working with or near vulnerable people.

My online payment is not being accepted?2024-01-12T11:25:10+00:00

At MyVetting.com, we accept the following payment and card payment options via a secure payment gateway. They are:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Apple Pay
  • GPay

If you experience any issues, please contact us.

My online application is not being accepted?2024-01-12T11:24:00+00:00

Complete the application form and proceed to the payment page. If any issues arise, we ask that you please check all information that has been added in the correct format. If you need further support, please contact us.

I’ve not been in the UK for 5 years. Can I still apply for a DBS?2024-02-13T22:19:48+00:00

This is not a problem. It is not a requirement of the DBS for the applicant to hold 5 years UK-based address history. When completing your application simply provide your full 5-year address history, including any international addresses.

What are DBS Barred Lists?2024-01-12T11:18:41+00:00

DBS Barred Lists are lists administered by the DBS that include individuals who are barred from working with children, vulnerable adults or both.

What is filtering?2024-01-12T11:18:02+00:00

Filtering is the process used by the DBS to assess whether particular information on convictions and cautions is protected under current legislation and, therefore, should be removed from an individual’s DBS Certificate before printing. Employers and organisations can ask an individual to provide information on convictions and cautions that they are legally entitled to know about. Both Standard and Enhanced DBS Certificates include details of convictions and cautions – including youth cautions, reprimands and warnings – recorded on the Police National Computer. Police National Computer data relating to protected cautions and convictions will be filtered out and will not appear on certificates.

Which employees need to pass this check?2024-01-12T11:16:50+00:00

UK employment law states that every single new recruit should be subject to a Right to Work (RTW) check before they start work with a new employer. This ensures that applicants have the correct documentation in place to legally work in the UK.

Why check right to work?2024-01-12T11:16:02+00:00

This check is an essential part of pre-employment screening during recruitment. Once completed with  work visa , work documents and passports verified in accordance with Home Office rules, they legally confirm that a prospective employee has the legal right to work in the UK.  This  is a mandatory part of the UK recruitment process.

Is all of this the employer’s responsibility?2024-01-12T11:14:51+00:00

Yes, according to Home Office rules, carrying out right to work checks is the responsibility of the employer.

Why is confirming employee status been legally able to work in the UK a must for employers2024-01-12T11:12:40+00:00

If you are an employer, then this is a legal requirement to carry out right to work checks in the UK. Failure to follow the law can put you at risk of a fine from HMRC and, possibly, a jail sentence. An employer must gather the information required, check all the documents to verify that it’s content is correct and ensure all is kept up to date and accurate.

Do UK citizens need to go through this?2024-01-12T11:07:56+00:00

Yes. A British citizen seeking work must undergo this right to work check. The documents must include either a British passport OR a document with both their name and National Insurance number, like a P45 certificate from a previous employer, AND either a birth certificate or adoption certificate.

Are results delivered quickly?2024-01-12T11:04:19+00:00

Thanks to MyVetting.com platform, online Right to Work checking of those seeking work in the UK will be carried out instantly, powered by Digital Identity Validation Technology (IDVT). As an approved UK Home Office provider, MyVetting.com is a digital provider of online checks. Our checking service is fast,  secure and you can track everything online.

What documents can employers accept?2024-01-12T10:42:50+00:00

The Home Office issues two lists of documents – list A and list B – that employers can accept as an individual’s right to work proof in the UK. No other documents are acceptable when doing this work check.  When doing a document check only accept the required information as an original document and not a copy.

  • List A states acceptable documents for a person with a permanent right to work.
  • List B states acceptable documents for a person with a temporary right to work.

Doing a check on a person with a temporary right to work establishes a time-limited statutory excuse, which means you’ll need to conduct a re-check in order to retain the statutory excuse. This is most often when the person’s permission to be in the UK finishes. This expiry date will be indicated on the document used to conduct the check.

What happens if I ignore the law?2024-01-12T10:42:12+00:00

Employers must verify that all applicants and all employees have the Right To Work in the UK to prevent people gaining work illegally in the UK. Failing to prove Right To Work or continuing to have somebody work for you  that has failed this check may see the business or organisation liable for a fine from HMRC and, potentially, prison time. The more people that work for you illegally the bigger the fine.

Is a UK driving licence an acceptable form of proof.2024-01-12T10:29:08+00:00

No, many people mistakenly believe that a British citizen can use their driving licence as sufficient evidence to prove their Right to Work. However, it’s important to know that a driving licence is not an acceptable form of proof for a work check.

When did checking Right to Work Checks become mandatory in the UK?2024-01-12T10:27:06+00:00

In the United Kingdom, since 2006, employers checking of RTW or Right to Work status has been mandatory. Employers. have clear and unambiguous legal obligations to verify their employees’ Right to Work. These obligations are laid out in various pieces of legislation, including the Immigration, Asylum, and Nationality Act 2006 and are overseen by the Home Office

Is a DBS check proof of Right to Work?2024-01-12T10:26:58+00:00

No, A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS Check), formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, is a background check conducted in the United Kingdom to reveal an individual’s criminal record history and other relevant information. It is often used by employers and organisations to assess a person’s suitability for certain roles; An example would be for those seeking work with minors. That is different from checking if they are allowed to work in the UK, whether suitable for the role or not.

Verification of an applicant’s eligibility to work in the UK falls under the employer’s responsibility. The DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) does not undertake this verification process.

Do these checks expire?2024-01-12T10:22:42+00:00

In the UK, for British citizens or individuals with indefinite leave to remain there is not a specific expiration date when personal checks expire. Once a person has proven their Right to Work, it generally remains valid unless their immigration status changes.

However, for individuals with the type of visas that are time-limited  or immigration permissions, their Right to Work may be tied to the validity of their visa. In such cases, the Right to Work would expire when the visa or residence permit expires.

It’s essential to stay up to date with the latest immigration regulations and guidelines, as rules and requirements can change over time. Employers and individuals should regularly verify the status of their Right to Work

How often should an employer be checking staff?2024-04-24T21:17:04+01:00

In the United Kingdom, checking staff for the Right to Work may need to be proven at a number of different times during the employment process and after they have started to work to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations. Here are the key times when a work check should be done:

Checking Staff: Before Employment Starts (Pre-Employment)

The Home Office rules are very clear, employers should undergo a check for all potential employees before they begin to work for the company. This includes both British, Irish and non-British citizens.

The process should be conducted after a job offer has been made and accepted but before the employee begins their work.

When a Visa or Immigration Permission Expires:

If you type of visa is a  time-limited visas or immigration permissions, employers should seek evidence at the appropriate time to verify that the employee’s permission to work remains valid.

It is the employer’s responsibility to keep track of employees’ visa expiration dates and conduct a  RTW check in a timely manner.

In Cases of Renewal or Change in Immigration Status:

If an employee’s visa or immigration status changes or is renewed, evidence of right to work should be ascertained again to ensure continued compliance with Home Office  immigration rules .

This is particularly important for employees who initially had a time-limited visa that has been extended or changed to a different category.

Random or Periodic Check:

Some employers may choose to conduct a random or periodic check on their existing workforce as a proactive measure to ensure ongoing compliance.

In Response to a Notice from the Home Office:

Employers must respond promptly to any notifications or requests from the Home Office regarding an employee’s Right to Work. This may include a request for a  work document, further information or verification.

What information must an employer gather to ensure compliance with the law2024-04-24T21:16:57+01:00

The type of compliance information required will depend on the status of the person been checked.

  1. British Citizens
  • Valid UK Passport  
  • UK Birth Certificate  
  • UK Adoption Certificate
  • Certificate of Naturalisation  
  1. European Economic Area & Swiss Nationals 
  • Valid Passport or National Identity Card  
  • Registration Certificate or Residence Card  
  • Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme  
  1. Non-EEA Nationals with Work Visas
  • Valid Visa or Residence Permit  
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)  
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)  
  1. Asylum Seekers and Refugees
  • Asylum Registration Card  
  • Positive Decision Letter  
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) with Refugee Status  
  1. Students 
  • Student Visa  
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)  
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)  
  1. Family Members of EEA Nationals 
  • EEA Family Permit  
  • Residence Card  
  • Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme  
  1. Commonwealth Citizens with Right of Abode 

Certificate of Entitlement

Can an employee supply a copy of the required documents?2024-04-24T20:05:11+01:00

No, Employees are obligated to provide authentic and unaltered documents as proof of their eligibility to work.

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