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February 12 2018

Enhanced Criminal Record Checks for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers

Taxi and private hire drivers could have to pass enhanced criminal record checks before being granted a licence.

Under the proposals, every council in England would be told to carry out checks on all applicants.  Current guidelines allow councils to set their own driver standards, including whether to make the checks.

The plans also include introducing national minimum standards and a database to stop applicants applying to councils after being refused elsewhere.

Currently, guidelines allow Councils to set their own rules for driver standards, including whether to carry out checks. Under the new proposals, every Council in England would be forced to carry out checks on all drivers. Taxi and private hire drivers would not be able to acquire a licence without passing an enhanced criminal record check.
A new database will also stop applicants who have been refused elsewhere, applying again to a new Council. National minimum standards would also be set.