Enhanced DBS checks

We conduct a six-month check for all drivers via the DBS Update Service. If you're registered on the update service you don't need to provide a new DBS certificate as part of your renewal.

All licensed drivers must be registered on the DBS Update Service. If you've let your update service subscription lapse you'll need to pass an enhanced DBS check that's been completed by a council-approved DBS supplier. There's a fee for the check to be completed.

TaxiPlus

TaxiPlus is our approved supplier. Before applying for your DBS certificate with our supplier, please read through their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page - this will tell you what you need before applying and what the process will be. Once you've read through their FAQ page, you can then apply via their website. You can use their live chat if you need more information.

If you have any questions about the DBS certificate application process please contact TaxiPlus directly. Email hello@taxiplus.co.uk for more details.

When your check has been completed you'll receive your certificate through the post. You'll need to upload a copy of this when completing your taxi driver's licence online application. The certificate will only be valid for the purposes of an application if it's submitted within three months of the issue date on the certificate. Please note, it can take several weeks for you to receive your certificate.

DBS Update Service

You must sign up to the DBS Update Service when you apply for a taxi driver licence to allow the Licensing Section to access your DBS information.

You must sign up for the Update Service within 30 days of the date on your DBS certificate. Failure to sign up will require you to apply for a new DBS certificate at your own cost and your application may be rejected.

If you fail to maintain your DBS Update Service annual subscription, you'll also fail our six-monthly DBS checks and your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Medical clearance

You need to meet the Group 2 UK medical standards for driver licensing to renew your taxi driver's licence.

You may still be covered by your existing medical clearance, so don't need to provide proof of this when you renew. However, if your medical clearance won't be valid on the date your current licence expires, you need to provide proof that you still meet the group 2 standards as part of your renewal application.

If you're aged 45 to 59 you need to obtain medical clearance every five years, or every 12 months if you're aged 60 or over.

How to provide proof

To confirm you meet the standards you need to either:

• print our medical examination report and have this completed and signed by a doctor. The report includes a vision assessment which can be completed by either a doctor or optician. You may have to pay a fee to your doctor and/or optician to carry out your medical assessment.
  
  
• hold a valid HGV or PSV licence for which you received medical clearance to obtain.

You need to upload a copy of your medical examination report or HGV/PSV licence as part of your renewal application.