When applying for jobs in the UK, it wouldn’t be unusual for an employer to request that an applicant complete a DBS check as part of the application process.
There are certain jobs that specifically require a DBS application, which is to ensure that individuals who apply for a job with an organisation are deemed suitable for the role. This is a criminal record check to filter unsuitable people from working, or coming into contact with, vulnerable adults and/or children.
Many people aren’t aware of what shows up on a DBS check, exactly.
What Does a DBS Check Show?
The three types of DBS checks disclose varying levels of information for employers. To summarise:
- Basic DBS check – this only shows unspent convictions.
- Standard DBS check – this shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.
- Enhanced DBS check – this shows the same as a Standard DBS, as well as any other information a local police force deems relevant to an application. An Enhanced DBS application is sometimes completed alongside a Children or Adults’ barred list check.
It would be difficult to find a logical argument against applying for a DBS check online, but in practice, many people can often become concerned with what a DBS check shows. This is particularly true for people who have had minor brushes with the law.
One of the most common concerns is around driving offences. Many are unsure whether their offences are going to be disclosed to an employer, once they receive their DBS online application. The questions we get commonly asked is:
- Do driving offences show on DBS
- Does driving without insurance show on DBS
- Does drug driving show on DBS
- Does speeding show on DBS
What Constitutes a Driving Offence?
Driving offences can, of course, range from relatively minor offences to ones which have serious implications and consequences.
There are numerous types of motoring offences, and some people are unclear whether offences they’ve committed will show up on a DBS check. The majority of these offences are minor, and will not, but there are others which will. Below is a breakdown of some common driving offences:
Fixed Penalty Driving Offences
Fixed penalty notices or tickets can be issued to individuals who commit minor offences, which offer drivers opportunities to settle them outside of the courts.
These types of offences are not considered criminal offences, and therefore will not show up on a DBS check.
Fixed penalty offences could consist of the following:
- Speeding
- Driving in a bus lane
- Driving through a red light
- Pedestrian crossing offences
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Ignoring road signs
- Driving without an MOT
Many of these offences, when caught, result in points on your licence and a fee to pay. There are variations in the number of points you receive and the penalty to pay; for example, using a phone while driving, and driving without insurance incur larger fees and more points.
These offences are not disclosed on a DBS check. However, if you drive as part of your job, you should ideally inform them of any points you’ve been given on your licence.
Filtering of Offences on a DBS Check
Driving offences that are considered severe enough to be disclosed on an online DBS check, may also be eligible for filtering. DBS filtering involves dropping convictions from a person’s criminal record, after a specific time and depending on their age at the time of conviction.
The most serious of offences will not be eligible for filtering.
Ultimately, it is up to the employer to decide whether they hire the applicant. Regardless of the offence, we’d highly recommend being honest and upfront with your employer about any offences you may have potentially committed. If it’s not serious, they will put your mind at rest.
Serious Driving Offences
There is a wide range of offences that fall into the serious category, which is a complicated area of the law. Many people get confused about which offences are considered serious.
These include:
- Driving while under the influence
- Drink driving
- Careless or dangerous driving
- Driving while disqualified, or without a licence
- Driving offences that cause serious injury or death
These offences will be shown on a DBS check if they escalate from a motor offence into a criminal offence.
To be safe, it is probably in your best interest to give any details of offences to your prospective or current employer.
FAQs
1. Do driving offences show on DBS
Minor driving offences like parking tickets or speeding do not show up on a DBS certificate, but when a motor offence escalates into a criminal offence, these may show up on the DBS certificate.
2. Does driving without insurance show on DBS
Driving without insurance is typically considered a motoring offence rather than a criminal offence.
3. Does drug driving show on DBS
Yes, this would be considered a criminal offence and could show up on a DBS certificate
4. Does speeding show on DBS
No, speeding offences would not show up on a DBS certificate.
Summary of How DBS Checks Work with Motoring Offences
There are three levels of DBS checks:
Basic DBS Check – Shows unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Driving without insurance is usually a fixed penalty offence and does not appear unless it results in a court conviction that remains unspent.
Standard DBS Check – Shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
If the offence led to a court conviction (e.g., a fine or points on your license), it may appear.
Enhanced DBS Check – Includes everything in a Standard check plus police intelligence.
If law enforcement considers the offence relevant to the job role (e.g., roles involving driving), it may be disclosed.
