DBS Check for PCO Licence
You need a DBS check to get your Public Carriage Licence (PCO) licence
If you’re an aspiring private hire driver in London, you will need a DBS check to get your Public Carriage Office (PCO) licence. As this licence is necessary to work as a private hire vehicle driver in London. A DBS check is also needed to renew the PCO Licence. here’s what you need to know about DBS for PCO.
An Enhanced DBS Check is Necessary to Get a PCO Licence
Along with being 21 years old and holding a 3-year-old driving licence, a vital step for obtaining a PCO licence is filling out the DBS application form for taxi drivers. Since 2012, all private hire drivers are eligible for an enhanced DBS check, not just those transporting vulnerable groups of people. An enhanced DBS check offers the level of disclosure required for this position. It will reveal the following:
- Spent or unspent convictions
- Warnings
- Cautions
- Reprimands
- Any other police information deemed relevant
The DBS check for a PCO licence is required so that employers can verify that a private hire driver will not pose a risk to members of the public and will transport them safely to their destination. It can also help passengers feel safer.
Check on the PCO licence application from whether you can use a third party DBS provider like us before you apply.
What is the DBS Check for Private Hire Driver Process?
Where an Enhanced DBS check is required for a private hire or taxi (PCO) licence, the applicant completes the DBS application themselves.
Private hire drivers are typically self-employed. The application must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body or through the licensing authority’s approved DBS route, depending on local council requirements.
The DBS certificate is issued directly to the applicant by post. Licensing authorities will review the certificate as part of the PCO application process.
Renewal and Update Service requirements vary by council, so applicants should always check their local licensing guidance before applying.
Will a PCO Licence be Granted to Someone with a Criminal Conviction?
If an individual with a criminal record tries to get a PCO licence, the licencing authority may still grant it based on the severity of the offence.
Looking for more information on DBS checks for PCO Licences? We’d be happy to help talk you through the process. Get in touch with our team of friendly DBS check experts today.
What is the difference betwen Private Hire Driver and a PCO Driver?
A Private Hire Driver is anyone licensed to drive a private hire vehicle, which includes minicabs, chauffeur services, and app-based ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber, Bolt, Ola). Private Hire Drivers cannot pick up passengers without pre-booking—they must be booked through a licensed operator. To become a Private Hire Driver, you need a Private Hire Driver Licence from the local licensing authority (e.g., Transport for London for London-based drivers).
PCO stands for the Public Carriage Office, which was historically responsible for regulating taxis and private hire vehicles in London. In London, a PCO driver is essentially a Private Hire Driver with a PCO Licence, which is now officially called a TfL Private Hire Driver Licence. TfL have their own preferred supplier for DBS checks so make sure to check before you order a DBS check through anyone else.
*The turnaround times given are the average times taken for receipt of electronic result. The time it takes can vary depending on local police searches, multiple addresses, common names and multiple name changes.
FAQS
1. Why do I need a DBS check for PCO licence approval?
A DBS check for PCO licence applications is mandatory because Transport for London requires enhanced safeguarding for all private hire drivers. Completing a DBS check for PCO licence helps prove you are safe to work with the public. Every applicant must undergo a DBS for PCO licence holders process before they can legally drive. Without a completed DBS for PCO, TfL will not issue your licence.
2. What does a DBS check for PCO include?
A DBS check for PCO is an enhanced disclosure covering spent/unspent convictions, cautions, warnings and relevant police information. This enhanced level makes the DBS check for PCO licence suitable for a role involving public safety. The detailed criminal history revealed in a DBS for PCO licence holders check helps authorities assess character and suitability. If your role requires public-facing work, a DBS for PCO is always needed.
3. How often do I need to renew my DBS for PCO licence holders?
Most councils require DBS for PCO licence holders to renew their certificate every 3 years. When renewing, drivers must again complete a DBS check for PCO licence through the approved person or provider listed by TfL. Keeping your DBS check for PCO up to date ensures continued compliance with licensing rules. Renewal of your DBS for PCO helps maintain safety standards for both the public and licensing authorities.
4. Can I apply for a DBS check for PCO myself?
Yes, you complete the DBS application yourself. However, an Enhanced DBS check for a PCO licence must be processed through a registered DBS Umbrella Body such as Online DBS Checks.
It cannot be submitted directly to the DBS without appropriate countersignature. Licensing requirements vary by authority. For example, Transport for London (TfL) and other councils may require applicants to use a specific provider or to register with the DBS Update Service.
Always check your local licensing authority’s guidance before ordering your DBS check to ensure you follow the correct application route.
5. Does having a criminal record automatically stop my DBS for PCO application?
Not always. A past conviction does not guarantee refusal of a DBS check for PCO licence. Licensing officers will consider the type, severity and date of the offence before approving a DBS check for PCO result. Many DBS for PCO licence holders have minor historical convictions and are still approved to work. Completing your DBS for PCO honestly and transparently gives you the best chance of approval.
