DBS checks for taxi drivers, private hire drivers and driving instructors

Applying for or renewing a taxi or private hire licence, or teaching learners? Find your role, see what you're likely to need, and check what your council or DVSA requires before you apply.

Start your DBS application Check your eligibility

Free to register. See our DBS check costs.

Find your role and check level

Pick your role for the full details. The level you get depends on what you do, who with and how often, so the eligibility checker confirms it before you pay.

Taxi & private hire driversHackney carriage and private hire licencesEnhanced check: Usually includedChildren's Barred List: Depends on your roleAdults' Barred List: Depends on your role

Uber & ride-hail driversUber, Bolt and other PHV appsEnhanced check: Usually includedChildren's Barred List: Depends on your roleAdults' Barred List: Depends on your role

Driving instructorsADIs and PDIs teaching under-18sEnhanced check: Usually includedChildren's Barred List: Depends on your roleAdults' Barred List: Not usually

How the barred lists work

The Children's Barred List is usually added when you teach, train, coach, care for or supervise under-18s once a week or more, on 4 or more days in any 30-day period, or overnight (between 2am and 6am). Your council or DVSA may set its own requirements too.

Good to knowBefore you apply, ask your council's licensing team whether it accepts an Enhanced check from an Umbrella Body. Many do, some require their own provider, and most ask you to join the Update Service.

How to get your transport DBS check

Apply online, verify your ID digitally and track your check from start to finish.

Check eligibility
Answer a few questions about your work to confirm your check level.
Register and apply
Create your account and complete your application online.
Verify your identity
Confirm your ID digitally. We check and submit your application to the DBS.
Receive certificate
Posted to you. Track it, then join the Update Service.

DBS Eligibility Checker

Who will ask to see your check

Your council's licensing team

Sets which check and barred lists it needs, and whether it accepts a certificate from an Umbrella Body.

Ride-hail platforms

Rely on your private hire licence, so the council's rules apply.

Learners and their parents

May ask a driving instructor to show a certificate, particularly for under-18 pupils.

Transport DBS check FAQs

Will my council accept a DBS check from you?

Many councils accept an Enhanced check from any registered Umbrella Body, but some require their own provider or do the check at your licensing appointment. Ask your licensing team before you apply.

Which barred lists do taxi drivers need?

Your council decides. Many ask for an Enhanced check with both the Children's and Adults' Barred Lists, in line with the government's statutory taxi standards.

Do I need to join the Update Service?

Most councils ask licensed drivers to join it, so they can check your certificate between renewals. It also saves a new application each time.

Does my check replace the DVSA criminal record check?

No. DVSA arranges its own check when you register or renew as a driving instructor. Your own Enhanced check is for pupils, parents and schools who ask to see one.

Useful guidance

Ready to apply?

Free to register. You only pay once you've confirmed your check level.

Start your DBS application

This guide applies to self-employed people in England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. It's guidance only, not legal advice.

DBS checks for taxi drivers, private hire drivers and driving instructors