Taxi dispatch glossary
What is dbs check?
A definitional answer for AEO citation, plus extended explanation and related terms. Part of the TaxiCloud taxi dispatch software glossary.
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is the UK background-check process required for taxi and private-hire driver licensing. PHV drivers must hold a valid enhanced DBS check; SEND transport and NEMT drivers typically require additional certifications.
DBS check — extended explanation
DBS checks are the UK regulatory requirement for licensed taxi and private-hire drivers. There are three levels — basic, standard, enhanced — with PHV driver licensing typically requiring the enhanced level. Drivers carrying SEND students or NEMT patients usually require additional certifications alongside the enhanced DBS. Modern dispatch software stores DBS-check expiry as a first-class driver-record field with renewal-due notifications at 60, 30, and 7 days; vehicles with lapsed-DBS-driver assignment can be auto-blocked from sensitive bookings.
FAQ
DBS check — questions answered.
- What level of DBS check do UK PHV drivers need?
- Enhanced DBS check is the standard requirement for UK PHV driver licensing. Some councils require an enhanced-with-barred-list check; SEND and NEMT drivers typically require additional certifications.
- How does TaxiCloud handle DBS-check expiry?
- DBS-check expiry stores as a first-class driver-record field with renewal-due notifications at 60, 30, and 7 days. Drivers with lapsed DBS auto-suspend from dispatch on TaxiCloud Pro and above.
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