What is a Certificate of Good Conduct | Private Hire Drivers

DECEMBER 12,2022

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DBS Checks are a standard part of applying for a taxi or private hire licence. But in some situations, you might also be asked to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct. A Certificate of Good Conduct is a document that provides evidence of an individual's clean criminal record. In the UK, private hire taxi drivers are required to possess a valid DBS, however some licencing authorities state if the you have not resided in the UK for at least 5 years, or have lived overseas for longer than three months with the past 5 years, they will need to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct in order to operate legally. In this article, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about letters of good conduct for UK private hire drivers. So grab a coffee, and let’s get started!

How to Get a Certificate of Good Conduct?

Obtaining a Certificate of Good Conduct needs to be done right the first time to avoid any issues. In most cases, individuals can apply for the certificate online through the government's website or by visiting their local police station. But if you find the process overwhelming and time-consuming, you can always reach out to our team to do this on your behalf. The certificate is issued by the police or the authority and is valid for a period of three years.

 

In order to be eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct, an individual must have no prior convictions and must not be currently under investigation for any criminal offence. In addition, the individual must have lived in the UK for a certain period of time, typically at least five years.

 

Once an individual has obtained a Letter of Good Conduct, they must present it with a valid DBS certificate to the licencing authority in order to obtain a private hire taxi license. The council will review the certificate to ensure that it is valid and will then issue the license, provided that the individual meets all other requirements for becoming a private hire taxi driver.

 

If a driver has not lived in the UK for 5 years, they will need to obtain a Letter of Good Conduct from their country to demonstrate their good character. This letter, which is equivalent to a DBS, can then be provided to authorities in the UK.

Private Hire Drivers & Letters of Good Conduct 

Private hire taxi drivers are required to possess a valid Certificate of Good Conduct for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it helps to ensure the safety of passengers, as it provides evidence that the driver does not have a criminal record. In addition, it helps to protect the reputation of the taxi industry, as it ensures that only individuals with clean criminal records are allowed to operate as private hire taxi drivers.

 

Another reason to apply for a Letter of Good Conduct, in addition to obtaining a private hire taxi license, is for employment purposes. Many employers require potential employees to provide a certificate as part of their background check process. This is particularly common for positions that involve working with vulnerable individuals, such as children or the elderly. In these cases, a Certificate of Good Conduct can provide reassurance to the employer that the individual does not have a criminal record and is, therefore, suitable for the position.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a Certificate of Good Conduct is a vital document for anyone who wishes to become a private hire taxi driver in the UK. It provides evidence of an individual's clean criminal record and is necessary in order to obtain a private hire taxi license. And if you’d like to apply, then feel free to contact our experts today. We have processed over 3,000 applications to date and have a wealth of experience helping drivers secure their documents to start driving. So, what are you waiting for? Leave complex paperwork in our capable hands and get your Certificate of Good Conduct now!

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