Apply For a PCO Licence With A Conviction or Police Record

First things first, not all police records are directly associated with criminal records, which verify the personality or mentality of a taxi driver. Therefore, if you have a conviction, it is not obvious that you cannot apply for a PCO licence in London. This blog delves into delicate matters and explores the best practices, key considerations and modern approaches to becoming a licenced taxi driver for applicants with a past.

Understanding the Connection Between PCO Licencing and Convictions

 

The criminal convictions policy for granting taxi and private hire driver’s licences outlines the purpose of passenger safety, especially for women and children. It is only to ensure the taxi driver does not impose any thereat, is honest, and is reliable.

 

Transport for London (TfL) conducts a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check to track the past conviction of the applicant to determine their eligibility. The CRB has merged with the  Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).  Which have updated the earlier CRB check to the new DBS check. Both are the same. For taxi drivers, an enhanced DBS check is performed.

Even if you have a criminal record, it does not bar you from making a PCO application; it is just that you need to maintain honest conduct and cooperate with the law instead of trying to hide it from or mislead the authorities. Hiding or misrepresenting this information can severely jeopardise your chances.

What Happens When You Apply For PCO Licence With A Criminal Record?

Not all criminal records say the same thing about the convicted. For example, if you have been involved in a car collision and the other person filed a lawsuit for damages, but it wasn’t your fault, it doesn’t make you a criminal, yet you have a record.

Therefore, the DBS review and judgement of criminal records is based on a case-by-case basis, which is mostly about the behaviour, personality and legal performance of the driver.

If you apply for a PCO licence with a conviction, the following norms might apply, and as long as you follow them diligently, you may come out with a licence.

●     Write a statement:    a detailed yet concise statement in your own words is necessary. This is a document that explains your circumstances and attitude towards your life goals and the occupation you are aiming for. Demonstrate remorse and report any rehabilitation, served sentences, penalties, community service or personal growth courses that you have undergone that are associated with your offence. This statement should highlight your commitment to adhering to the law and upholding the standards of a PCO licence holder.

 

●     Attend Interviews or Hearings: Be prepared to attend interviews or hearings where you may need to discuss your conviction and demonstrate your suitability for holding a PCO licence.

 

●     Seek Legal Advice if Necessary: Consider seeking legal advice or support from professionals experienced in dealing with PCO licence applications involving criminal records. You can also contact PCO Licence East London, which is the only licencing centre to offer all-in-one solutions, including assistance through DBS checking.

 

Keep abreast of any changes in regulations or requirements related to PCO licence applications with a criminal record. This ensures you’re well-prepared and informed throughout the process. You need to demonstrate how reliable you are by providing strong character references or letters of recommendation from employers, community leaders, or other reputable individuals who can vouch for your reliability and good character.

Convictions That Can Make PCO Licencing Unsuccessful

 

The key consideration for granting a PCO licence to an applicant is unanimous adherence to the provisions of Sections 51, 55, and 59 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. Below are the major convictions that can jeopardise the chance of getting a licence to operate as a taxi driver in London:

 

●     Murder, manslaughter and any similarly violent offences

●     Still serving a custodial sentence. In the circumstances where your sentence is suspended and you are released early, it may still make your licencing unsuccessful.

●     Multiple cases or more than one violent offence within 10 years

●     Convicted or cautioned with any serious sexual offence, like rape, abusive relationships, trafficking, child abuse, or keeping indecent images of another person without their consent.

●     Cautioned or penalised for more than one sexual offence.

●     Being listed in the barred list of the Individual Safeguarding Agency

●     Receiving any conviction, penalty or caution for touting in the past 12 months and more than one in the past 5 years.

 

The provisions consider certain parameters, like the seriousness of the offence, the circumstances, and, very importantly, how long ago it was committed. Remember, this is all for a character judgment for public safety, to trace whether the convicted has a pattern of crime, and to ascertain the potential of their committing the same crime again.

Moreover, the licencing authority needs to ensure the “fit and proper” criteria of the private hire vehicle operators even while renewing the driver’s licence. To make sure that everything is in place and avoid unjust complications when you apply for a PCO licence, make sure you are always clear and honest about your circumstances and look for a bright future as a cab driver in London.