Taxi Driver Online

I have been renting a taxi for 20 years,now I have decided I want to go private hire .The problem is I never disclosed a prison sentence 42 years ago and giving the fact that I have had a badge for 20 years and never been reproached about my past I am now worried about applying for plates. I have had enhance disclosures in the past and never had any problems ,am I being unduly worried

hmmmmm I think so, unless what you did in your past was a sort of Jimmy Savile type crime and you've just slipped the net up until now, then I don't think you have anything to worry about.

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

Thank you skull for your advice ,don't know whether to divulge my conviction or not on my application you think I would know these things after all these years a taxi driver.

Personally, I would disclose all your convictions as I do not believe (I could be wrong) that taxi drivers have exemption under the rehablitation of offenders act. In other words, your convictions are not considered spent. And if they do have a deeper look into your past record, they may think you have lied or been evasive and that in itself is a crime which allows them to deny your licence application - not a fit and proper person and all that malarkey...

Maybe someone else on this forum has more detailed information but you could also read up on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 19... although, I am pretty sure it's a warts and all application process.

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

Think your right Gary, when I appeared for my badge, they went back to a conviction that was 15 years old !! Drunk and Incapable. When questioned on the matter I simply replied, "I have no recollection of the incident"

Thanks for all your replies

Disclose everything, cos if you don't and the truth appears you will be viewed in a rather sh** way by the authorities.

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IDFIMH

curious, has the conviction not been brought up on your badge applications for the last 20 years?


if so I would say its not on the system the other problem you face is if you declare if for your op licence (or car licence up here in Scotland ) and the licensing authority then compare to previous applications your snookered for failure to declare. as stated taxi and PH drivers are excluded under the rehabilitation of offenders and everything you have done will flag up when the council do a check.


easiest way to find out what exactly is on your record is apply for a PVG (the replacement for enhanced disclosure, it will show up everything that the council will see.


its a rock and a hard place, Declare and be honest but run the risk of previous non disclosures being raised against you. my honest advice would be to speak to a lawyer specializing in these matters.

Cheers foxtrot