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Can I be a taxi driver with a drink-driving conviction?

Normally not until seven years after the end of the driving ban. A second conviction for drink or drug driving means ten years, and more than two normally means refusal. Causing death or serious injury by driving normally means refusal.

Checked against TfL's documents on 3 October 2026.

The waiting periods

Your recordUsual outcome
One drink or drug driving convictionNot licensed until 7 years after the driving ban ends
Two10 years after the ban ends
More than twoNormally refused
Causing death or serious injury by drivingNormally refused

The medical side

If TfL suspects a dependency on alcohol or drugs, it asks for a special medical report as well. Two or more convictions for drug possession also mean a drug screening to meet the DVLA Group 2 standard.

Sources

From the guide: How to become a London taxi driver

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