At the start
An enhanced DBS check including the children's and adults' barred lists, for the role of taxi or private hire driver, made through TfL's own provider. A check from another provider is not accepted, unless it was made for another taxi or private hire licensing authority, at the same level, in the last four months.
Declare every name you have used and your date of birth exactly as on your documents. TfL learns only whether the certificate is clear.
At the end
When you complete the Knowledge you need a further enhanced DBS check and evidence that you have joined the DBS Update Service. TfL advises applying for it once you have 6 points at Stage 5. TfL's web page says every applicant must join the Update Service; its policy says taxi applicants join at the end of the Knowledge, not when first applying.
Once you are licensed
Keeping the Update Service subscription, at £16 a year, is a condition of every licence granted since 26 February 2024. TfL checks it every six months.
Sources
- TfL, Taxi and private hire driver policy, version 6.0, 1 September 2026, sections 3.4.1 to 3.4.4 and 3.18
- TfL, DBS guidance, pages 1 and 2
- TfL, Apply for a taxi driver licence, How much will my application cost?
From the guide: How to become a London taxi driver