Driving roles come in all shapes and sizes, from delivering packages to transporting vulnerable individuals.
Because of this variety, determining the correct level of DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check for drivers can be confusing.
This blog post will break down the DBS requirements for drivers across various sectors, providing examples of different roles and explaining the reasons behind the level of check required, ranging from Basic to Enhanced with barred lists.

Understanding the Different Levels of DBS Checks (A Quick Recap)

Before diving into specific roles, let’s quickly recap the different levels of DBS checks:

• Basic DBS Check: Discloses only unspent convictions and cautions.

• Standard DBS Check: Discloses both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings, subject to filtering rules.

• Enhanced DBS Check: Discloses the same information as a Standard check, plus any relevant information held by local police forces.

• Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists: Includes the same information as an Enhanced check, plus a check of the Barred Lists (lists of individuals barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults).

DBS Checks for Drivers: Sector-Specific Examples

Here are some examples of driver roles across different sectors, along with the rationale behind the recommended level of DBS check:

1. Delivery Driver (Courier/Parcel Service):

   • Role: Delivers packages or parcels to residential and commercial addresses. Minimal contact with the public, no responsibility for vulnerable individuals.

   • DBS Check Level: Basic DBS Check

   • Rationale: This role has limited contact with the public, and no responsibility for transporting or caring for vulnerable individuals. A Basic check is usually sufficient to confirm that the driver does not have any unspent convictions that might make them unsuitable for the role.

   • Guidance on Responsibilities: This role does not involve unsupervised access to people’s homes, direct care of individuals, or the transport of vulnerable individuals.

2. Taxi Driver/Private Hire Driver:

   • Role: Transports members of the public, including potentially vulnerable individuals, for a fee.

   • DBS Check Level: Standard DBS Check

   • Rationale: Taxi drivers and private hire drivers have a greater level of responsibility as they are directly transporting members of the public. While they may not be specifically working with vulnerable individuals, they do have unsupervised access to a wide range of passengers. This warrants a Standard check to disclose both spent and unspent convictions.

   • Guidance on Responsibilities: This role does involve transporting members of the public, including potentially vulnerable individuals, but does not involve direct care or close supervision over an extended period.

3. School Bus Driver:

   • Role: Transports children to and from school. Has regular contact with children and is responsible for their safety and well-being.

   • DBS Check Level: Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check

   • Rationale: School bus drivers have regular and direct contact with children and are responsible for their safety. This requires an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Barred List to ensure that the driver is not barred from working with children.

   • Guidance on Responsibilities: This role does involve regular and direct contact with children, responsibility for their safety and well-being, and unsupervised responsibility.

4. Care Transport Driver:

   • Role: Transports vulnerable adults or children to and from appointments, activities, or their homes. Has direct responsibility for their care and safety during transport.

   • DBS Check Level: Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check

   • Rationale: Care transport drivers have direct and regular contact with vulnerable adults or children, and are responsible for their care and safety during transport. This requires an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Barred List.

   • Guidance on Responsibilities: This role does involve regular and direct contact with vulnerable adults or children, responsibility for their care and safety, and unsupervised responsibility.

5. Volunteer Driver (Charity):

   • Role: Provides transportation services to individuals in need, such as elderly people or those with disabilities, on behalf of a registered charity.

   • DBS Check Level: Enhanced DBS Check (with or without Barred List Check depending on specifics)

   • Rationale: The required level depends on the nature of the service. If transporting vulnerable adults or children regularly, an Enhanced DBS check and barred list check is essential. If not, a standard check may suffice.

   • Guidance on Responsibilities: You may need a check of the barred list in this role, check with the organisation requesting the check and seek legal advice if needed.

6. Delivery Driver (Medications or Controlled Substances):

   • Role: Delivers prescription medications or other controlled substances to patients’ homes or pharmacies. May have access to sensitive patient information.

   • DBS Check Level: Standard or Enhanced DBS Check (depending on contact with vulnerable groups and data access)

   • Rationale: The required level depends on the level of access to sensitive information and the degree of contact with vulnerable individuals. If the driver has unsupervised access to medications and patient information, an Enhanced DBS check may be necessary.

   • Guidance on Responsibilities: Consider the responsibility for patient safety, are they qualified to provide medicine, can they advise patients on side effects, and the potential for harm if this is not done correctly.

7. Wheelchair Taxi Driver

   • Role: Provides transportation service to vulnerable adults or children who are wheelchair-bound. This driver will often need to assist the individual into and out of the vehicle, involving close physical contact with them.

   • DBS Check Level: Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List check

   • Rationale: as the driver has responsibility for the safe keeping of, and close and often unsupervised contact with those who may be classed as vulnerable, it is imperative that they have this level of check

   • Guidance on Responsibilities: You will need to seek advice on your responsibilities for the safety and well-being of the passengers, and how best to handle any emergency scenarios.

Key Considerations for Employers

When determining the appropriate level of DBS check for a driver role, consider the following factors:

• Level of Contact with Vulnerable Groups: Does the role involve regular, direct, and unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults?

• Level of Responsibility: Does the role involve a high degree of trust and responsibility for the safety and well-being of others?

• Access to Sensitive Information: Does the role involve access to sensitive personal data, financial information, or medical records?

• Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Are there any specific legal or regulatory requirements that dictate the level of DBS check required for the role?

• Sector-Specific Guidance: Consult relevant sector-specific guidance to ensure that you are complying with industry best practices.

The Importance of Regular Review

It’s important to review DBS check requirements regularly, especially if the nature of the driver’s role changes. For example, if a delivery driver begins transporting elderly individuals as part of their duties, their DBS check level may need to be upgraded. 

Conclusion

Determining the correct level of DBS check for drivers requires careful consideration of the specific responsibilities, the level of contact with vulnerable groups, and any relevant legal or regulatory requirements.
While a Basic check may be sufficient for some roles, others will legally require an Enhanced check with Barred List checks.
By understanding these distinctions, considering the responsibilities involved, and implementing a robust DBS checking policy, organisations can ensure the safety of those they serve and comply with the law.