Do Driving Offences Show Up On DBS Checks?
DBS checks have been around since 2012. Employers use DBS checks to run background checks for a variety of job roles. These days, employers in the United Kingdom often request a valid DBS certificate before appointing a new recruit.
While for some jobs, a DBS check is optional, there are specific jobs that legally require a DBS check for potential employees. A DBS check ensures the suitability of applicants to work in specific roles.
When an individual applies for a DBS check, the Disclosure and Barring Service does a thorough search through an applicant’s criminal record to ensure that they are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
A common question that comes up is whether driving offences appear on an individual’s criminal record and if so, whether DBS checks reveal them or not.
What Details Does A DBS Check Reveal?
A DBS check is available in three levels: a basic, standard, or enhanced DBS check. Each level differs in terms of the depth of the check and the amount of information they reveal.
A basic DBS check only reveals unspent convictions. On the other hand, a standard DBS check shows unspent and spent convictions, reprimands, warnings, and cautions. An enhanced DBS check displays the same details as a standard DBS check, as well as any additional information held by local police.
During a criminal record check, the DBS will run your details against the Police National Computer (PNC). The DBS check reveals any relevant offences you’ve committed that match your name.
Therefore, you may expect driving offences to show up during a DBS check, but this is not the case. Whether a driving offence shows up or not depends on the severity of the offence.
What Are The Different Types of Driving Offences?
Driving offences can range from minor rule breaking to more serious offences that endanger lives. The severity of the driving offence determines the punishment received.
The more minor offences are punishable by fixed penalties. A fixed penalty usually means that a police officer will issue a ticket and a fine as a warning and to deter people from committing the same driving offence again. Fixed penalty notice offences are classified as minor and they are usually settled outside of court.
Minor driving offences include things such as driving without a seatbelt, running through an amber light, stopping on a pedestrian crosswalk, and driving slightly over the speed limit.
As they are generally dealt with by issuing a fixed penalty notice, these offences are not categorised as criminal convictions and will not appear on DBS checks. Once the offender has given their driver’s licence details and paid the amount issued on the ticket, the offence is no longer held against them.
Serious Driving Offences
The punishment for many driving offences is a small fine only, after which you are free to go. However, more serious driving offences receive harsher punishments.
Serious driving offences include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, dangerous driving, and any driving offence that increases the potential for injury or death to a civilian.
The more serious offences will show on a DBS check if they result in a conviction. An enhanced DBS check is likely to reveal any serious driving offences. Information on driving offences may be particularly relevant to employers, especially if the job entails driving.
The filtering of a driving offence depends on the severity and date of the offence.
To find out more about DBS checks you can contact our trusted advisors today.
