A DBS-checked chauffeur who is also licensed and insured sounds reassuring. Those three words appear on most chauffeur and private hire websites, often without much explanation of what they mean or why they matter. So here's what each one genuinely covers, and why it's worth asking any driver about them rather than assuming they're a given.
What a private hire licence actually confirms
A licensed driver has passed background checks and a driving standards assessment set by their licensing authority. The vehicle itself has also passed a separate roadworthiness and suitability inspection. Both driver and vehicle licences are specific to the individual and the car. In other words, they are not a general company registration loosely covering everyone. You can read more in the GOV.UK guide to taxi and private hire licences.
What a DBS check covers for a DBS-checked chauffeur
A Disclosure and Barring Service check looks at a person's criminal record history. It forms part of assessing their suitability to work in a role involving public trust, including driving passengers. It's also a standard requirement for licensed private hire and chauffeur work. In fact, every licensed private hire driver has passed an enhanced DBS check to hold that licence.
What insurance actually protects
The law requires private hire (hire-and-reward) motor insurance for fare-paying passengers. It covers you, the passenger, in the event of an accident or incident during the journey. This is worth understanding, because personal car insurance, the kind most private vehicles carry, doesn't cover carrying fare-paying passengers. As a result, proper commercial and passenger liability cover matters.
Why a DBS-checked chauffeur is worth asking about, not just at Apex
These standards aren't unique to Apex. Instead, they're a baseline that any properly operating chauffeur or private hire firm should meet. So it's completely reasonable to ask whether you'll have a DBS-checked chauffeur, and about licensing and insurance too. A legitimate operator will answer without hesitation.
How Apex approaches this as standard
Every Apex driver and vehicle is individually licensed and covered under appropriate insurance, and every driver is a DBS-checked chauffeur. That's a condition of working with the company. It's not an optional extra, or a marketing claim without substance behind it.
Getting in touch with questions about your DBS-checked chauffeur
You might want more detail on licensing, insurance or your DBS-checked chauffeur for a specific booking, particularly a corporate account. If so, call 0333 533 3530 and ask directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask to see a driver's licence or DBS status before a journey?
Yes, this is a reasonable request. Also, any properly licensed operator should be able to confirm this information.
Does personal car insurance cover a private hire or chauffeur journey?
No, standard personal car insurance does not cover carrying fare-paying passengers. Instead, you need private hire (hire-and-reward) motor insurance.
Is DBS checking a one-off process, or renewed periodically?
DBS checks are typically renewed periodically as part of ongoing licensing requirements. So it's not a single check done once and never revisited.
