Taxi Driver Online

Disclaimer: every thread I start won't be full of wet-behind-the-ears vague newbie questions. But if you'll just bear with me once more (for now) I'd be grateful.

Anyway...I'm not yet licensed. I submitted my application this week. I was told my application would need to "go before the committe" because it's "procedure" if the applicant has a criminal record involving violence, drunkeness or drugs and maybe there were a few other criteria.

In 1986 I stopped someone who'd stolen from property of mine from a shared accomodation I was in. I caught him red handed in the street. He 'suffered' a scratched nose. Somewhat extremely IMO I was charged with ABH, I recieved a £50 fine bound over for 12 months. On my CRB check this came up as 'NON-REP OFF' and the offence wasn't detailed. I just told the truth on the application form, so the Local Authority are aware of it.

In 1990 I administered a cleaning product to my ex partners coat, she didn't even notice at the time. A week or so later, after the product had seeped in, she developed a mild skin irritation and faint rash. By this time the product had bleached the coat, and her then partner insisted she call the Police. (I know this after a friendly chat with her years after the incident) Just my luck, I was charged with ABH again! I had to pay £100 compensation for the coat and £35 costs. The hearing was in Feb 1991. Again I told the truth on the application form, and this is supported by the CRB check.

That's the extent of my criminal record. Nothing for almost twenty years. Just a couple of hot-headed moments in my distant youth. And the first one, I can't say I'm really ashamed of to be honest. I attached an A4 sheet of notes to my application outlining the details of the cases (as above) and the details of my long since vanished driving licence points.

The committe don't sit until mid November and I'm a bit stressed about it, and was hoping for a few general opinions, based on knowledge of the experiences of selves or others - (I don't need, want or expect any precise details obviously) - ideally encouraging positive ones, to set my mind and rest and aid restful sleep.

Don't think this matters, but as an aside, I've held a full driving licence for over 13 yrs and it's been completely clean for the last 10.

Sorry if I've gone on a bit, I feel like it's hanging over me a bit, I'm not sleeping well anyway and this (the not knowing) isn't helping, which is why I find myself still trawling this forum in the small hours. I was just hoping to hear something that mind set my mind at rest. But don't hold on back any painful licensing truths either.
I realise no two authorities/committees are identical, but there must be some more or less general practices, right?

Thanks.

I think as the last iffy issue was 18 years ago you should be fine.

Just repeat to the committee what you have said above, and you should be fine.

In some areas officials have the authority to issue licenses without consulting the committee, alas yours it not one of them.

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IDFIMH

Amongst other things councillors will consider the following points.

1. The type of offences committed?

2. The severity of those offences?

3. The rehabilition period free from offending?

4. And whether you are a possible danger to the public?

One hurdle you have to climb is the fact you have two recorded convictions for the same offence.

The point in your favour is that the offfences were committed quite some time ago and in the grand scheme of things they were not overly violent.

You shouldn't be complacent about these two identical convictions because by nature they both relate to a violent act.

I think it might be in your interest to write a letter in support of your application describing the events surrounding the convictions and highlighting the fact that even though the offences are identical there was never any intent of physical harm.

You should highlight the fact that since those offences you have matured and become a more rounded individual who has learn't some valuable lessons from your past indiscretions. You might wish to highlight your positive points such as a clean driving license and conviction free record since 1991. You might also care to mention your stability and that you wish to make taxi driving your carear and you are fully aware of the responsibilities involed in supplying a public service.

Keep it to one page but try and put across the fact that you are not a danger to the public.

You might wish to give the document a title such as, "In support of my taxi license application."

Print the letter, read it, make sure it is coherent and to the point and exactly what you want.

At the end of the day you are going to have to convince councillors that you are not a danger to the public.

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

Thanks. Good idea JD, that's exactly what I'll do, in addition to the notes I attached to the application.

I appreciate everyone here is busy, so don't feel obliged to go through all this if you can't be bothered. Not that anyone would, I know, ha.

Anyway, this is a rough draft:



Is that a little over the top? It's all true. I was especially unsure about the 'look you committee lot, I'm so bloody honest I grass myself up' bit in the last (proper) paragraph. Then again, it can't be a bad thing, can it? Although on the notes accompanying the licence application form it does stress but then it says, in open contradiction So I just don't know basically.

Again, all opinons are more than welcome.

Hopefully the letter should help turn my hope of posting here as a licensed cabbie in to a reality.

You have already had some sound advice so I won't add too much to it.
Your letter is spot on and should be just what they want to hear.
Trouble is they only have your word for the fact that you are a reformed character. At the meeting, they may try to provoke you. It's just to see if you lose the plot easily. They normally try asking some awkward questions. Your reaction to these questions is more important than your answers. Just stay calm and be honest. Don't get defensive or lose the plot.

IMHO you shouldn't have any problem, since the offences were so long ago. Your record since is definetly in your favour.

Best of luck.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I'd replace 'Violent' with fact.

The first offence would be treated as a Common Assault today, the second probably ABH, although again there is a reasonable chance the CPS would downgrade it to Common Assault providing it was just reddening to the skin.

Stick to the fact you've been done twice for what basically amounts to common assault in 2008.

I'd also be careful about the over use of your new found 'born again' citizen route, whilst councillors are just ordinary folks, I'd be wary about patronising them too much in case they come to the conclusion your trying that little bit too much.

Cheers, GBC

i think it depends were your from as i have just got my licence and i was convicted 4 years ago for gbh. you should have no problems .

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how does a LA crb check a EU foreign national?

(poland,etc)

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

It asks their embassy.

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IDFIMH

After suffering an attack of the bleeding obvious, I discovered a wee search 'statement policy convictions cases taxi +name of LA)' chucks up the relevant committee guidelines.

In my case, offences of that type 'over eight years' ago, aren't even taken in to account. Though, the fact I'm appearing before the committee suggests otherwise. I imagine this is due to a combination of lack of joined up policy and admirable thoroughness.

Anyway, for anyone fretting priot to a committee appearance, I'd recommend searching for the relevant guidelines, it may well ease your troubled mind.

I'd already submitted my supporting letter before reading the guidelines, and it appears appropriate. I'd again like to thank everyone for their support and especially JD for his/her sterling advice in this regard.

Thanks!

Pleased to say I was granted a licence with wee bother. A couple of the committee asked questions, one about the offence and the other 'Do I have a driving licence?' which was a bit odd, as I'd detailed that on the letter that accompanied my application.

It was pretty stressful, especially as I had such a long wait, but they seemed pretty a reasonable lot. Just my operators licence to get now...

Thanks again to everyone for thir advice and encouragement.

Glad to here it and we all hope you post more often on here, but you must do something first.
DOWNLOAD THE GOOGLE TOOL BAR WITH THE SPELL CHECKER

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IDFIMH