What is a ‘Fit and Proper’ or ‘Safe and Suitable’ person
Before someone can be granted a taxi or private hire driver licence, the licensing authority must be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person. This is designed to protect the public—especially children and vulnerable adults—by ensuring that only trustworthy and responsible individuals are licensed to drive passengers.
What does it mean to be ‘Fit and Proper’ or ‘Safe and Suitable’?
There is no strict legal definition, but the commonly accepted check is:
“Would you allow someone you care about—such as your child, partner, or parent—to travel alone in a vehicle driven by this person at any time of day or night?”
If the answer is no, the person should not be granted a licence.
What is considered during the check?
Licensing authorities will look at:
- Criminal history, including convictions, cautions, and police intelligence
- Results of an Enhanced DBS Check
- Driving record and any motoring offences
- Conduct and character, including behaviour during the application process
- Any safeguarding concerns, especially involving children or vulnerable adults
Importantly, for taxi licensing, convictions are never considered spent, all must be declared and assessed.
Why is this important?
Taxi and private hire drivers often work alone and unsupervised, sometimes late at night, and may transport vulnerable passengers. The ‘Fit and Proper Person’ test helps ensure:
- Public safety
- Trust in the licensing system
- Protection from abuse or exploitation
Licensing authorities are advised to take a cautious approach and not give applicants the benefit of the doubt when serious concerns arise.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council taxi licensing policy information
Before granting a drivers licence, the council must be satisfied that the applicant is a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a licence. Licences – 2.1.3
The test sets out the requirement to ensure, so far as possible, that those licensed to drive taxis or PHVs are safe drivers with good driving records and adequate experience, sober, mentally and physically fit, honest, and not persons who would take advantage of their employment to abuse or assault passengers. Appendix C - General – 1.4.
The onus is on the applicant or licence holder to demonstrate that they meet this requirement; not on the council to demonstrate that the applicant does not. Appendix C - General – 1.9.