Private hire driver REFUSED licence renewal after getting caught using their phone whilst driving

A private hire driver failed in her bid to renew her private hire driver's licence after being caught using her phone while driving.

Cornwall Council’s Miscellaneous Licensing Committee rejected the applicant’s attempt to renew after failing to notify the authority of the endorsement back in September 2020.

The council found the unnamed driver a not fit and proper person to hold a licence as a result. It is unlikely the driver can reapply for a licence until at least late 2025.

In the committee minutes members said: “Members noted the Guidelines regarding convictions and that this stated that where an applicant has a conviction for using a hand-held mobile telephone or a hand-held device whilst driving, a licence will not be granted until at least 5 years have passed since the conviction.

“Members felt that as a professional driver the applicant should have appreciated the seriousness of using a mobile phone whilst driving and the danger this could potentially cause and should not have done so.

“Members noted that their first duty and role in licensing drivers was the protection of the public and public safety. Taking all the information into account, Members felt that CD226 (the unnamed private hire driver) was not a fit and proper person to be granted the renewal of her licence.”