Stockton private hire driver application APPROVED despite eight-point motoring offence
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
A driver with previous motoring convictions has been granted a private hire licence after Stockton-on-Tees councillors accepted his explanation for a traffic offence and found him fit and proper to drive.
The decision was made during the General Licensing Committee meeting held on 27 May 2025. Applicant 159077 attended in person to explain the circumstances of an incident that led to eight active DVLA penalty points.
Committee papers showed the driver had convictions for offences recorded as TS10 and CD10, relating to traffic signal and careless driving matters. The driver told councillors the incident, which occurred on 6 June 2024, took place while he was driving a bus. He said he had been forced to make a quick decision when a cyclist crossed the road without looking, choosing to go through a red signal rather than risk serious injury to passengers by performing an emergency stop.
The committee heard that he had been driving for more than 30 years, including a decade as a bus driver in London, with no previous accidents. Councillors said his account of the event was plausible and accepted that it was an isolated incident made under difficult circumstances.
Members agreed that the driver demonstrated the qualities expected of a professional licensed driver, including experience, responsibility and understanding of public safety. His application was therefore approved, subject to completion of the required assessments before the licence is issued.
However, the committee added a formal warning. The driver was advised that any further offences, complaints or concerns could result in his return to the committee for review and potential revocation of his licence.
Councillors reminded him that all licensed drivers must act courteously, comply with licence conditions and uphold the professional image of the trade at all times.
