The National Revocation Register is now amended to include Suspensions. It is now called the National Register for Revocations, Refusals and Suspensions NR3S.
In March 2022, the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022 was approved. Statutory Guidance published on 23 May 2022. From 7 April 2023, the Act places new duties on licensing authorities in England. This Act means licensing authorities should record information about a drivers’ licensing history. So Licensing record refusals, revocations or suspensions on the National Register. Before giving or renewing a driver’s license, licensing authorities in England must check the NR3S Register.
A search is undertaken for any entries relating to the applicant. We complete this check at the beginning of the application. Results of the search confirm if the applicant has had a previous licensing decision. A licensing authority must not base its decision only on an entry on the database. We must consider every application on its own merits.
We use the NR3S to make sure the applicant is fit and proper. We follow the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and human rights law.
We can use this information to help prevent or detect crime. This protects public funds, or in other ways as permitted by law. This can include passing information to certain third parties.
The National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) who host the register, need us to register with them.
We are transferring all the relevant existing data that we hold into the database. According to the NAFN retention policy, they must hold this information 11 years.
The National Register of Taxi Licence Revocations and Refusals (NR3), launched in 2018. The Register allows licensing authorities to record details of driver revocation and refusals. We use this to check new applicants. The NR3 helps the licensing authorities making informed decisions. It provides information on an applicants previous licensing history. The licensing authority needs to make sure an applicant is 'fit and proper’.
NR3 helped to improve public safety and confidence in taxi and PHV licensing. The Department for Transport (DfT) recognise the value of the NR3. The use of Legislation to mandate its use.
On 31 March 2022, the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022 received Royal Assent. Statutory Guidance published on 23 May 2022. From 7 April 2023, the Act places new duties on licensing authorities in England. The Act requires licensing authorities to record information relating to drivers’ licensing histories. This includes refusals, revocations or suspensions, on a National Register. We will search the register for all new and renewal licenses. The NR3S approved by the Secretary of State will be maintained by NAFN.
Upon receiving an application a licensing authority will search the database. This check provides information on an applicants previous licensing history. This is in relation to any revocation, refusals or suspensions elsewhere.
The data recorded on NR3S comprises:
When conducting a search of the NR3S Register, the following data will appear:
Licensing Authorities will not make a decision based on an entry on the database. If there is a match we will check with the previous Licensing Authority. Their contact details will appear in the search result.
The Licensing authority will consider each licence application on its own merits. They cannot refuse an application based only on an applicant having a record on NR3S.
We use the NR3S to ensure we have the full information necessary for us to reach a decision. The local authorities need to decide if an individual is fit and proper.
When we record a decision on the NR3S, another authority would consider this on its own merits. This means that they may grant a licence if there are a change in circumstances.
All suspensions will be on NR3S. This helps reach a decision on whether an individual is fit and proper.
When we recorded a decision on the NR3S, we will notify you at the time we make the decision to refuse, revoke or suspend. You can make a subject access request (SAR) for any of their personal data held on NR3S. The licensing authority controls this data. You need to send any SAR requests the Local Authority first.
The National Anti- Fraud Network process this data, they will fulfil this request. You need to send any other rights provided under the data protection provision to us.
Data will remain on NR3S for 11 years.