Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure says it is exploring better reporting so taxi drivers with disqualifying convictions lose licences faster.
The Irish News found 12 drivers had licences revoked over 24 crimes between 2021 and 2025 — including sex offences — sometimes after long delays once convicted; one serious case took almost five years. Drivers must tell the DVA of new convictions during a typically five-year licence, but DfI admits that does not always happen. Of nearly 7,600 licensed drivers, about two a year on average failed to declare a conviction that later led to revocation. PSNI sometimes notifies DVA on arrests where lawful. MLAs have questioned over-reliance on self-reporting for public safety.