NR3 - Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find a number of frequently asked questions in relation to NR3.

Why has the register been set up?

NR3 has been developed to improve public safety and confidence in Hackney Carriage (HC) and Private Hire (PH) also known as Combined Driver’s (CD) licensing.

There have been numerous high profile cases where drivers who have been refused licences or had a licence revoked in one area have gone to another area and received a licence in that area by failing to disclose their previous history.

This undermines public safety, if there are legitimate reasons why alicence was refused or revoked, and damages confidence in the licensing regime and trade. This is why the initiative has been widely supported by reputable drivers and firms, as it will provide a mechanism for ensuring information about refusals and revocations can be shared between all licensing authorities in a safe and secure way, removing this potential loophole.

How will the register work – what information will be recorded?

When an authority revokes a licence, or refuses an application for one, it will record this information on NR3. The information recorded will be limited to:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Address and contact details
• National Insurance number
• Driving Licence number
• Decision taken
• Date of decision
• Date decision is effective from

Licensing authorities will search the register when they are processing new applications or renewals. Where an authority finds a match for their applicant on NR3, it will contact the licensing authority that recorded the entry to seek more information, which, if shared, will then be used to help reach a decision on the application.

Will I automatically be refused a licence if I am on the register?

No - Licensing authorities are legally required to consider each licence application on its own merits and cannot refuse an application simply because an applicant may be recorded on NR3.

The purpose of NR3 is to ensure that authorities have the full information necessary to help them reach a decision on whether an individual is fit and proper. If circumstances have materially changed since the decision that has been recorded on NR3, it may be appropriate for another authority to award a licence.

What if my licence is suspended?

Suspensions of licences will not be recorded on NR3. This is because suspension should be used as either a short-term punishment or to overcome a short-term situation (e.g. driving or medical issues). Where a driver is no longer considered to be a fit and proper person to hold a licence, the licence should be revoked.

Can I find out if my details are on the NR3?

Individuals whose details are added to NR3 will be notified of this at the point at which they are advised of the decision to refuse or revoke a licence.

If you wish to raise any issue related to the data protection legislation, including by relying on any of the rights afforded to data subjects under the GDPR, you can do so to the authority’s Data Protection Officer at Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE112TR. 

You always have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

How long will details be held on NR3 for?

Data will be retained on the register for 25 years to help licensing authorities fulfil their statutory duty to be satisfied that a person is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

These duties are set out under sections 51, 59 and 61 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976; sections 13, 16 and 17 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998; section 3 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London PHV Driver's Licences) Regulations 2003; sections 25 and 30 of the London Cab Order 1934; sections 9 and 19 of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975 and section 46 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.