This article is part of the “Career Advice” series.
If you’ve been convicted of a more serious driving offence and you’ve lost your licence then you may also have lost your job. Alternatively, your conviction could have been a few years ago and you’re just looking for a new career direction. Whatever your circumstances, having a driving offence conviction and being without a licence (even if you’ve since regained it) could have an impact on your future career choices and prospects.
The chances are that you’ve really learned your lesson after your conviction and you’re now a reformed character – you may actually have been squeaky-clean and just got caught in a perfect storm. However, that conviction isn’t going to disappear, especially if you’re applying for jobs that require an enhanced DBS check.
It can feel like a bit of a minefield, but you can get help and information on your legal and employment rights after you’ve been convicted or after you’ve lost your driving licence from people like motoringoffencelawyers.com
Most people have the same questions, though, so to start you off, here’s the most frequently-asked.
If I’m applying for a job, do I have to declare my conviction?
Unspent convictions – ones that are still “active” and haven’t been stepped down – must be declared, yes. Different convictions have different active periods, and you’ll be advised of the period when you receive your conviction. If you’re applying for a job in which you’ll be working with or be in close proximity to children or vulnerable adults then you’ll have an enhanced DBS check. This check lists all cautions and convictions, even spent ones; this doesn’t mean you’ll be turned down for the job, though, so don’t despair.
What if I refuse to have the DBS check?
You’re within your rights to refuse, but you won’t be able to take your job application any further. You have to give your consent for the check, though, no-one can ask for it without your express permission and in most instances, it’s only done when you’ve been offered the job. It’s probably best to tell the employer as soon as you.
I’ve been offered my dream job, but I’m worried about my conviction
There’s only one way round this issue and that’s to go through it with your head held high! Unfortunately, you may lose out on a job because of your conviction, especially if it’s one of the very serious driving offences, but you must keep on trying. If you are upfront and honest about your past and you can demonstrate how you’ve changed and developed since the incident then you’ll stand a better chance. Your conviction might seem like a huge barrier to progress, but it’s only a small part of who you are, so if you can show how much you have to offer employers, you will eventually find the right fit. Ultimately, you will not be the first person to “come back” from a criminal record and you certainly won’t be the last.
