This information provides a general description of the required screening criteria. TNCs should refer to Virginia Code § 46.2-2099.49 for a full description of the mandatory screening criteria.
Age and License Status
All TNC partners must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
Background Check
TNC partners will undergo a national criminal history records check, to be initiated by the TNC for which they drive. The background check must be performed initially and every two years thereafter, and is required to include:
- A Multi-State/Multi-Jurisdiction Criminal Records Database Search or a search of a similar nationwide database with validation (primary source search),
- A search of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry, and
- A search of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website.
A criminal record that includes a conviction, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere to any violent felony offense (as defined in Virginia Code § 17.1-805 (C) or a substantially similar law of another state) will disqualify the person from serving as a TNC partner. Additionally, anyone required to register as a sex offender will also be barred from operating as a TNC driver.
In addition to the criminal history records check, each TNC partner must also be subjected to a driving history research report. The record must be obtained from the partner’s state of licensure and must be obtained and reviewed prior to a TNC authorizing an individual to act as a TNC partner and at least once annually thereafter.
Driving Records
The following minimal standards must be used for a TNC partner’s driving record:
- A driving history research report that includes a conviction, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere to any of the following offenses in the preceding seven years will bar the individual from operating as a TNC driver:
- Underage drinking and driving,
- Driving under the influence (DUI),
- Operation of a motor vehicle after license revocation resulting from repeated DUI offenses
- In addition, a record of any of the following within the preceding three years will bar the individual from operating as a TNC driver:
- Three or more moving violations,
- Refusal to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of the person’s blood or breath,
- Reckless driving,
- Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, or
- Escaping or eluding a law enforcement officer.