New rules will mean taxi and private hire drivers who lose their local authority licence will not be able to apply in another area without their history being disclosed.
Councils in England will have to use a national database to record instances where drivers have had their licences removed for misconduct.
The Government says the new law will prevent them from reapplying for a licence in other areas by alerting the system to concerns about their previous behaviour.
Three out of four councils already use the national database voluntarily but it will become mandatory this week.
It records all instances where taxi and private hire vehicle driver licences have been suspended or revoked.
It also notes when applications have been refused on safeguarding or road safety grounds.
Transport secretary Mark Harper said: ‘The safety of passengers, especially women and girls, is paramount.
‘That’s why I’m bringing in tough new measures to ensure that when you catch a cab, you can be confident your driver will take you from A to B safely and without incident.
‘While the vast majority of drivers are hardworking and honest, we’re taking steps to remove the few who abuse their position and pose a risk to passengers.’
