Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Blackpool?
789 vehicles in 2026 against 636 in 2024: taxis 252 → 252, private hire 384 → 537; 5.47 per 1,000 residents; 32% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 252 | 252 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 384 | 537 | up 40% |
| Driver licences | 957 | 1,029 | up 8% |
| Operator licences | 22 | 37 | up 68% |
How does Blackpool compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Blackpool ranks 9th of 35 for vehicles per head (5.47 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 23rd for operators (37, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Blackpool | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 5.47 | 3.73 | 9th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 37 | 45 | 23rd of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 15 | 9 | 12th of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 32% | 32% | 18th of 35 |
What does the Blackpool market look like for an operator?
Blackpool's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 32% taxis, 68% private hire of 789 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 15 PHVs per operator on average (537 across 37 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (1,029 for 789): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 518 PHV-only, 294 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 7 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Blackpool differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in Blackpool's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- Taxi numbers capped: Blackpool limits hackney carriage licences (252 in April 2026); about 1 in 4 councils do.
- No English test for Blackpool drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Blackpool operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Blackpool operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Blackpool's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Blackpool grant?
14 new, 16 renewed; 37 in force (22 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Blackpool?
From Blackpool Borough Council's own fee page, read 08/11/2026. Fees are reviewed each year, usually from April, so check the page before you apply.[3]
| Licence or charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| Hackney carriage / private hire driver licence, new: 1 year / 3 years | £75 / £195 |
| Driver licence renewal: 1 year / 3 years | £65 / £175 |
| Knowledge test (first attempt included in the new driver fee) | £25 |
| DBS check | £50 |
| Vehicle proprietor licence, 1 year (new or renewal) | £130 |
| Vehicle inspection (pit test at Layton Depot) | £60 |
| Private hire operator, 1-10 vehicles: 1 year / 3 years | £180 / £485 |
| Private hire operator, 11+ vehicles: 1 year / 3 years | £317 / £900 |
Blackpool Council: Schedule of fees, hackney carriage and private hire, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Blackpool driver licence?
Hackney carriage / private hire driver licence, new: 1 year / 3 years: £75 / £195, according to Blackpool Borough Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Blackpool?
37 at 1 April 2026, 22 at 1 April 2024 (DfT).
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] DfT taxi and private hire vehicle statistics 2026, tables TAXI0104-TAXI0112 (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] GOV.UK: Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [3] Blackpool Council: Schedule of fees, hackney carriage and private hire (read 8 Nov 2026)
