Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?
787 vehicles in 2026 against 893 in 2024: taxis 434 → 420, private hire 459 → 367; 1.92 per 1,000 residents; 13% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 434 | 420 | down 3% |
| Private hire vehicles | 459 | 367 | down 20% |
| Driver licences | 1,207 | 1,071 | down 11% |
| Operator licences | 94 | 91 | down 3% |
How does Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole ranks 17th of 26 for vehicles per head (1.92 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 8th for operators (91, median 58).[1]
| Measure | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.92 | 2.3 | 17th of 26 |
| Operator licences | 91 | 58 | 8th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 4 | 13th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 13% | 7% | 10th of 25 |
What does the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole market look like for an operator?
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 53% taxis, 47% private hire of 787 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (367 across 91 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (1,071 for 787): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 67% dual-licensed drivers, 351 PHV-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Two tests for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole grant?
12 new, 12 renewed; 91 in force (94 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?
From Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 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 |
|---|---|
| New drivers application, including first knowledge test | £200 |
| Knowledge test resit | £80 |
| Driver licence issue or reissue: 1 year / 3 years | £230 / £380 |
| New or replacement vehicle application: private hire / hackney carriage | £145 / £195 |
| Vehicle licence, 1 year: private hire / hackney carriage | £200 / £205 |
| Transfer of vehicle licence | £120 |
| Private hire livery exemption | £50 |
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council: Taxi and private hire fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole driver licence?
New drivers application, including first knowledge test: £200, according to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?
91 at 1 April 2026, 94 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] Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council: Taxi and private hire fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
