Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Bracknell Forest?
137 vehicles in 2026 against 138 in 2024: taxis 49 → 43, private hire 89 → 94; 1.05 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 49 | 43 | down 12% |
| Private hire vehicles | 89 | 94 | up 6% |
| Driver licences | 180 | 158 | down 12% |
| Operator licences | 39 | 40 | up 3% |
How does Bracknell Forest compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Bracknell Forest ranks 60th of 64 for vehicles per head (1.05 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 43rd for operators (40, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Bracknell Forest | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.05 | 2.23 | 60th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 40 | 51 | 43rd of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 46th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 14% | 1st of 64 |
What does the Bracknell Forest market look like for an operator?
Bracknell Forest's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 31% taxis, 69% private hire of 137 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (94 across 40 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (158 for 137).
- 47% dual-licensed drivers, 83 PHV-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Bracknell Forest differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in Bracknell Forest'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 Bracknell Forest taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for Bracknell Forest private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No convictions policy required of Bracknell Forest operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Bracknell Forest asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Bracknell Forest's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Bracknell Forest grant?
5 new, 0 renewed, 1 revoked; 40 in force (39 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Bracknell Forest?
40 at 1 April 2026, 39 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] Bracknell Forest Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
