Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Breckland?
276 vehicles in 2026 against 207 in 2024: taxis 124 → 122, private hire 83 → 154; 1.88 per 1,000 residents; 3% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 124 | 122 | down 2% |
| Private hire vehicles | 83 | 154 | up 86% |
| Driver licences | 223 | 290 | up 30% |
| Operator licences | 36 | 42 | up 17% |
How does Breckland compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Breckland ranks 31st of 45 for vehicles per head (1.88 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 21st for operators (42, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Breckland | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.88 | 2.48 | 31st of 45 |
| Operator licences | 42 | 40 | 21st of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 5 | 27th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 3% | 21% | 36th of 44 |
What does the Breckland market look like for an operator?
Breckland's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 44% taxis, 56% private hire of 276 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (154 across 42 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (290 for 276).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Breckland differ from other councils?
9 departures from the usual rules in Breckland's DfT return.[1]
- Breckland taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for Breckland private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No English test for Breckland drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- DBS Update Service optional for Breckland drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No disability awareness course for Breckland private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for Breckland taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Breckland private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Fewer booking details required: Breckland asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out date of pick-up and driver licence number.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by Breckland's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Breckland grant?
5 new, 4 renewed; 42 in force (36 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Breckland?
42 at 1 April 2026, 36 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] Breckland Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
