Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Buckinghamshire?
2,450 vehicles in 2026 against 2,401 in 2024: taxis 325 → 324, private hire 2,076 → 2,126; 4.23 per 1,000 residents; 32% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 325 | 324 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 2,076 | 2,126 | up 2% |
| Driver licences | 3,252 | 3,479 | up 7% |
| Operator licences | 212 | 223 | up 5% |
How does Buckinghamshire compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Buckinghamshire ranks 16th of 64 for vehicles per head (4.23 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 2nd for operators (223, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Buckinghamshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.23 | 2.23 | 16th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 223 | 51 | 2nd of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 10 | 4 | 8th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 32% | 14% | 21st of 64 |
What does the Buckinghamshire market look like for an operator?
Buckinghamshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 13% taxis, 87% private hire of 2,450 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 10 PHVs per operator on average (2,126 across 223 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (3,479 for 2,450): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 25% dual-licensed drivers, 2,521 PHV-only, 92 taxi-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 Buckinghamshire differ from other councils?
1 departure from the usual rules in Buckinghamshire'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]
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Buckinghamshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Buckinghamshire grant?
72 new, 18 renewed; 223 in force (212 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Buckinghamshire?
From Buckinghamshire 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 |
|---|---|
| Driver licence (private hire, hackney or dual), 3 years, new or renewal | £401 |
| Extension of licence (visa) | £87 |
| Hackney carriage vehicle licence, 1 year: new / renewal | £319 / £275 |
| Private hire vehicle licence, 1 year: new / renewal | £312 / £271 |
| Private hire executive vehicle licence: new / renewal | £299 / £258 |
| Vehicle transfer / change of owner | £109 |
| Temporary change of vehicle (insurance vehicle) | £87 |
Buckinghamshire Council: Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Buckinghamshire driver licence?
Driver licence (private hire, hackney or dual), 3 years, new or renewal: £401, according to Buckinghamshire Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Buckinghamshire?
223 at 1 April 2026, 212 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] Buckinghamshire Council: Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
