Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Charnwood?
181 vehicles in 2026 against 196 in 2024: taxis 141 → 133, private hire 55 → 48; 0.96 per 1,000 residents; 2% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 141 | 133 | down 6% |
| Private hire vehicles | 55 | 48 | down 13% |
| Driver licences | 217 | 186 | down 14% |
| Operator licences | 24 | 21 | down 12% |
How does Charnwood compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, Charnwood ranks 28th of 35 for vehicles per head (0.96 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 24th for operators (21, median 27).[1]
| Measure | Charnwood | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 0.96 | 1.94 | 28th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 21 | 27 | 24th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 28th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 2% | 10% | 23rd of 33 |
What does the Charnwood market look like for an operator?
Charnwood's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 73% taxis, 27% private hire of 181 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (48 across 21 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (186 for 181).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Charnwood differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Charnwood's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- No disability awareness course for Charnwood private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Charnwood's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Charnwood grant?
1 new, 11 renewed; 21 in force (24 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Charnwood?
From Charnwood 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 |
|---|---|
| Combined driver's licence, 3 years: grant / renewal | £285.00 / £259.00 |
| Knowledge test | £73.00 |
| Vehicle licence grant, 1 year (all plates, brackets and livery) | £280.00 |
| Vehicle licence renewal, 1 year (no front plate or brackets) | £219.00 |
| Transfer of vehicle plate (with new licence document) | £62.00 |
| Operator licence: 1-3 / 4-9 / 10+ vehicles | £810.00 / £940.00 / £1,090.00 |
Charnwood Borough Council: Hackney carriage and private hire fees and charges, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Charnwood driver licence?
Combined driver's licence, 3 years: grant / renewal: £285.00 / £259.00, according to Charnwood Borough Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Charnwood?
21 at 1 April 2026, 24 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] Charnwood Borough Council: Hackney carriage and private hire fees and charges (read 8 Nov 2026)
