Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Coventry?
731 vehicles in 2026 against 809 in 2024: taxis 475 → 397, private hire 334 → 334; 1.98 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 475 | 397 | down 16% |
| Private hire vehicles | 334 | 334 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Driver licences | 1,080 | n/a | n/a |
| Operator licences | 41 | 56 | up 37% |
How does Coventry compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, Coventry ranks 15th of 30 for vehicles per head (1.98 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 12th for operators (56, median 46).[1]
| Measure | Coventry | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.98 | 1.96 | 15th of 30 |
| Operator licences | 56 | 46 | 12th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 6 | 5 | 12th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 79% | 8th of 30 |
How does licensing in Coventry differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Coventry's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Coventry operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for Coventry taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Coventry private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Coventry's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Coventry grant?
9 new, 11 renewed; 56 in force (41 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Coventry?
56 at 1 April 2026, 41 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] Coventry City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
