Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Dartford?
128 vehicles in 2026 against 120 in 2024: taxis 53 → 44, private hire 67 → 84; 1.02 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 53 | 44 | down 17% |
| Private hire vehicles | 67 | 84 | up 25% |
| Driver licences | 146 | 148 | up 1% |
| Operator licences | 25 | 36 | up 44% |
How does Dartford compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Dartford ranks 61st of 64 for vehicles per head (1.02 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 47th for operators (36, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Dartford | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.02 | 2.23 | 61st of 64 |
| Operator licences | 36 | 51 | 47th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 53rd of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 14% | 6th of 64 |
What does the Dartford market look like for an operator?
Dartford's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 34% taxis, 66% private hire of 128 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (84 across 36 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (148 for 128).
- 25% dual-licensed drivers, 79 PHV-only, 32 taxi-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 Dartford differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Dartford'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]
- Dartford operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Dartford asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Dartford's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Dartford grant?
7 new, 4 renewed; 36 in force (25 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Dartford?
From Dartford 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 |
|---|---|
| Dual driver licence, initial: 1 year / 3 years | £155 / £240 (+ £10 deposit) |
| Dual driver licence renewal: 1 year / 3 years | £105 / £185 |
| Private hire driver licence, initial: 1 year / 3 years | £110 / £170 (+ £10 deposit) |
| Hackney carriage vehicle, 1 year: initial / renewal | £320 (+ £20 deposit) / £270 |
| Private hire vehicle, 1 year: initial / renewal | £280 (+ £20 deposit) / £250 |
| Private hire operator: 1 year / 5 years | £310 / £1,060 |
| Knowledge test: hackney carriage (2 parts) / private hire (1 part) | £134 / £67 |
| English proficiency test / driver training day | £40 / £35 |
Dartford Borough Council: Vehicle licensing fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Dartford driver licence?
Dual driver licence, initial: 1 year / 3 years: £155 / £240 (+ £10 deposit), according to Dartford Borough Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Dartford?
36 at 1 April 2026, 25 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] Dartford Borough Council: Vehicle licensing fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
