Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Denbighshire?
273 vehicles in 2026 against 269 in 2024: taxis 221 → 214, private hire 48 → 59; 2.78 per 1,000 residents; 3% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 221 | 214 | down 3% |
| Private hire vehicles | 48 | 59 | up 23% |
| Driver licences | 299 | 314 | up 5% |
| Operator licences | 12 | 14 | up 17% |
How does Denbighshire compare with other councils in Wales?
Among councils in Wales, Denbighshire ranks 11th of 22 for vehicles per head (2.78 per 1,000, median 2.78). It ranks 21st for operators (14, median 32).[1]
| Measure | Denbighshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.78 | 2.78 | 11th of 22 |
| Operator licences | 14 | 32 | 21st of 22 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 5 | 12th of 22 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 3% | 8% | 16th of 22 |
What does the Denbighshire market look like for an operator?
Denbighshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 78% taxis, 22% private hire of 273 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (59 across 14 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (314 for 273).
- 96% dual-licensed drivers, 13 PHV-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Denbighshire differ from other councils?
7 departures from the usual rules in Denbighshire's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No English test for Denbighshire drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- DBS Update Service optional for Denbighshire drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No disability awareness course for Denbighshire private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Denbighshire operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Denbighshire operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Denbighshire asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Denbighshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Denbighshire grant?
2 new, 0 renewed; 14 in force (12 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Denbighshire?
From Denbighshire County 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 |
|---|---|
| Taxi driver licence, new or renewal, 3 years (not including DBS) | £270.00 |
| Taxi driver licence: new 1 year / renewal 1 year | £250.00 / £170.00 |
| Knowledge test resit | £40.00 |
| Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle, 1 year (new or renewal) | £200.00 |
| Private hire operator licence, 5 years, up to 10 vehicles | £420.00 |
| Transfer of a vehicle licence to a new holder | £60.00 |
Denbighshire County Council: Taxi driver, vehicle and operator fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Denbighshire driver licence?
Taxi driver licence, new or renewal, 3 years (not including DBS): £270.00, according to Denbighshire County Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Denbighshire?
14 at 1 April 2026, 12 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] Denbighshire County Council: Taxi driver, vehicle and operator fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
