Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Derby?
837 vehicles in 2026 against 850 in 2024: taxis 144 → 106, private hire 706 → 731; 3.05 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 144 | 106 | down 26% |
| Private hire vehicles | 706 | 731 | up 4% |
| Driver licences | 934 | 868 | down 7% |
| Operator licences | 156 | 155 | down 1% |
How does Derby compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, Derby ranks 11th of 35 for vehicles per head (3.05 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 1st for operators (155, median 27).[1]
| Measure | Derby | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.05 | 1.94 | 11th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 155 | 27 | 1st of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 4 | 13th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 10% | 1st of 33 |
What does the Derby market look like for an operator?
Derby's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 13% taxis, 87% private hire of 837 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (731 across 155 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (868 for 837).
- 29% dual-licensed drivers, 616 PHV-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 Derby differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Derby'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]
- Two tests for Derby taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No English test for Derby drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by Derby's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Derby grant?
23 new, 12 renewed; 155 in force (156 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Derby?
155 at 1 April 2026, 156 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] Derby City: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
