Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Doncaster?
1,040 vehicles in 2026 against 839 in 2024: taxis 183 → 152, private hire 656 → 888; 3.25 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 183 | 152 | down 17% |
| Private hire vehicles | 656 | 888 | up 35% |
| Driver licences | 1,079 | 1,279 | up 19% |
| Operator licences | 76 | 86 | up 13% |
How does Doncaster compare with other councils in Yorkshire and the Humber?
Among councils in Yorkshire and the Humber, Doncaster ranks 10th of 15 for vehicles per head (3.25 per 1,000, median 3.7). It ranks 8th for operators (86, median 86).[1]
| Measure | Doncaster | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.25 | 3.7 | 10th of 15 |
| Operator licences | 86 | 86 | 8th of 15 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 10 | 10 | 8th of 15 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 25% | 1st of 15 |
What does the Doncaster market look like for an operator?
Doncaster's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 15% taxis, 85% private hire of 1,040 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 10 PHVs per operator on average (888 across 86 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (1,279 for 1,040).
- 45% dual-licensed drivers, 708 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 Doncaster differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in Doncaster's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Two tests for Doncaster taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for Doncaster private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Doncaster taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Doncaster private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Doncaster's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Doncaster grant?
10 new, 12 renewed; 86 in force (76 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Doncaster?
86 at 1 April 2026, 76 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] Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
