Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Dover?
200 vehicles in 2026 against 214 in 2024: taxis 74 → 74, private hire 140 → 126; 1.67 per 1,000 residents; 8% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 74 | 74 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 140 | 126 | down 10% |
| Driver licences | 285 | 246 | down 14% |
| Operator licences | 49 | 34 | down 31% |
How does Dover compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Dover ranks 46th of 64 for vehicles per head (1.67 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 50th for operators (34, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Dover | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.67 | 2.23 | 46th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 34 | 51 | 50th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 4 | 29th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 8% | 14% | 43rd of 64 |
What does the Dover market look like for an operator?
Dover's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 37% taxis, 63% private hire of 200 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (126 across 34 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (246 for 200).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers, 1 PHV-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Dover differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Dover's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- Taxi numbers capped: Dover limits hackney carriage licences (74 in April 2026); about 1 in 4 councils do.
- DBS Update Service optional for Dover drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No convictions policy required of Dover operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Dover's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Dover grant?
9 new, 11 renewed; 34 in force (49 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Dover?
34 at 1 April 2026, 49 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] Dover District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
