Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in East Devon?
170 vehicles in 2026 against 173 in 2024: taxis 132 → 127, private hire 41 → 43; 1.07 per 1,000 residents; 0% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 132 | 127 | down 4% |
| Private hire vehicles | 41 | 43 | up 5% |
| Driver licences | 183 | 200 | up 9% |
| Operator licences | 27 | 31 | up 15% |
How does East Devon compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, East Devon ranks 25th of 26 for vehicles per head (1.07 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 20th for operators (31, median 58).[1]
| Measure | East Devon | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.07 | 2.3 | 25th of 26 |
| Operator licences | 31 | 58 | 20th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 1 | 4 | 25th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 0% | 7% | 23rd of 25 |
What does the East Devon market look like for an operator?
East Devon's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 75% taxis, 25% private hire of 170 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 1 PHV per operator on average (43 across 31 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (200 for 170).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 56 PHV-only, 135 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 East Devon differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in East Devon's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Fewer booking details required: East Devon asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out time booking is made and date booking is made.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by East Devon's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does East Devon grant?
4 new, 13 renewed; 31 in force (27 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in East Devon?
31 at 1 April 2026, 27 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] East Devon District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
