Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Exeter?
488 vehicles in 2026 against 483 in 2024: taxis 84 → 98, private hire 399 → 390; 3.53 per 1,000 residents; 46% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 84 | 98 | up 17% |
| Private hire vehicles | 399 | 390 | down 2% |
| Driver licences | 525 | 442 | down 16% |
| Operator licences | 78 | 81 | up 4% |
How does Exeter compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, Exeter ranks 8th of 26 for vehicles per head (3.53 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 11th for operators (81, median 58).[1]
| Measure | Exeter | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.53 | 2.3 | 8th of 26 |
| Operator licences | 81 | 58 | 11th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 4 | 10th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 46% | 7% | 6th of 25 |
What does the Exeter market look like for an operator?
Exeter's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 20% taxis, 80% private hire of 488 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (390 across 81 licences).
- 0.9 drivers per vehicle (442 for 488).
- 76% dual-licensed drivers, 105 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 Exeter differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Exeter'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]
- CCTV required in Exeter taxis; about 9 in 10 councils only allow it.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Exeter's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Exeter grant?
6 new, 45 renewed, 1 refused; 81 in force (78 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Exeter?
81 at 1 April 2026, 78 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] Exeter City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
