Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Isle of Wight?
239 vehicles in 2026 against 238 in 2024: taxis 175 → 169, private hire 63 → 70; 1.69 per 1,000 residents; 28% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 175 | 169 | down 3% |
| Private hire vehicles | 63 | 70 | up 11% |
| Driver licences | 290 | 270 | down 7% |
| Operator licences | 31 | 34 | up 10% |
How does Isle of Wight compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Isle of Wight ranks 45th of 64 for vehicles per head (1.69 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 49th for operators (34, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Isle of Wight | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.69 | 2.23 | 45th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 34 | 51 | 49th of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 47th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 28% | 14% | 22nd of 64 |
What does the Isle of Wight market look like for an operator?
Isle of Wight's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 71% taxis, 29% private hire of 239 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (70 across 34 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (270 for 239).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Isle of Wight differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Isle of Wight's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- No English test for Isle of Wight drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Isle of Wight private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Isle of Wight's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Isle of Wight grant?
4 new, 0 renewed; 34 in force (31 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Isle of Wight?
34 at 1 April 2026, 31 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] Isle of Wight Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
