Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Newport?
1,665 vehicles in 2026 against 1,495 in 2024: taxis 83 → 78, private hire 1,412 → 1,587; 9.92 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 83 | 78 | down 6% |
| Private hire vehicles | 1,412 | 1,587 | up 12% |
| Driver licences | 1,613 | 1,827 | up 13% |
| Operator licences | 52 | 63 | up 21% |
How does Newport compare with other councils in Wales?
Among councils in Wales, Newport ranks 1st of 22 for vehicles per head (9.92 per 1,000, median 2.78). It ranks 3rd for operators (63, median 32).[1]
| Measure | Newport | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 9.92 | 2.78 | 1st of 22 |
| Operator licences | 63 | 32 | 3rd of 22 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 25 | 5 | 1st of 22 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 8% | 3rd of 22 |
What does the Newport market look like for an operator?
Newport's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 5% taxis, 95% private hire of 1,665 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 25 PHVs per operator on average (1,587 across 63 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (1,827 for 1,665).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 1,653 PHV-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Newport differ from other councils?
6 departures from the usual rules in Newport's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No knowledge test for Newport private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No English test for Newport drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- DBS Update Service optional for Newport drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No convictions policy required of Newport operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Newport asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Newport's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Newport grant?
11 new, 52 renewed, 3 refused, 2 suspended, 1 revoked; 63 in force (52 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Newport?
From Newport City Council's own fee page, read 08/11/2026. Fees are reviewed each year, usually from April, so check the page before you apply.[3]
| Licence or charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| Driver licence, three years: new / renewal | £279 / £228 |
| Knowledge test (hackney carriage or private hire) | £75 each test |
| DBS check | £50 |
| Vehicle, 12 months: under 5 years / over 5 years | £166 / £208 |
| Change of vehicle / transfer plate | £57 / £28 |
| Operator licence: 1-9 / 10-19 vehicles | £700 / £1,500 |
| Operator licence: 20-35 / 36+ vehicles | £2,000 / £2,500 |
Newport City Council: Taxi and private hire licence fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Newport driver licence?
Driver licence, three years: new / renewal: £279 / £228, according to Newport City Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Newport?
63 at 1 April 2026, 52 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] Newport City Council: Taxi and private hire licence fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
