Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in North Devon?
212 vehicles in 2026 against 212 in 2024: taxis 163 → 148, private hire 49 → 64; 2.09 per 1,000 residents; 1% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 163 | 148 | down 9% |
| Private hire vehicles | 49 | 64 | up 31% |
| Driver licences | 249 | 242 | down 3% |
| Operator licences | 23 | 25 | up 9% |
How does North Devon compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, North Devon ranks 15th of 26 for vehicles per head (2.09 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 21st for operators (25, median 58).[1]
| Measure | North Devon | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.09 | 2.3 | 15th of 26 |
| Operator licences | 25 | 58 | 21st of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 4 | 19th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 1% | 7% | 21st of 25 |
What does the North Devon market look like for an operator?
North Devon's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 70% taxis, 30% private hire of 212 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (64 across 25 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (242 for 212).
- 96% dual-licensed drivers, 10 PHV-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 9 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in North Devon differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in North Devon'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]
- No knowledge test for North Devon private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No English test for North Devon drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- North Devon operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: North Devon asks operators to record 9 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out time booking is made and date of pick-up and driver licence number.
- Policy last updated: 2023, by North Devon's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does North Devon grant?
10 new, 6 renewed; 25 in force (23 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in North Devon?
25 at 1 April 2026, 23 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] North Devon Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
