Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in North Northamptonshire?
772 vehicles in 2026 against 818 in 2024: taxis 218 → 188, private hire 600 → 584; 2.06 per 1,000 residents; 78% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 218 | 188 | down 14% |
| Private hire vehicles | 600 | 584 | down 3% |
| Driver licences | 1,083 | 1,029 | down 5% |
| Operator licences | 100 | 121 | up 21% |
How does North Northamptonshire compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, North Northamptonshire ranks 15th of 35 for vehicles per head (2.06 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 4th for operators (121, median 27).[1]
| Measure | North Northamptonshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.06 | 1.94 | 15th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 121 | 27 | 4th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 4 | 14th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 78% | 10% | 8th of 33 |
What does the North Northamptonshire market look like for an operator?
North Northamptonshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 24% taxis, 76% private hire of 772 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (584 across 121 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (1,029 for 772): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 6% dual-licensed drivers, 711 PHV-only, 260 taxi-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 North Northamptonshire differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in North Northamptonshire'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]
- Two tests for North Northamptonshire taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No knowledge test for North Northamptonshire private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by North Northamptonshire's own account to the DfT.
How much does a taxi licence cost in North Northamptonshire?
From North Northamptonshire 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 |
|---|---|
| Hackney carriage vehicle licence, new or annual renewal | £262 |
| Private hire vehicle licence, new or annual renewal | £239 |
| Transfer of vehicle licence (new licence holder) | £41 |
| Replacement vehicle | £149 |
| Replacement plate | £49 |
| Replacement driver badge | £15 |
North Northamptonshire Council: Licensing fees and charges, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a North Northamptonshire driver licence?
Replacement driver badge: £15, according to North Northamptonshire Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in North Northamptonshire?
121 at 1 April 2026, 100 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 Northamptonshire Council: Licensing fees and charges (read 8 Nov 2026)
