Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Northumberland?
809 vehicles in 2026 against 907 in 2024: taxis 295 → 257, private hire 612 → 552; 2.44 per 1,000 residents; 14% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 295 | 257 | down 13% |
| Private hire vehicles | 612 | 552 | down 10% |
| Driver licences | 1,560 | 1,100 | down 29% |
| Operator licences | 97 | 106 | up 9% |
How does Northumberland compare with other councils in the North East?
Among councils in the North East, Northumberland ranks 8th of 12 for vehicles per head (2.44 per 1,000, median 2.65). It ranks 2nd for operators (106, median 30).[1]
| Measure | Northumberland | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.44 | 2.65 | 8th of 12 |
| Operator licences | 106 | 30 | 2nd of 12 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 16 | 11th of 12 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 14% | 13% | 6th of 12 |
What does the Northumberland market look like for an operator?
Northumberland's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 32% taxis, 68% private hire of 809 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (552 across 106 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (1,100 for 809): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 478 PHV-only, 120 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Northumberland differ from other councils?
9 departures from the usual rules in Northumberland's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Two tests for Northumberland taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- No knowledge test for Northumberland private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No English test for Northumberland drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- DBS Update Service optional for Northumberland drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No disability awareness course for Northumberland private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Northumberland operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Northumberland operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Northumberland asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of booker and name of dispatchers.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Northumberland's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Northumberland grant?
17 new, 54 renewed; 106 in force (97 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Northumberland?
From Northumberland County 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 including badge: 1 / 2 / 3 years | £85 / £122 / £159 |
| Driver knowledge test (initial or re-sit) | £23 |
| Child and adult sexual exploitation course | £10 |
| DBS application fee + admin fee | £49.50 + £23 |
| Hackney carriage vehicle, annual (including door insignia and plate) | £241 |
| Private hire vehicle, annual (including door insignia and plate) | £241 |
| Vehicle transfer between licensees | £33 |
Northumberland County Council: Taxi and minicab licence, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Northumberland driver licence?
Driver licence including badge: 1 / 2 / 3 years: £85 / £122 / £159, according to Northumberland County Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Northumberland?
106 at 1 April 2026, 97 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] Northumberland County Council: Taxi and minicab licence (read 8 Nov 2026)
