Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Plymouth?
1,353 vehicles in 2026 against 961 in 2024: taxis 228 → 185, private hire 733 → 1,168; 4.97 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 228 | 185 | down 19% |
| Private hire vehicles | 733 | 1,168 | up 59% |
| Driver licences | 967 | 1,326 | up 37% |
| Operator licences | 51 | 42 | down 18% |
How does Plymouth compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, Plymouth ranks 3rd of 26 for vehicles per head (4.97 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 16th for operators (42, median 58).[1]
| Measure | Plymouth | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.97 | 2.3 | 3rd of 26 |
| Operator licences | 42 | 58 | 16th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 28 | 4 | 1st of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 7% | 3rd of 25 |
What does the Plymouth market look like for an operator?
Plymouth's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 14% taxis, 86% private hire of 1,353 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 28 PHVs per operator on average (1,168 across 42 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (1,326 for 1,353).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 1,102 PHV-only, 179 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 Plymouth differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Plymouth's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- No knowledge test for Plymouth private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Plymouth operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Plymouth 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 Plymouth's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Plymouth grant?
9 new, 16 renewed; 42 in force (51 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Plymouth?
42 at 1 April 2026, 51 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] Plymouth City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
