Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Sandwell?
1,107 vehicles in 2026 against 1,173 in 2024: taxis 59 → 48, private hire 1,114 → 1,059; 3.13 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 59 | 48 | down 19% |
| Private hire vehicles | 1,114 | 1,059 | down 5% |
| Driver licences | 1,314 | 1,267 | down 4% |
| Operator licences | 41 | 43 | up 5% |
How does Sandwell compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, Sandwell ranks 10th of 30 for vehicles per head (3.13 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 16th for operators (43, median 46).[1]
| Measure | Sandwell | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.13 | 1.96 | 10th of 30 |
| Operator licences | 43 | 46 | 16th of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 25 | 5 | 4th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 79% | 10th of 30 |
What does the Sandwell market look like for an operator?
Sandwell's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 4% taxis, 96% private hire of 1,107 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 25 PHVs per operator on average (1,059 across 43 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (1,267 for 1,107).
- 19% dual-licensed drivers, 1,023 PHV-only, 9 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 Sandwell differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in Sandwell's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Sandwell taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for Sandwell private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Sandwell taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Sandwell private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Sandwell's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Sandwell grant?
6 new, 20 renewed; 43 in force (41 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Sandwell?
From Sandwell Metropolitan Borough 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 knowledge test | £30.00 |
| DBS / DBS Update Service (paid to DBS) | £56.00 / £16.00 |
| Vehicle, brand new (current registration, under 1,000 miles) | £297.50 |
| Vehicle under 5 years: new / renewal | £298.50 / £270.50 |
| Vehicle over 5 years: new or renewal | £289.00 |
| Transfer to another owner / replacement vehicle | £50.00 / £49.00 |
| Plate deposit | £30.00 |
Sandwell Council: Taxi and private hire fees and charges, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Sandwell driver licence?
Driver knowledge test: £30.00, according to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Sandwell?
43 at 1 April 2026, 41 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] Sandwell Council: Taxi and private hire fees and charges (read 8 Nov 2026)
