Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Sheffield?
2,635 vehicles in 2026 against 0 in 2024: taxis n/a → 441, private hire n/a → 2,194; 4.52 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | n/a | 441 | n/a |
| Private hire vehicles | n/a | 2,194 | n/a |
| Driver licences | n/a | 2,927 | n/a |
| Operator licences | n/a | 97 | n/a |
How does Sheffield compare with other councils in Yorkshire and the Humber?
Among councils in Yorkshire and the Humber, Sheffield ranks 7th of 15 for vehicles per head (4.52 per 1,000, median 3.7). It ranks 7th for operators (97, median 86).[1]
| Measure | Sheffield | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.52 | 3.7 | 7th of 15 |
| Operator licences | 97 | 86 | 7th of 15 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 23 | 10 | 4th of 15 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 25% | 3rd of 15 |
What does the Sheffield market look like for an operator?
Sheffield's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 17% taxis, 83% private hire of 2,635 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 23 PHVs per operator on average (2,194 across 97 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (2,927 for 2,635).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Sheffield differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Sheffield's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- Two tests for Sheffield taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for Sheffield private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by Sheffield's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Sheffield grant?
13 new, 9 renewed; 97 in force (n/a in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Sheffield?
From Sheffield City 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 |
|---|---|
| Taxi driver licence, new or renewal: 1 / 2 / 3 years | £223 / £245 / £268 |
| Knowledge test / driving test / DBS | £87 / £75 / £41 |
| Private hire or hackney carriage vehicle licence, new or renewal | £212 |
| Compliance test: private hire / hackney carriage | £54 / £59 |
| Operator licence, 1 year: 1-10 / 11-50 vehicles | £531 / £664 |
| Operator licence, 1 year: 51-100 / 101-250 vehicles | £1,993 / £4,650 |
| Operator licence, 3 years: 1-10 / 11-50 vehicles | £1,521 / £1,900 |
Sheffield City Council: Taxi fees and charges, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Sheffield driver licence?
Taxi driver licence, new or renewal: 1 / 2 / 3 years: £223 / £245 / £268, according to Sheffield City Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Sheffield?
97 at 1 April 2026, n/a 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] Sheffield City Council: Taxi fees and charges (read 8 Nov 2026)
