Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in South Kesteven?
286 vehicles in 2026 against 350 in 2024: taxis 306 → 242, private hire 44 → 44; 1.94 per 1,000 residents; 0% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 306 | 242 | down 21% |
| Private hire vehicles | 44 | 44 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Driver licences | 355 | 369 | up 4% |
| Operator licences | 25 | 37 | up 48% |
How does South Kesteven compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, South Kesteven ranks 18th of 35 for vehicles per head (1.94 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 10th for operators (37, median 27).[1]
| Measure | South Kesteven | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.94 | 1.94 | 18th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 37 | 27 | 10th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 1 | 4 | 31st of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 0% | 10% | 32nd of 33 |
What does the South Kesteven market look like for an operator?
South Kesteven's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 85% taxis, 15% private hire of 286 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 1 PHV per operator on average (44 across 37 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (369 for 286): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 37% dual-licensed drivers, 44 PHV-only, 187 taxi-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in South Kesteven differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in South Kesteven's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- South Kesteven taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for South Kesteven private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No good-character certificate from South Kesteven applicants who lived abroad; about 84% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by South Kesteven's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does South Kesteven grant?
6 new, 6 renewed; 37 in force (25 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in South Kesteven?
From South Kesteven District 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's licence, three years | £220.00 |
| Driver's licence, annual (aged 65 or over and/or a medical condition) | £80.00 |
| Driver's badge replacement (sent by post) | £26.00 |
| Vehicle plate replacement | £67.50 |
South Kesteven District Council: Fees and charges, taxi and private hire vehicle licences, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a South Kesteven driver licence?
Driver's licence, three years: £220.00, according to South Kesteven District Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in South Kesteven?
37 at 1 April 2026, 25 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] South Kesteven District Council: Fees and charges, taxi and private hire vehicle licences (read 8 Nov 2026)
