Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Stoke-on-Trent?
2,082 vehicles in 2026 against 1,585 in 2024: taxis 160 → 140, private hire 1,425 → 1,942; 7.7 per 1,000 residents; 47% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 160 | 140 | down 12% |
| Private hire vehicles | 1,425 | 1,942 | up 36% |
| Driver licences | 1,886 | 2,572 | up 36% |
| Operator licences | 159 | 182 | up 14% |
How does Stoke-on-Trent compare with other councils in the West Midlands?
Among councils in the West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent ranks 3rd of 30 for vehicles per head (7.7 per 1,000, median 1.96). It ranks 2nd for operators (182, median 46).[1]
| Measure | Stoke-on-Trent | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 7.7 | 1.96 | 3rd of 30 |
| Operator licences | 182 | 46 | 2nd of 30 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 11 | 5 | 7th of 30 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 47% | 79% | 19th of 30 |
What does the Stoke-on-Trent market look like for an operator?
Stoke-on-Trent's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 7% taxis, 93% private hire of 2,082 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 11 PHVs per operator on average (1,942 across 182 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (2,572 for 2,082).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Stoke-on-Trent differ from other councils?
6 departures from the usual rules in Stoke-on-Trent's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Stoke-on-Trent taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for Stoke-on-Trent private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No good-character certificate from Stoke-on-Trent applicants who lived abroad; about 84% of councils require one.
- Stoke-on-Trent operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Stoke-on-Trent asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out driver licence number.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Stoke-on-Trent's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Stoke-on-Trent grant?
19 new, 32 renewed; 182 in force (159 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Stoke-on-Trent?
182 at 1 April 2026, 159 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] Stoke-on-Trent City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
