Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Torfaen?
158 vehicles in 2026 against 156 in 2024: taxis 54 → 47, private hire 102 → 111; 1.68 per 1,000 residents; 19% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 54 | 47 | down 13% |
| Private hire vehicles | 102 | 111 | up 9% |
| Driver licences | 178 | 181 | up 2% |
| Operator licences | 17 | 17 | about the same as in 2024 |
How does Torfaen compare with other councils in Wales?
Among councils in Wales, Torfaen ranks 20th of 22 for vehicles per head (1.68 per 1,000, median 2.78). It ranks 20th for operators (17, median 32).[1]
| Measure | Torfaen | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.68 | 2.78 | 20th of 22 |
| Operator licences | 17 | 32 | 20th of 22 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 7 | 5 | 6th of 22 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 19% | 8% | 7th of 22 |
What does the Torfaen market look like for an operator?
Torfaen's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 30% taxis, 70% private hire of 158 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 7 PHVs per operator on average (111 across 17 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (181 for 158).
- 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 Torfaen differ from other councils?
5 departures from the usual rules in Torfaen's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Two tests for Torfaen taxi drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- Two tests for Torfaen private hire drivers, local knowledge and navigation, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- DBS Update Service optional for Torfaen drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No good-character certificate from Torfaen applicants who lived abroad; about 84% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Torfaen's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Torfaen grant?
4 new, 2 renewed; 17 in force (17 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Torfaen?
From Torfaen County 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 licence, new or renewal: 1 / 2 / 3 years | £376 / £384 / £398 |
| Vehicle, new application | £264 (£80 less for wheelchair-accessible vehicles) |
| Vehicle renewal: under 8 / over 8 years old | £228 / £283 (£70 less for wheelchair-accessible vehicles) |
| Replacement vehicle / transfer of vehicle licence | £140 / £75 |
| Replacement driver's badge | £28 |
Torfaen County Borough Council: Licence fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Torfaen driver licence?
Driver licence, new or renewal: 1 / 2 / 3 years: £376 / £384 / £398, according to Torfaen County Borough Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Torfaen?
17 at 1 April 2026, 17 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] Torfaen County Borough Council: Licence fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
