Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in West Suffolk?
579 vehicles in 2026 against 593 in 2024: taxis 250 → 242, private hire 343 → 337; 3.07 per 1,000 residents; 8% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 250 | 242 | down 3% |
| Private hire vehicles | 343 | 337 | down 2% |
| Driver licences | 635 | 623 | down 2% |
| Operator licences | 76 | 74 | down 3% |
How does West Suffolk compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, West Suffolk ranks 16th of 45 for vehicles per head (3.07 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 9th for operators (74, median 40).[1]
| Measure | West Suffolk | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.07 | 2.48 | 16th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 74 | 40 | 9th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 5 | 25th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 8% | 21% | 27th of 44 |
What does the West Suffolk market look like for an operator?
West Suffolk's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 42% taxis, 58% private hire of 579 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (337 across 74 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (623 for 579).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in West Suffolk differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in West Suffolk's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- West Suffolk taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for West Suffolk private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2022, by West Suffolk's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does West Suffolk grant?
13 new, 22 renewed; 74 in force (76 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in West Suffolk?
From West Suffolk 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 |
|---|---|
| Combined driver's licence: 1 year / 3 years | £174 / £308 |
| Hackney carriage vehicle licence | £209 |
| Private hire vehicle licence | £188 |
| Private hire operator licence: 1 year / 5 years | £134 / £539 |
| Temporary or replacement vehicle | £70 |
| Replacement driver badge | £20 |
West Suffolk Council: Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a West Suffolk driver licence?
Combined driver's licence: 1 year / 3 years: £174 / £308, according to West Suffolk District Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in West Suffolk?
74 at 1 April 2026, 76 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] West Suffolk Council: Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
