Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Wiltshire?
806 vehicles in 2026 against 849 in 2024: taxis 545 → 438, private hire 304 → 368; 1.54 per 1,000 residents; 4% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 545 | 438 | down 20% |
| Private hire vehicles | 304 | 368 | up 21% |
| Driver licences | 889 | 761 | down 14% |
| Operator licences | 102 | 129 | up 26% |
How does Wiltshire compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, Wiltshire ranks 21st of 26 for vehicles per head (1.54 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 6th for operators (129, median 58).[1]
| Measure | Wiltshire | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.54 | 2.3 | 21st of 26 |
| Operator licences | 129 | 58 | 6th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 4 | 16th of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 4% | 7% | 16th of 25 |
What does the Wiltshire market look like for an operator?
Wiltshire's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 54% taxis, 46% private hire of 806 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (368 across 129 licences).
- 0.9 drivers per vehicle (761 for 806).
- 80% dual-licensed drivers, 155 PHV-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 Wiltshire differ from other councils?
8 departures from the usual rules in Wiltshire's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No knowledge test for Wiltshire private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- DBS Update Service optional for Wiltshire drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No disability awareness course for Wiltshire private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Wiltshire operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Wiltshire operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for Wiltshire taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- No age or emission limit for Wiltshire private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Wiltshire's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Wiltshire grant?
15 new, 27 renewed; 129 in force (102 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Wiltshire?
129 at 1 April 2026, 102 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] Wiltshire Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
