Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Wokingham?
211 vehicles in 2026 against 182 in 2024: taxis 67 → 54, private hire 115 → 157; 1.13 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 67 | 54 | down 19% |
| Private hire vehicles | 115 | 157 | up 37% |
| Driver licences | 284 | 286 | up 1% |
| Operator licences | 37 | 43 | up 16% |
How does Wokingham compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Wokingham ranks 58th of 64 for vehicles per head (1.13 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 42nd for operators (43, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Wokingham | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.13 | 2.23 | 58th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 43 | 51 | 42nd of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 4 | 27th of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 14% | 3rd of 64 |
What does the Wokingham market look like for an operator?
Wokingham's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 26% taxis, 74% private hire of 211 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (157 across 43 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (286 for 211): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 48% dual-licensed drivers, 148 PHV-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Wokingham differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Wokingham's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis face both an age limit and an emission standard and private hire vehicles an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Wokingham operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Wokingham's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Wokingham grant?
23 new, 0 renewed; 43 in force (37 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Wokingham?
43 at 1 April 2026, 37 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] Wokingham Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
