Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Wrexham?
498 vehicles in 2026 against 402 in 2024: taxis 19 → 19, private hire 383 → 479; 3.6 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 19 | 19 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 383 | 479 | up 25% |
| Driver licences | 507 | 515 | up 2% |
| Operator licences | 46 | 41 | down 11% |
How does Wrexham compare with other councils in Wales?
Among councils in Wales, Wrexham ranks 5th of 22 for vehicles per head (3.6 per 1,000, median 2.78). It ranks 9th for operators (41, median 32).[1]
| Measure | Wrexham | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.6 | 2.78 | 5th of 22 |
| Operator licences | 41 | 32 | 9th of 22 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 12 | 5 | 3rd of 22 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 8% | 2nd of 22 |
What does the Wrexham market look like for an operator?
Wrexham's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 4% taxis, 96% private hire of 498 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 12 PHVs per operator on average (479 across 41 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (515 for 498).
- 0% dual-licensed drivers, 481 PHV-only, 9 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Wrexham differ from other councils?
7 departures from the usual rules in Wrexham's DfT return.[1]
- No English test for Wrexham drivers, as in about 1 in 5 councils.
- DBS Update Service optional for Wrexham drivers; about 86% of councils make it compulsory.
- No disability awareness course for Wrexham private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Wrexham operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Wrexham operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- No age or emission limit for Wrexham private hire vehicles, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Fewer booking details required: Wrexham asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of dispatchers.
How many operator licences does Wrexham grant?
9 new, 32 renewed; 41 in force (46 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Wrexham?
From Wrexham 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, 3 years: new / renewal | £355 / £325 |
| Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle: new / renewal | £315 / £300 |
| Wheelchair-accessible private hire suitability assessment | £90 |
| Transfer of ownership | £50 |
| Operator, 1-9 vehicles, 5 years: new / renewal | £725 / £705 |
| Operator, 10+ vehicles, 5 years: new / renewal | £2,030 / £2,010 |
Wrexham County Borough Council: Private hire and hackney carriage licence, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Wrexham driver licence?
Driver licence, 3 years: new / renewal: £355 / £325, according to Wrexham County Borough Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Wrexham?
41 at 1 April 2026, 46 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] Wrexham County Borough Council: Private hire and hackney carriage licence (read 8 Nov 2026)
