A major new industry report has been released, offering an in-depth look at the realities of life as a taxi and private hire driver in the UK. The 2024 National Taxi & Private Hire Driver Survey, conducted by TaxiPlus in partnership with TaxiPoint, presents key insights from over 1,400 drivers across the country.
With a focus on driver earnings, operating costs, vehicle preferences, app usage, safeguarding, and the future of the profession, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the UK’s taxi and private hire sector at a time of rapid transformation.
Key Findings from the Report
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Costs on the Rise – The report reveals that drivers face increasing financial pressures, with annual operating costs exceeding £10,000 for many. Insurance, fuel, and maintenance continue to eat into driver earnings, with some regions being hit harder than others.
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Safety Concerns at an All-Time High – Nearly 90% of drivers believe more should be done to safeguard them from aggressive or violent passengers, with a significant number experiencing verbal abuse, assaults, and unsafe working conditions.
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Technology is Reshaping the Trade – 81% of drivers use booking or ride-hailing apps, yet regional variations show that technology adoption isn’t universal. Many drivers still prefer traditional methods of sourcing work.
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Driver Satisfaction is Declining – More than 40% of drivers feel the profession is no longer worthwhile, with stress, income instability, and growing regulatory burdens cited as key reasons for dissatisfaction.
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Vehicle Trends Reflect Industry Changes – While the Toyota Prius remains the UK’s most popular taxi and private hire vehicle, regional variations in car choice reveal how geography and local licensing regulations shape industry trends.
A Profession in Transition
The findings of the 2024 National Taxi & Private Hire Driver Survey suggest an industry at a crossroads. The rising cost of living, regulatory concerns, and shifting passenger expectations are forcing many drivers to rethink their future in the trade.
Despite these challenges, the report highlights regional differences in driver optimism—with some areas showing higher resilience and job satisfaction than others. For instance, Northern Ireland was ranked as the worst place to be a driver based on financial pressures and negative passenger experiences, yet drivers in the region remained among the most optimistic about the profession.
Commenting on the release of the report, representatives from both TaxiPlus and TaxiPoint have shared their insights on what the findings mean for the industry.
James Parkinson, Marketing Executive at TaxiPlus, said:
“We’ve wanted to run a survey of this kind for some time. There’s loads of statistics floating around about the industry, but very few of them give a real picture of how drivers feel. Processing DBS Checks for tens of thousands of drivers every year, we knew we were in a strong position to be able to take the pulse of the industry.
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With input from nearly 1,500 drivers across the UK, for the first time, we’ve been able to capture a comprehensive snapshot of how drivers are feeling about the state of the industry and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
Perry Richardson, TaxiPoint Editor, added:
“The taxi and private hire vehicle industry remains at the heart of both urban and rural transport, connecting millions of people to their destinations with reliability and professionalism. Yet, despite its crucial role, the voices of drivers—those who power the sector—often go unheard. This report marks a significant step in bridging that gap.
This comprehensive survey captures the perspectives of nearly 1,500 licensed drivers across the UK, offering an unparalleled view of the challenges and successes within the industry.
It is our hope at TaxiPoint that this report over time becomes a cornerstone for constructive dialogue and a catalyst for progress—an indispensable tool for shaping the future of the taxi and private hire sector.”
Download the Full Report
The full 2024 National Taxi & Private Hire Driver Survey Report is now available for download, providing a detailed breakdown of driver experiences across the UK.
