The Best (and Worst) Places to be a Taxi Driver in the UK

Being a taxi or private hire driver in the UK is a profession shaped as much by geography as by personal skill or dedication. From the rural expanses of Northern Ireland to the bustling streets of London, the challenges and rewards of the job can vary dramatically depending on where drivers operate. While costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance are universal burdens, the way passengers behave—from respectful to outright unruly—adds another layer of complexity.

This article explores which regions offer the best balance for drivers, taking into account not only the financial pressures but also the everyday experiences they face. By combining data on operating costs with insights into passenger behavior, we’ll uncover the best (and worst) places to be a taxi driver in the UK.

How We Determined the Best and Worst Places

This analysis is based on data collected from the 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey, a comprehensive study designed to capture the experiences, challenges, and financial realities faced by drivers across the UK. With responses from over 1,400 drivers spanning every region, the survey provides an in-depth look at the factors shaping the profession today.

To determine the best and worst places for taxi and private hire drivers, we examined three critical dimensions:

• Cost of Operation: This includes annual insurance premiums, monthly fuel costs, and yearly maintenance expenses. These financial pressures vary significantly by region, affecting drivers’ ability to maintain a sustainable income.

• Passenger Experiences: Drivers reported on the types of incidents they encounter from passengers, including things like vomiting and unconscious passengers.

• Safeguarding Concerns: The survey explored drivers’ experiences with aggression, violence, and other safety risks to assess how these issues vary across the UK.

The responses were analyzed to create an overall “driver experience score,” combining these financial and non-financial pressures.

To create a quantifiable view of the best and worst areas for drivers, we assigned 1 point for every 10% of drivers who reported experiencing an event in each category (rounding to the nearest 10% for simplicity).

Similarly for cost, we assigned 1 point for every £1000 of total costs (rounded up to the nearest £1000 for fairness). These calculations gave each region a score, with higher scores indicated a more problematic area for drivers to work in.

The results are revealed in the graph.

What the Rankings Reveal

The regional rankings reveal striking disparities in the realities faced by taxi and private hire drivers across the UK. As shown in the table, Northern Ireland emerges as the most challenging region for drivers. With the highest overall cost burden at £12,263 per year, coupled with a high incidence of problematic passenger experiences, it’s clear why drivers in this area face significant challenges.

Rural geography likely contributes to higher mileage and maintenance costs, while local socio-economic factors may play a role in the frequency of incidents such as aggression or drunken behavior.

In contrast, regions like the East Midlands and East of England offer comparatively favorable conditions. With lower operating costs and fewer reported negative passenger experiences, drivers in these areas may find it easier to sustain their livelihoods while avoiding the stresses reported in other parts of the country. These regions’ lower rankings for problematic passenger behavior suggest that the work environment may also be less taxing.

Yorkshire & the Humber presents an interesting case. While it ranks high in terms of negative passenger experiences—such as vomiting and drug use—it remains one of the more affordable regions for drivers in terms of operating costs. This juxtaposition highlights the delicate balance drivers must consider: lower costs can be offset by the strain of frequent passenger-related incidents.

What This Means for Drivers

The data underscores the varied realities drivers face, not only in terms of costs but also the quality of their interactions with passengers. For those considering a move or looking to enter the trade, these rankings provide valuable insights into where the job may be more rewarding—or more challenging.

Drivers in high-ranking regions such as Northern Ireland or Scotland may need additional support, whether through improved safeguarding measures, subsidized maintenance costs, or better access to affordable insurance. Conversely, regions like the East Midlands highlight how lower costs and fewer incidents can create a more stable and manageable environment for drivers.

Download the Full Report

For a deeper dive into the data that shaped these rankings, as well as insights into other aspects of the profession, download the full 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey Report. The report includes regional snapshots, passenger behavior trends, and detailed cost breakdowns, offering a comprehensive view of the taxi and private hire industry in the UK.

Whether you’re a driver, operator, or simply interested in the trade, the report is an essential resource for understanding the current landscape and preparing for the future.