National survey reveals just how many hours taxi and private hire drivers work each week on average
The latest National Taxi & Private Hire Driver Survey 2024/25 reveals that taxi and private hire drivers in the UK work an average of 45 hours per week. However, there are notable regional variations, with some areas seeing significantly longer working weeks.
In London, drivers typically work 45 hours a week, reflecting the high demand and competitive nature of the capital’s market. The South East follows closely, with drivers also averaging 45 hours. In the East Midlands, drivers work slightly less, with a weekly average of 43 hours, while in the West Midlands, the figure is 40 hours—one of the lowest in the UK.
Yorkshire and The Humber records an average of 42 hours per week, while the North West and Cumbria sit just above this, at 44 hours. The North East follows the same trend, with an average of 44 hours per week. In Scotland, drivers report one of the highest workloads in the UK, averaging 50 hours per week, while in Northern Ireland, the figure is 46 hours.
Drivers in the South West and East of England report some of the longest working weeks, both averaging 47 hours. Meanwhile, Wales has one of the lowest figures, with drivers working an average of 40 hours per week.
The survey highlights that many drivers feel compelled to work long hours due to financial pressures, fluctuating passenger demand, and the rising costs of running a taxi or private hire vehicle. In areas such as Scotland, the South West, and the East of England, drivers are working well beyond the national average, reflecting both the economic realities of the trade and also the logistics of working more rurally.
The National Taxi & Private Hire Driver Survey is a comprehensive study capturing the views and experiences of nearly 1,500 licensed taxi and private hire drivers from across the UK. Conducted by TaxiPlus, in collaboration with TaxiPoint, the survey aims to provide a clear snapshot of the challenges and realities facing drivers today. Covering key issues such as working hours, earnings, safety, and the transition to electric vehicles, the findings offer valuable insight for policymakers, local authorities, and industry stakeholders looking to shape the future of the sector.
With discussions ongoing about pay, licensing rules, and the transition to electric vehicles, the working conditions of taxi and private hire drivers remain a key debate across the industry. Simply working another few hours to cover rising costs, is a risky argument given the nature of the job and pushing more drivers to work when fatigued.
