Taxi and private hire drivers spend on average £2,700 on maintaining their licensed vehicle each year

New data from the National Taxi & Private Hire Driver Survey 2024/25 reveals that the average UK taxi driver spends £2,700 per year on vehicle maintenance. However, costs vary significantly depending on location, the type of vehicle used, and the nature of the work undertaken.

London-based drivers typically spend around £2,500 annually, slightly below the national average. Many taxis in the capital are newer, with a growing number of electric and hybrid models that require less frequent servicing. There are also a large number of drivers that choose to rent the vehicles from fleet owners which negates much of the individual maintenance costs on the drivers' side. For fleet owners and owner drivers the high cost of repairs and specialist parts for black cabs can quickly add up.

In contrast, drivers in the North West and Cumbria report maintenance costs of around £2,400 per year, reflecting lower labour rates but a higher reliance on older, traditional diesel-powered vehicles that require more upkeep.

The highest maintenance costs are seen in Yorkshire and the Humber, where drivers report spending £3,400 annually. Similarly, Scotland and Northern Ireland see above-average costs, with drivers spending around £3,200–£3,400 per year, partly due to longer distances travelled and the need for robust vehicles that can handle mixed terrain.

In the Midlands, costs vary between £2,100 and £2,900, depending on the vehicle type and local repair rates. The East Midlands tends to see slightly lower costs than the West Midlands.

Rural drivers often face higher maintenance costs due to the increased mileage they cover. Long-distance fares put greater strain on engines, tyres, and suspension systems, leading to more frequent servicing and repairs. In contrast, urban drivers may benefit from lower mileage but often encounter more stop-start driving, which can accelerate brake and clutch wear.

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