The number of taxi drivers in Prague has increased noticeably in recent years, multiplying over the past decade. Alternative transport services and foreign applicants are key factors behind this trend. Now the city is pulling the ripcord.
Across the Czech Republic, the number of taxi drivers has risen significantly over the last ten years – especially in Prague. According to current estimates, up to 16,000 drivers are now operating in the capital. A major driver of this increase is the boom in alternative transport services, which has also attracted many foreign drivers to the market, reports Czech news channel ČT24. In response, Prague has tightened its regulations as of 1 July – particularly for non-Czech nationals. However, local drivers must also continue to meet clear requirements.
In 2024, Prague City Council issued a total of 5,404 taxi licences – compared to just around 1,000 a decade ago. However, this number does not reflect the actual number of drivers, as under current legislation, authorities are obliged to approve applications regardless of the applicant’s place of residence or registration.
As municipal spokesman Vít Hofman explained to the news channel, many drivers apply for their licences at transport offices outside Prague, even though they primarily work in the capital.
A similar trend is emerging in other major cities, such as Brno, Ostrava, and Plzeň. There too, authorities are anticipating a rise in the number of taxi drivers – often linked to digital platforms like Uber or Bolt.
In Prague in particular, the growing number of foreign drivers is causing concern. According to the city administration, many applicants lack even basic language skills – in both Czech and English.
The city administration therefore called for a legislative change – and succeeded. In cooperation with members of parliament who also sit on the Prague City Council, two key amendments to the Road Transport Act were introduced. Both have been in effect since 1 July.
Licences Limited to Duration of Stay
Firstly, in future, foreign drivers will be granted licences only for the duration of their residence or work permits – if these are valid for less than five years. Previously, licences were routinely issued for a flat five-year period. This change is intended to prevent drivers with short-term permits from working on a long-term basis.
Only Drivers with EU Licences Allowed
The second change concerns driving licences: anyone wishing to work as a taxi driver must now hold a driving licence issued in the Czech Republic or another EU member state. The aim is to address the increasing number of drivers from third countries who, according to the city administration, often have insufficient knowledge of driving and traffic regulations.
The reasons for these stricter regulations are detailed in a explanatory memorandum to the amendment, published in January. According to the document, only 55 per cent of taxi licences registered in Prague were issued to Czech citizens. More than 6,000 went to Ukrainians, 1,153 to Uzbeks – and 117 to drivers from Nigeria.
The message is clear: the city aims to regain control of Prague’s sprawling taxi market – and to ensure greater safety and transparency.
