Suppose you want to be a professional driver in New York City. In that case, you’ll need to obtain your “TLC” licence, maintain a clean record with the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), and know how the TLC expects you to respond in the event of an accident. It may seem overwhelming, but we’ll break down the requirements for complying with the TLC so you can get set up properly and enjoy a rewarding career as a driver.
What Is the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)?
If you’re a professional driver in New York City, you’re governed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission, or “TLC.” The TLC has been licensing and regulating taxis, black cars, luxury limousines, and other for-hire vehicles since the early 1970s.
The TLC staffs approximately 600 employees who help potential drivers with background checks, drug testing, and training. These employees are also responsible for inspecting the vehicles drivers use, and ensuring they pass a required emissions test.
Who Needs a TLC License?
Any driver who operates a vehicle for hire needs a TLC licence. Whether you drive a taxi cab, limousine, black car, transit van, or rideshare vehicle, you’ll need to obtain a TLC license to comply with the city’s operational guidelines.
Before you are licensed, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements.
- Only drivers age 19 and older may apply for a TLC license.
- You must have a valid Social Security number to obtain a TLC licence.
- Drivers may not have received more than 6 points on their license in the 15 months before applying for a TLC license.
- If you have unpaid parking tickets, fines, or traffic violations, you’ll need to clear those up before applying for a TLC licence.
Once you’ve met these requirements, you can begin the TLC licence application process.
How Do You Get a TLC License?
If you meet the above requirements, you can head over to the TLC licensing page and apply for a new license. Applications must be filled out online.
Next, you’ll need to schedule a required drug screening with LabCorp, the TLC’s drug screening partner lab. At this time, you can also schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted and have your photo taken through IdentoGo. Before you can be issued a licence, you’ll need to complete the following required training courses, for which you have 90 days from the date of submitting your online application to complete:
- New TLC Driver Licence 3-day course
- TLC Driver Licence Exam
- A New York State DMV (NYSDMV)-certified Defensive Driving course.
- Sex Trafficking Awareness Training Video
- Passenger Assistance and Wheelchair Accessible (WAV) training
If you’ve completed a NYSDMV-certified defensive driving course within three years of the date you filed your application, you do not have to take it again. Once you receive your certificate, you can upload it to the TLC website.
After you’ve completed your education requirements and testing, it’s a good idea to make certain you don’t have any outstanding parking tickets, fines, or traffic violations that need to be paid. You won’t be able to have your TLC licence issued if you have outstanding fines or violations. Once these requirements are met, you’ll be able to have your TLC licence issued and begin work.
Complying with the TLC’s Rules
Once you are licensed and working, you’ll need to be familiar with TLC rules so you aren’t at risk of losing your license or being fined. Here is a brief rundown of some of the most important rules to be aware of.
1. Both You and Your Vehicle Need to Be Licensed with the TLC
In addition to having your TLC license, you’ll also need to have a vehicle that meets all TLC safety and emission requirements. Vehicles must also meet certain appearance requirements, like not having any noticeable damage and maintaining necessary markings and decals.
2. Prioritize Accessibility for All Passengers
All drivers must be able to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including helping them in and out of the vehicle and being able to properly and carefully stow mobility devices, such as walkers and wheelchairs.
3. Fare Structures Must Be Clear to Your Passengers
If you operate an app-based rideshare vehicle, TLC does not regulate your fare amount. TLC does provide guidelines on how fares should be calculated and collected. Most importantly, riders must always know the fare structure before they enter your vehicle.
4. Rest and Break Periods Must Be Adhered to During Work Hours
TLC maintains mandatory rest and break periods for drivers to ensure that drivers are not fatigued. You must obey these rest periods and only work the number of hours you are allowed to work during 24 hours to ensure you do not violate TLC rules.
5. Driver Conduct Rules Keep Everyone Safe
As a driver, you are responsible for the safe transport of your passengers and are expected to act professionally. You must also maintain a clean driving record and maintain a clean, criminal-offense-free record.
6. Obey the Zero-Tolerance Policy for Substance Abuse
The TLC has a zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse. If you fail a drug test, refuse a drug test, or drive while under the influence, your TLC licence could be revoked.
7. Drivers Must Maintain a Non-Discriminatory Attitude and Respect Passengers
No discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other characteristic is tolerated by the TLC. Drivers must treat passengers respectfully and equally.
8. You Must Maintain a Vehicle that Is Compliant with TLC Inspections
When your vehicle is due for inspection, you will need to bring it to the inspection center on time and make sure it is ready to pass inspection. Follow these tips for TLC inspection, which can save you time and make sure your vehicle is compliant.
- Make sure all seatbelts in your vehicle are in working order.
- Check your mirrors for cracks or scratches.
- All vehicle lights (including tail lights and turn signals) must be in proper working order.
- Your vehicle’s tires should have visible tread and be in good condition.
- Windshield wipers must be working and effective.
The above points of inspection are often overlooked by drivers and can render a vehicle noncompliant. Addressing them before you arrive can help you keep your vehicle TLC inspection ready.
How Do You File a Complaint with the TLC?
If you need to file a complaint on a driver or their vehicle, you may do so at the TLC website. You can file a complaint if you were a passenger in the vehicle, if you were not a passenger in the vehicle, or if the vehicle was not up to code.
What Do You Do After an Accident with a TLC Driver?
Ridesharing is common in NYC, and being involved in an accident when you’re a rideshare driver could happen to you. Knowing what to do in an accident can help you take action to protect your legal rights and collect compensation for any injuries you may have.
Immediately after the accident, check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911. If there are no injuries, contact the police to file a police report for the incident. Document the accident by taking your photographs. Collect information from the passengers, like names, addresses, and telephone numbers. If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their information for statements regarding the accident.
Report the incident to your rideshare company and contact your carrier to file a claim with your PIP insurance policy. You’ll also want to contact a TLC lawyer. They can help protect you if you are involved in an accident while driving a rideshare vehicle.
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