What Are the Steps to Get a Taxi & Limousine Commission License?

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Everything you need to know about getting a TLC driver’s license as a commercial driver in NYC

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parts

1Applying for the License

2Completing Schooling Requirements

3Getting Medical Documentation

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Tips and Warnings

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A TLC license enables you to transport passengers in taxis or cars with services such as Lyft and Uber. These licenses are only necessary in New York City and are obtained by applying online to the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission. In addition to having a basic license, you are required to attend a couple of driving classes and submit medical documentation. Within 90 days, you too can be a licensed transport driver in the Big Apple!

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Applying for the License

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1. 
   1
   Upgrade to a Class E license. A Class E license is required for taxi driving, so head to a branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Bring your old driver’s license to prove your identity and date of birth. They’ll then exchange your regular license for your new one.

   • You may need to get a vision test from a licensed medical provider. They check to see if you can read small or distant letters, like what appears on road signs.
   • You will have to pay a fee. The cost varies depending on the time left before your current license expires, but expect to pay between $20 to $30.
2. 
   2
   Watch the sex trafficking awareness video. The video is hosted on TLC’s website. Download the video here. Every TLC driver is required to watch this before applying for a license. There is no test, but the signature on your license signifies that you completed the video.
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3. 
   3
   Submit your TLC license application. Find the TLC form online at https://www.nyc.gov/lars. Have your Class E license, a valid email address, and a Social Security number ready. All of these are necessary to complete your application.
4. 
   4
   Pay the application fee. You’ll have to pay a fee to submit your application. It’s quite pricey, setting you back about $252. Make sure you’ll have the time to complete all the necessary schooling and classwork in the next three months, since this fee is non-refundable.
5. 
   5
   Upload medical and class completion documents within 90 days. As soon as you submit your application, work on scheduling your medical tests and classwork. You will need to upload your defensive driving course certificate and driver medical form filled out by your physician. Submit all of these through the TLC Upload portal at http://www.nyc.gov/tlcup.

   • The driving school and testing facilities notify the TLC when you complete the wheelchair course, driver education course, drug test, and fingerprinting, so you will not need to provide that documentation yourself.
   • Come back to this page periodically to see if your documents uploaded correctly and were received by the TLC.
   • After submitting all required paperwork, go to nyc.gov/newdriverapplookup to check on your application. Your license will arrive within a month of completing your driver’s education exam.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Completing Schooling Requirements

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1. 
   1
   Take a defensive driving course. This is the only course you can complete before submitting your TLC license application. It can be scheduled through the DMV or driving schools and may be completed online. Be prepared to spend 6 hours and between $30 and $40 in order to learn about traffic laws and safe driving.

   • If you have completed this class within the last 3 years, you won’t have to do it again. You will have to retake the class every 3 years to maintain your TLC license.
   • Within a week of completing the course, you will receive a certificate to upload to the TLC site.
2. 
   2
   Complete wheelchair passenger assistance training. This class will take you 3 hours and cost you $75. It can be taken from any TLC-approved schools listed on nyc.gov. When you’ve learned how to handle passengers with disabilities, you’ll receive a wallet-sized certificate to carry.
3. 
   3
   Complete the TLC driver education course. This class is your biggest time sink, taking up 24 hours of your time. For $175, you’ll learn the facts every driver needs to know, including local geography and map reading. You’ll also gain knowledge on how to speak to passengers. The course can be completed in-person through any TLC-approved school.

   • Visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/licenses/driver_education.shtml for a list of schools
   • You cannot finish the class until you have submitted your TLC application. You may be able to start it before then and submit your application when you're ready to take the exam.
4. 
   4
   Pass the driver education course exam. Driver education courses conclude with a knowledge exam. The exam is done in person at the same school where you attended the course. It’ll cost you another $75. To pass, answer 56 out of 80 questions to score a 70% or higher.

   • You are allowed to attempt the test as many times as necessary during the 90 days when your TLC application is valid.
   • Go to the TLC site to find free study guides!
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Getting Medical Documentation

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1. 
   1
   Print out the driver medical form. Go to www.nyc.gov/html/tlc. Click the word “Licensing” on the sidebar, then find the ‘Apply for a License” header near the bottom of the page. Click on “Driver,” then the “Additional Forms” header to find the form. Your primary healthcare provider needs to fill out this form.
2. 
   2
   Schedule a physical exam with a doctor. Bring the medical form you printed earlier and have the physician complete it before you leave. The doctor will perform some basic tests such as checking your eyes and listening to your heartbeat to ensure you are able to drive safely.

   • Remember to submit this medical form online through TLC’s upload tool.
3. 
   3
   Get a drug test. Call 1-800-923-2624 or walk into a TLC-authorized testing location to schedule an appointment. This test will cost you $26. Failing the test means your TLC application will be denied immediately, so if you hear nothing from the testing company, that’s a good sign.
4. 
   4
   Have your fingerprints taken. This service comes with a fee of yet another $75. Go to the scheduling site at https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/15425Y to set up an appointment. Bring your driver’s license and dress for a photo. They’ll put your fingerprints on file and take your picture before you leave.
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Tips

• Make sure you pay all of your outstanding tickets, or else your application will not be accepted.
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• A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but you need to report it on the TLC application.
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