Universal TLC license announced

In recent years the lines between the various Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) industries has definitely blurred.

The rise of app based dispatch platforms has left many passengers and drivers a bit confused about what exactly each license represents. For-hire vehicles and taxis can electronically summon a passenger, so why are there different licenses to operate each type of vehicle?

In response, the New York City TLC has recently announced a new class of universal licenses. The universal license will allow drivers to operate black car, limo, car service, street hail livery and taxi vehicles. Existing TLC drivers will not need to get the new license in order to operate the allowed vehicles going forward.

If you are an FHV driver for Uber or Lyft, you can now drive a taxi and vice versa. All existing license holders will eventually convert to this new universal license. The new law should give drivers more flexibility in choosing the right type of operation.

Drivers applying for a TLC driver license starting Oct 15, 2016 will need to take a new TLC Driver Education course. The course will be a combination of the existing taxi and FHV courses but without an English proficiency section. Drivers are advised to visit the TLC driver website for instructions. The classes will be provided in multiple languages including English, Urdu, Bengali, Spanish, Chinese and Russian.