How To Get Your TLC Drivers License In 9 Easy Steps
Want to earn money driving a TLC licensed vehicles? Any driver picking up passengers for-hire needs to have a valid TLC drivers license.
The TLC regulates all drivers to make sure they are fit to transport passengers. So if you want to drive a taxi or affiliate with an app company like Uber, Lyft or Gett you will need to follow our guide here to get your license fast.
Here are the 9 easy steps to get your license:
1. Get a state issued Chauffeur-class Driver’s License from the DMV
In New York, this is a Class A, B, C, or E license. If you already have a Class D driver’s license, you can schedule an appointment with your local DMV and surrender your Class D license. As long as you’ve taken the written, road, and vision tests required for a Class D driver’s license, additional exams won’t be required. Pay the required fees. If you don’t have a Class D driver’s license, additional tests may be necessary.
For out-of-state license holders: You must submit a certified state driving record from your state no more than 90 days before filing your application.
You can find New York State DMV locations here.
2. Take 6-hour defensive driving course (DDC) in the last 3 years before applying
Not only is this required, it will save you up to 10% on your insurance policy! You can find a list of providers here: https://dmv.ny.gov/pirp/classroom.
3. Get a medical exam
A licensed physician must complete the TLC medical form. You can find the form here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/driver_medical_form_b.pdf.
4. Submit application and pay fees
Submit your application and payment online at: https://www.nyc.gov/lars. The application and fees cannot be submitted in person or by mail.
5. Take and pass a drug test
Take and pass a drug test after filing the online TLC application. To schedule an appointment go to LabCorp or call them at 800-923-2624. The testing center will notify the TLC electronically. Results take approximately 3 days to be reported to TLC.
6. Schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken
After filing the online TLC application, schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken. Visit identogo.com to schedule an appointment and to obtain more information. When asked for the ORI number, select “TAXI” to find the locations serving TLC licensees. You will need your TLC license application number and your DMV license number to log in to the website to request an appointment.
7. Complete and pass the TLC Driver Education Course
Drivers must complete a 24 hour course and pass the 80 question multiple choice exam. There are multiple providers but we recommend the following school. It’s conveniently located in the TLC building next to our office. The school will notify the TLC when you have completed the course.
MDS Corp.
31-00 47th Avenue, 3rd Floor
Long Island City, N.Y. 11101
Contact: Mickey Milbauer
Tel: (718) 392-0627 / (718) 392-2056
8. Complete WAV training
After filing an application, you will need to complete wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) training. There are multiple licensed providers but we recommend the following school. It’s conveniently located in the TLC building. The school will notify the TLC when you have completed the course.
MDS Corp.
31-00 47th Avenue, 3rd Floor
Long Island City, N.Y. 11101
Contact: Mickey Milbauer
Tel: (718) 392-0627 / (718) 392-2056
9. Pay all your tickets
Pay all of your outstanding parking, traffic, and TLC tickets. You can look up any outstanding tickets here.
Once you have completed these steps you will be issued the new TLC Universal Driver License and be ready to get on the road. If you also have a vehicle, check out our guide on how to get TLC plates here.
You will also be able to drive for rideshare platforms such as Uber when you are fully insured.
