What is the New TLC Driver License Course (3-days):  This course is one of the requirements that all TLC Driver applicants must complete. This course is 3 days (8 hours per day) of classroom instruction that prepares the applicant for the TLC Driver License Exam which you are required to take and pass.

Who takes this course: Applicants who want to drive a yellow taxi, green taxi, or for-hire vehicle (such as a black car or livery car) must complete this course before they receive a TLC Driver License. Commuter van drivers and paratransit drivers do not need to take this course.

When do you take the course: Applicants must complete this course before taking the exam. After completing this course, you will receive an email from PSI Testing Services with a link to register for the exam. All application steps, including the 3-day course, must be completed within 90 days of submitting your online application.

How register for this course: Goto the List of TLC Authorized Schools

Length of course: 8-hour day over three (3) days.

Topics course covers include:

• navigating TLC online pages like LARS and TLC UP.
• how to obtain and keep a TLC Driver License in good standing.
• the major differences between TLC-licensed industries and types of vehicles.
• vehicle requirements and maintenance.
• professionalism and interacting with passengers.
• customer service and preventing service refusals.
• proper conduct and complying with the law.
• best safe driving practices.
• preventing violations.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

• TLC Driver License applicants must file an application with the TLC before registering for the 3-day course. Schools will not register you for the course without a TLC application number.
• The course is available at TLC-Authorized schools, and it is offered in various languages such as Arabic, Bengali, English, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.
• The school you select will notify the TLC when you have completed the course.
• You must register for the 3-day course no later than five (5) days before your application expires. Schools will not register you if you wait until after the 85^thday of your application to register for the course.

• You must also take and pass the TLC Driver License Exam after completing the 3-day course, and before the application deadline ends. Give yourself enough time to meet these requirements.
•  If you cannot complete the courses and pass the exam by your application deadline, the application will be denied and you will need to file a new application.

• All requirements MUST be completed within 90 days after applying for a TLC Driver License.

• Avoid denial of your application! Register for the 3-day course and WAV course as soon as you have a TLC Driver License Application number.
• Complete the course at least 60 days before the 90-day application expiration to give you time to register and pass the exam.
• Visit The Road to a TLC Driver License to help guide you through the application process.

What is a WAV Course:  This course is one of the requirements that all TLC Driver License Applicants must complete. This course teaches applicants to provide excellent service to passengers with disabilities.

Who takes this course: Applicants who want to drive a yellow taxi, green taxi, or for-hire vehicle (such as a black car or livery car) must complete this course before they receive a TLC Driver License. Commuter van drivers and paratransit drivers do not need to take this course.

When do you take this course: Applicants must complete this course within 90 days of applying for a TLC Driver License.

How to register for this course: Goto the List of TLC Authorized Schools

Length of course: The course is at least three (3) hours of classroom time with one (1) hour of hands -on assessment.

Topics course covers: Topics covered include:

• history on Americans with Disabilities Act and driver responsibilities.
• disability etiquette and using person-first language; why taxi and for-hire vehicle service is a public accommodation.
• the range of different disabilities that passengers may have and how to best serve them,
• the importance of transporting service animals.
• The course also has a hands-on assessment where drivers practice and demonstrate that they can safely secure a passenger who uses a wheelchair in an accessible vehicle. During the hands-on assessment, applicants are required to complete every step of the physical, hands-on training where you will need to use your arms to push a passenger that uses a wheelchair into the vehicle and bend down to connect the floor straps to the wheelchair.

     IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

• TLC Driver License Applicants must file an application with the TLC before registering for the WAV course. Schools will not register you for the course without a TLC application number.
• You must register for WAV training by no later than five (5) days before your application expires. Schools will not register you if you wait until after the 85^thday of your application to register for the course.
• All requirements MUST be completed within 90 days after applying for a TLC Driver License.

• To improve your knowledge ahead of taking the TLC Driver License Exam and receive the best score, complete the WAV course before taking the exam.
• Complete the course at least 60 days before the 90-day application expiration.

Earn More Money through Accessibility Programs

Read Accessible and E-Hail Trips: What Drivers Need to Know to learn more about how TLC Licensed Drivers can earn more money and help passengers with disabilities through different programs.

Visit the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Resources webpage.

What is the TLC Driver License Exam: This exam tests applicants’ knowledge on the topics covered in the New TLC Driver License Course (3-days) and the Passenger Assistance and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Training Course. After applicants complete these courses, they are then required to pass an examination called the “TLC Driver License Exam”.

The exam is made up of 80 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must get a grade of 70% or higher (must answer 56 out of 80 questions correctly to pass). The exam is given on a computer by PSI Testing Services.

Who takes this Exam: anyone who applies for a TLC Driver License to drive for-hire must take this exam. Commuter van and paratransit drivers do not need to take the exam.

When do you take the Exam: After completing the New TLC Driver License Course (3-days).

How to register for the Exam: PSI Testing Services will contact you using the email address on your TLC application. The email will contain a link to register for your exam appointment time. Read PSI’s NYC TLC Candidate Bulletin to learn how to register, sign up for your exam appointment time, and what to expect on your testing day. See below for testing locations throughout the five (5) boroughs.

Length of Exam: Up to two (2) hours.

Topics Exam covers: Exam covers the topics covered in the 3-day course and WAV course.

IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION

• You must complete the 3-day course at a TLC approved school before taking the TLC Driver License Exam. PSI Testing Services will not register you if you do not complete the 3-day course.

• You must pass the TLC Driver License Exam by the application deadline. Give yourself enough time to register for the courses and the exam. If you do not pass the exam by your application deadline, your application will be denied, and you will need to file a new application.

• You must take and pass the TLC Driver License Exam on a computer with a score of 70% or higher.
• Bring your state-issued DMV driver license to the test center to be let into the exam room.
• You must complete a TLC Sign-in Registration Form at the test center before you take the exam.
• All requirements MUST be completed within 90 days after applying for a TLC Driver License.

• To do your best on the TLC Driver License Exam, complete the 3-day course and WAV course at least 60 days of submitting your application fee.

• Register to take the exam as soon as you receive a welcome email from PSI Testing Services to receive your TLC license on time. If you do not see the welcome email from PSI, please check all your email folders, including the spam folder.
• Take and pass your exam by no later than three (3) days before your application expires so that you have enough time to complete all requirements.

Testing Locations throughout the five (5) boroughs. Click on the borough where you wish to take the exam to see a list of testing locations:

Free Exam Tutorial Videos

• Arabic / العربية
• Bengali / বাংলা
• Chinese (Simplified) / 简化字
• English
• Russian / Русский язык
• Spanish / Español
• Urdu / اردو

Free Study Guide, Practice Exams

• Arabic / العربية
• Bengali / বাংলা
• Chinese (Simplified) / 简化字
• English
• Spanish / Español
• Russian / Русский язык
• Urdu / اردو

What is the Sex Trafficking Prevention Awareness Video: It’s a Local Law 36 that was passed in 2012. Every TLC Driver must watch the training video for a new or renewal license application.

Who watches this video: All TLC Driver License applicants, as well as existing TLC drivers who are renewing their TLC Driver License.

When do you watch the video: Within 90 days of applying for your TLC Driver License, and when you renew your TLC Driver License. 

Topics Covered: What sex trafficking is, and criminal penalties.

Length of video: Ten (10) minutes

Watch Video here: Sex Trafficking Awareness Training 

What is a DDC: A New York State DMV six (6) hour Defensive Driving Course that covers traffic safety, driver attitude and behavior, defensive driving techniques, and the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Who complies with this requirement: All applicants, including, applicants that want to drive a yellow taxicab, green taxi, for hire vehicle, Para Transit and Commuter Van.

When do you complete the DDC: The DDC cannot be older than three (3) years prior when you apply for a TLC Driver License. If it is older than three (3) years, you must complete a DDC at least every three (3) years before you submit your application online.

You may find all NYS DMV certified DDC classes on the DMV website at Defensive Driving. 

Length of DDC: Six (6) hours / every 3 years

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The course cannot be older than three (3) years prior when you submit your TLC application.
• The certification must indicate the type of course, date course was taken, hours of instruction, name (license #) of instructor, and must include an official ink stamp or seal from the instruction site.
• Applicants MUST submit a Certificate of Completion before the 90-day application filing period. You can upload the certificate online on TLC UP.

All requirements MUST be completed within 90 days after applying for a TLC Driver License.

New TLC Driver License 3-day Course Transfer Policy – Effective October 1, 2024

1. Applicants for a TLC Driver License that were previously denied and reapplied for a TLC Driver License within six (6) months after completing the New TLC Driver License Course (3-days) will not be required to retake the course.
2. This policy does not apply to any applicant who was previously disqualified from the TLC Driver License Exam.

Passenger Assistance and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Training Transfer Policy – Effective October 1, 2024

1. Applicants for a TLC Driver License that were previously denied and have reapplied for a TLC Driver license within six (6) months after completing the Passenger Assistance and Wheelchair Accessible (WAV) Training will not be required to retake the course.

What is a TLC Driver License Renewal Course: A continuing education course that TLC-licensed drivers take every three (3) years to renew their license. The purpose of the course is to provide practical training for drivers' careers as professional drivers, as well as improve safety and customer service of the taxi and for-hire vehicle industries in New York City. There is no exam for this course.

Who takes this course: Current TLC-licensed drivers who need to renew their TLC Driver License.

When do you take the course: Within 90 days of renewal of the TLC Driver License.

How to register for this course: Goto the List of TLC Authorized Schools

Length of course:  Three (3) hours of classroom instruction with one (1) hour of hands-on training where TLC Licensed Driver will be required to complete every step of the physical, hands-on training. TLC Licensee will need to use your arms to push a passenger that uses a wheelchair into the vehicle and bend down to connect the floor straps to the wheelchair.

Topics course covers include:

• Using LARS, TLC UP, and Open Data.
• Rules and responsibilities that drivers must follow.
• Interacting with law-enforcement and responding to a summons.
• Policies and resources regarding electric vehicles.
• Bribery prevention.
• Safe driving practices and Vision Zero.
• Providing safe, excellent customer service to the riding public.
• Preventing discrimination based on race, disability, use of service animals, geography, and sexual orientation.
• Assisting a passenger with vision impairment or who is hard of hearing.
• Driver responsibilities under the American with Disabilities Act.
• The course also has a hands-on assessment where drivers practice and demonstrate that they can safely secure a passenger who uses a wheelchair in an accessible vehicle. During the hands-on assessment, TLC applicants and licensees are required to complete every step of the physical, hands-on training where you will need to use your arms to push a passenger that uses a wheelchair into the vehicle and bend down to connect the floor straps to the wheelchair.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

• You must register for the course by no later than five (5) days before the deadline of your license expiration date. Schools will not register you for courses
• You must complete this course within the 90-day period of the TLC Driver’s License expiration date. Schools will not register you before the 90-day renewal period, or after 180 days of your license expiration date.
• For more information, please read Frequently Asked Questions about the TLC Driver License Renewal Course.
• Visit the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Resources

Renew your TLC Driver License on time! To avoid reapplying for a new TLC Driver License, complete all your requirements by no later than 90 days before your license expires. If you do not complete all renewal requirements by your license expiration date your license will expire.

You can renew an expired license by completing all renewal requirements within 180 days after your license expired however licenses will remain expired and you will not be able to work for hire until all renewal requirements are submitted and TLC processes and approves the late renewal application.

What is a DDC: A New York State DMV six (6) hour Defensive Driving Course that covers traffic safety, driver attitude and behavior, defensive driving techniques, and the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Who complies with this requirement: All TLC Licensees, including, licensees that want to drive a yellow taxicab, green taxi, for hire vehicle, Para Transit and Commuter Van.

When do you complete the DDC: The DDC cannot be older than three (3) years prior to when you renew your TLC license. If it is older than three (3) years, you must complete a DDC at least every three (3) years before renewing your TLC license. TLC-licensed drivers can also take the Defensive Driving Course every 3 months to reduce points on their license every 18 months.

You may find all NYS DMV certified DDC classes on the DMV website at Defensive Driving. 

Length of DDC: Six (6) hours / every 3 years

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The Defensive Driving Course (DDC) requirement is a separate requirement from the TLC Driver License Renewal Course requirement. The difference between the TLC Licensed Driver License and the DDC are as follows:
  • TLC Driver License Renewal Course: All TLC Licensed Drivers must complete the renewal course every three (3) years to renew their license.  Visit TLC Licensing Education to obtain more information on the TLC Driver License Renewal Course requirement.
  • Defensive Driving Course (DDC): If your DDC is older than three (3) years at the time of your TLC Driver License Renewal, you will need to complete a new DDC class. The DDC Certificate of Completion cannot be older than three (3) years before you renew your TLC license.
  • You can find all NYS DMV certified DDC classes on the DMV website at Defensive Driving.
  • You can upload the current certificate of completion that’s no older than three (3) years online on TLC UP.
  • The certification must indicate the type of course, date course was taken, hours of instruction, name (license #) of instructor, and must include an official ink stamp or seal from the instruction site. 

What is the Sex Trafficking Prevention Awareness Video: Local Law 36 was passed in 2012, Every TLC Driver must watch the training video for a new or renewal license application.

Who watches this video: TLC Driver License applicants, as well as existing drivers who are renewing their TLC Driver License.

License Group: TLC-license drivers, commuter van drivers, and paratransit drivers.

Length of video: Ten (10) minutes

When do you watch the video: Within 90 days of applying for your TLC Driver License, and when you renew your TLC Driver License.

Watch Video here: Sex Trafficking Awareness Training

What is a PED Couse: This is a course for TLC-licensed drivers that covers the different types of distractions drivers should avoid, the rules regarding electronic devices in TLC-licensed vehicles, safe driving techniques, and TLC penalty programs.

Who takes this course: All TLC licensed Drivers found guilty of using a phone, Bluetooth, and tablet while working. 

How to register for this course: Goto the List of TLC Authorized Schools

Length of Course: Two (2) hours

Topics course covers: Civics, Tools to Reduce Distracted Driving, Vision Zero, and Penalty Programs

For more information, please read Frequently Asked Question about the course

Welcome to the page where you will find a list of TLC -Authorized Schools that offer the New TLC Driver License Course (3-days), also known as the 24-hour course, Passenger Assistance and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Training course, TLC Driver License Renewal course and Distracted Driver Portable Electronic Device (PED) course throughout the five (5) boroughs of the city of New York.

The goal of the training courses is to give drivers the tools they need to succeed on the road as professional for hire drivers.

Please select from one of the boroughs below where courses are currently offered: 

Know you rights as a new TLC Driver Applicant and TLC Licensed Driver when scheduling your courses with a TLC authorized education school.

Go to 5 Things You Should Know

• The Road to a TLC Driver License
• NYC Vision Zero Website
• Watch Drive Like Your Family Lives Here Video (YouTube Channel)
• Watch Safety First: Vision Zero Video for Professional Drivers (YouTube Channel)
• Watch Service Refusal is Against the Law! (YouTube Channel)
• Visit Sex Trafficking Prevention Awareness Video
• Watch TLC Airport Hustling PSA (YouTube Channel)
• Accessible Dispatch Free Citywide Page
• Visit the  Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Resources

English language Resources

• We Speak NYC
• New York Public Library - Free English Classes
• English as a Second Language (ESOL) at CUNY
• NYC Department of Education: English as a Second Language for Adult Learners (Ages 21+)

Education providers can find a checklist of the business and curriculum documents they must submit to the TLC yearly.

• Provider Business Requirements Checklist

Thank you for your interest in becoming a TLC – Approved Education Providers.

This is major opportunity for TLC Education Providers to teach approximately 175,000 drivers about Vision Zero and preventing traffic crash, improving customer service in the taxi and for-hire vehicle industries in New York City, and making sure everyone can access great service, regardless of a passenger’s race, ethnicity, destination, or disability.

TLC Education Providers play an important role in teaching our driving population the skills necessary and providing the tools they need to success on the road as professional for-hire drivers through the course and TLC and city resources available to them. 

TLC Education Providers have a responsibility in providing safe driving tools to TLC Licensed Drivers to ensure they provide a safe and comfortable ride to passengers, as well as interact safely with other drivers, pedestrian and cyclists.

Education Services Provider Application Process

The 2025 Open Application Period is a two-part process that will take place from January to March. This application is only for organizations that either are:

• A New Provider: an organization that is applying to become a new TLC-authorized Education Services Provider), OR
• A Current Provider: a current TLC-authorized Education Services Provider that is applying to become reauthorized. 

Instructions and Requirements

If you are an organization that would like to apply to become a new TLC-authorized Education Services Provider, click here Open Application Period - New Provider Instructions.

If you are a current TLC-authorized Education Services Provider and are applying to become reauthorized, click here Open Application Period - Reauthorization Instructions.

Submit your application here (link to Web Form)

if you have any questions, please contact TLC Licensing Education Unit at: Education@tlc.nyc.gov