Being a taxi or rideshare driver in New York City is a full-time employment position. It demands more than a typical driver’s license. These taxi (the TLC) have strict training policies to maintain the safety, legality, and preparedness of its drivers. These are the compulsory course for licensing and goes directly towards a safety profile which guides commercial taxi insurance.

The Basic Course: TLC Driver Education (24-Hour Course)-Taxi Safety

All new TLC driver applicants must take this course as the first step in the licensing process.

• What it is: This is an intensive 3 day (24 hour) classroom course. It’s to guide prospective drivers in preparation for the TLC Driver License Exam.
• Key Subjects: The curriculum includes essential subjects well beyond driving 101. Examples are TLC regulations, the geography and street laws, how to treat customers, how not to refuse service and also what happens when caught.
• The Exam: Upon completion of the 24-Hour class, applicants must take and pass the TLC Driver License Exam (70% passing score). TLC Knowledge Test This test verifies that the driver is knowledgeable of TLC rules and regulations.

Defensive Driving Course (DDC) for Life long Safety

TLC Defensive driving is a must; in fact, it’s the law for a TLC driver.

What it is: A New York State D.M.V. approved, generally six-hour course. It emphasizes accident avoidance techniques, recognizing driving hazards, and safe vehicle operation.

Pleae note that all those applying for the grant new, have to attach Test report as per DDC done in last 3 years. Even better, all current TLC licensees should take a DDC course at least once every three years in order to renew their license.

Point Reduction Bonus: A licensed driver can also utilize a completion of DDC to eliminate some Critical Driver points from her or his record, avoiding the suspension/revocation of a TLC License.

This course is about access and it forms the heart of the TLC’s mission to serve.

What it is: Training on helping disabled passengers. It consists of the classroom portion and a practical- hands on evaluation.

Requirement: Anyone applying to drive a yellow taxi, green taxi or For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) must take this course.

Themes Drivers should learn how to safely and respectfully aid passengers with a range of disabilities, including operating equipment in wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Commercial Taxi Insurance and Safety -The Connection

These are mandatory safety courses that lead straight back to the dollars-and-cents world of the professional driver.

• Risk Decrease: Insurance for commercial taxi insurance in companies is extremely high because of the amount of risk that you take while on NYC streets. The TLC’s rigorous safety training and DDC requirement are indications to us that drivers receive professional training on how to minimize those risks — which helps keep the overall insurance pool under control.
• Continuation of Coverage: If you do not successfully complete the DDC or TLC Renewal Course, we will not be able to renew your license. If a license is revoked, the driver is no longer allowed to operate his or her commercial vehicle and their cover on the taxi insurance policy will be rendered null and void.
• Reduced Premiums: Individually, when drivers finish the DMV-approved DDC they can receive a guaranteed 10% base rate reduction on their personal auto insurance premiums for three years. Similar incentives may be available through certain commercial insurance programs.

By implementing these education standards, the TLC also means that every licensed professional on the road is qualified, compliant and committed to safety — which is what a commercial taxi insurance policy ultimately promises.

Do you want to know how the TLC Critical Driver Program utilizes DDC to remove points and prevent losing your driver’s license?