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Special Licenses in New York

School Bus
You're going to need a Commercial Driver's License. You also:
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must have "P" endorsement and possibly an "S" endorsement. If you're not driving students between school and home and you driving a coach bus, you don't need the "S". See this information page for more details.
- Must pass a physical.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- Must be fingerprinted.
Questions? Contact New York's State Education Department.
Shuttle
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is not required if you operate a hotel/courtesy shuttle van or bus that carries under 15 passengers. However, if you operate a shuttle for-hire that carries under 14 passengers, a Class E license is required.
For further information, either check with your employer or contact New York's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) directly.
Taxi License Requirements
Everywhere Else Except New York City (Upstate)
Check with your local town or city government. Requirements vary with each municipality.
New York City Taxi License Requirements
- Must be at least 19 years old.
- Provide proof of address.
- Provide Social Security card.
- Submit a notarized a NYC Office of Child Support Enforcement form.
- Own a valid DMV chauffeur's license from either New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania.
- Over the last 18 months have no more than seven points on your license.
- Be free of unpaid tickets or summons.
- Complete a defensive driving course within six months of applying.
- Complete a medical exam within six months of applying.
- Must be fingerprinted. Fee:$75.
- Must pass a drug test. Fee: $$25.50.
- Must complete a taxi school requirement after submitting your application.
- Pay $60 license fee.
Chauffeur License Requirements
New York City Chauffeur License Requirements
- Must be at least 19 years old.
- Provide proof of address.
- Provide Social Security card.
- Submit a notarized a NYC Office of Child Support Enforcement form.
- Own a valid DMV chauffeur's license from either New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania.
- Over the last 18 months, have no more than seven points on your license.
- Be free of unpaid tickets or summons.
- Complete a defensive driving course within six months of applying.
- Must be fingerprinted. Fee:$75.
- Must pass a drug test. Fee: $25.50.
- Pay $60 license fee.
Everywhere Else Except New York City (Upstate)
Chauffeur license requirements for upstate applicants include:
- Must own a Class E license.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
Bear in mind your employer may impose additional requirements.
Questions? Contact New York's DMV.
Sport Vehicles
Snowmobiles
- Riders 14 through 17 can operate without supervision, provided they've completed a snowmobile safety course approved by the state.
- Riders 10 through 13 can zoom across public land if they've completed a snowmobile safety course and are accompanied (within 500 feet) by any rider 18 or older.
- Kids under 14 without a snowmobile safety certificate can still ride, but only on family-owned property.
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