1984 |
The first mandatory training program for
New York City Taxi Drivers begins at LaGuardia
Community College in Queens and in Manhattan
The course is 20 hours in duration, conducted
at the College over weekends ( Friday, Saturday
and Sunday).
|
1990 |
An additional eight hours of training is
required of taxi driver-applicants, consisting
of a specially-designed bus tour of the boroughs
of New York City. An Institute instructor
narrates the tour, pointing out landmarks,
watercrossings, major thoroughfares, traffic
signage and driver behaviors.
|
1990 |
Taxi driver training is expanded
again, to 40 hours.
|
1993 |
The Taxi & FHV Driver Institute begins
offering Defensive Driving Point Reduction
courses specifically tailored of the needs
of professional drivers.
|
1994 |
Three “tracks” for training
are offered: 40 hours, 80 hours for those
whose English skills are weak, and 14 hours
for those who have exceptional English skills
and already know the geography of the City.
|
1997 |
A mandatory Continuing Professional Education
class is required of all who hold licenses
to drive a medallion taxicab in the City.
The course covers customer relations and
emphasizes serving passengers with disabilities.
|
1998 |
A mandatory six (6) hour defensive driving
course is required of all TLC drivers from
a school authorized by the Commission and
certified by the New York State Department
of Motor Vehicles.
|
1999 |
Training is set at 80 hours for all driver-applicants.
|
2003 |
The Taxi & FHV Driver Institute developed
and offers a voluntary “Safety Course” that
deals with special challenges faced by the
Taxi/FHV driver. Once a driver has successfully
completed this course he will be certified
and qualify for up to an additional fifteen
percent off insurance.
|
2004 |
The N.Y.C Taxi/FHV Driver Institute
starts offering "TAXI YOGA" class! Yes,
that's right! A yoga class designed to deal
with the stress and other health issues of
today's professional driver.
|
2005 |
Two "tracks" for initial training are
offered: 24 hours, and an 80 hours for the
driver-applicants who want and require more
practical and detailed instructions.
|