Notes from the desk.
Guides, explainers, and how-tos for NYC TLC drivers — from getting your license to picking a base, renting a plate, and earning more.
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Apps & lockouts 16 min read
NYC Uber & Lyft Driver Lockouts in 2026: Your Protections and How to Fight Back
Plain-English guide to NYC Uber and Lyft lockouts. The 72-hour notice and 16-hour access rules that took effect August 2025, the March 2026 pay bump, and exactly how to file with TLC when an app locks you out.
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Tickets & enforcement 17 min read
TLC Summons & Points in NYC: How to Avoid Losing Your License in 2026
Plain-English guide to TLC summons in NYC. How the combined points system really works in 2026, the free OATH online path to fight tickets, and when a lawyer is actually worth it.
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Operating your TLC car 14 min read
How to Pass Your NYC TLC Inspection: 2026 Checklist for Drivers
Plain-English guide to the NYC TLC vehicle inspection. What they check, how often you go, what makes cars fail (including the OBD-II trap nobody warns you about), and what to do the night before.
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Bases & affiliation 14 min read
How to Choose a TLC Base in NYC: What Drivers Should Know in 2026
Plain-English guide to picking a TLC base in NYC. The 4 kinds of bases, how pay really works, what to ask before you sign, and how to get your base letter.
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Vehicles & rentals 15 min read
How to Rent a TLC Car in NYC: 2026 Pricing, Requirements & Red Flags
Honest guide to renting a TLC-plated car in NYC in 2026. Real weekly prices ($289–$650), what's included, what to watch for, and how to pick a fair rental company.
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Licensing & onboarding 18 min read
How to Get Your NYC TLC License in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-step guide to getting your NYC TLC driver license in 2026. Real costs ($1,300–$1,400), real timeline (3–4 months), requirements, drug test, courses, fingerprints — and what to do after.
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Earnings & pay 14 min read
How Much Do NYC TLC Drivers Earn in 2026? Yellow Cab, Uber & Livery Compared
Honest, data-driven look at what NYC TLC drivers really take home in 2026. Yellow cab vs Uber/Lyft vs livery & black car — gross pay, expenses, and net earnings, using TLC's published rates.
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