New York City pedicab drivers, many from countries like Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Burkina Faso, have been operating without having taken a New York state road test, using foreign driver’s licenses instead. Unlike other cities such as San Francisco and Austin, New York does not require pedicab drivers to hold a valid state license. This lack of licensing oversight has raised concerns about their qualifications to safely navigate city streets. Pedicab owner Robert Tipton believes this issue has contributed to problems in the industry. Although New York has implemented stricter regulations, the rules do not ensure drivers are experienced enough for local driving conditions. Foreign applicants are vetted by the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs, but some drivers acknowledge the significant differences in driving conditions between New York and their home countries.
For more information:
https://nypost.com/2013/10/07/ny-pedicabbies-still-use-foreign-drivers-licenses/