Taxi Driver Permitting Details

Driver Application

To obtain your taxicab driving permit please follow the steps below:

Taxi Driver Applicants

1. All paperwork must be filled out and printed prior to making an appointment with a taxi inspector.
2. Drug testing form must be picked up in person at 601 Hutton Street.

Requirements for Obtaining a Taxicab Driving Permit 

Step 1
Complete the Drivers Permit application and pay the $50.00. Payable at Raleigh Municipal Building, 222 West Hargett St. 1st floor. Make sure that the application is stamped paid.

Step 2
Get page 8 of the application notarized and signed.

Step 3
Get two references (other than a family member) to fill out pages 9 and 10 of the application.

Step 4
Complete a fingerprint card at the Wake County Bureau of Identification (CCBI). Make sure you turn in your fingerprint card to the taxi inspector as soon as possible so that they can send the card off to get your results back.

Wake County Bureau of Identification (CCBI) to obtain fingerprints
3301 Hammond Road Raleigh NC 27603 | 919-856-6300
Note: CCBI shares a complex with the Wake County Detention Center
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday).
Costs: Fingerprinting $30.00 and $5.00 for each additional card
Method Payments: Cash or Personal Checks

Step 5
Obtain a certified copy of your NC driving history from the NCDMV ($11), that must include the notary seal. Computerized or photo copies will not be accepted.

Step 6
Get a physical (medical) that includes a hearing and eye test completed at any clinic or your doctor and have the Physicians' form for Physical completed by the doctor.

Step 7
Please note the following:

• You must have a NC driver's license before you will receive your taxi driving permit.
• Non-US citizens must have a current INS registration approved by Immigration. Naturalized citizens must provide their US Naturalization certificate or US Passport.
• Must provide the Inspector your Social Security Card so that the inspector can make a copy.

Step 8
Turn all paperwork into the Taxi Inspectors and prepare to take a 50 question test. Testing is done Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. or Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. You must obtain a score of at least 70% (can't get more than 15 questions wrong).

Taxi Inspectors Office
601 Hutton Street, Suite 105
Raleigh, NC 27606

Taxi Inspectors
Senior Officer W.B. Edwards
Tel: 919-801-8597 Office: 919-996-1461
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday 
Note the office is CLOSED DAILY 12 noon to 1:15 p.m. 

Step 9
Pick up drug test request form at Taxi Inspector’s office. Drug tests are processed at LabCorp. Make sure to take the form provided by the Taxi Inspector's office. Drug test must be completed within 5 business days of receiving application. Tests not completed in the 5 days will be considered a failure.

Drug Testing Sites
Costs: Drug Test $49.00
- LabCorp at 3850 Ed Dr, Suite 125 Raleigh, NC 27612 | 919-571-6514
- LabCorp at 8300 Health Park Suite 223 Raleigh, NC 27615 | 919-845-7025

Step 10
Once you have passed the Taxi test and the Taxi Inspector gets your drug test and finger print results back, the inspector will issue you a probationary permit that will allow you to drive until the New Driver Class. ALL NEW DRIVERS MUST ATTEND THE NEW DRIVER CLASS BEFORE THEY GET THEIR PERMANENT PERMIT. IF YOU FAIL TO ATTEND THE CLASS YOUR PERMIT WILL BE REVOKED FOR 30 DAYS.

Written Test

The written test is given on the following days and times: 

• Tuesdays 9 a.m. to Noon
• Thursdays 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Rules

• Absolutely no talking while taking the test except with the test administrator.
• There will be no use of any cell phones or other electronic devices, all devices are to be turned off or left outside of the designated testing area.
• You have 1 ½ hours to take the test after receiving it from the test administrator. The start time and ending time will be given to the applicant prior to the beginning of the test
• The test is not open book.
• No tests will be allowed to be removed from the designated testing area.
• If you receive more than 15 questions marked as incorrect you must retake another test
• No children are allowed to accompany you while taking the test
• Any violation as determined by the test administrator will result in a voiding of the test and the applicant must return on another testing date to retake the test

Sample Questions

The first 15 questions are geographical (True or False)
1. _____ West Hargett St. intersects with McDowell St.
2. _____ Raleigh Blvd. intersects with New Bern Ave.
3. _____ Durant Rd. intersects with Capital Blvd.
4. _____ Peace St. intersects with Person St.
5. _____ Six Forks Rd. intersects with Newton Rd.

The majority of questions 16-50 come from the city ordinance
1. _____ The duration for a probationary driver's permit is for:
a. 6 months
b. 60 days
c. 30 days
d. 1 year

2. _____ A taxicab driver may solicit for passengers:
a. While sitting in the driver's compartment of such a taxicab.
b. While standing within five {5) feet of the taxicab.
c. While standing within fifteen {15) feet of the taxicab.
d. Both a and b

3. _____The City of Raleigh's taxicab decal is_______ on all certified taxis.
a. Required
b. Optional
c. at the owner's discretion
d. not required