Tesla Seeks NYC Robotaxi Test Drivers Without Necessary Permits
Tesla is on the hunt for test drivers for its automated driving systems in New York City, despite not having applied for the necessary permits to test autonomous vehicles on city streets, city officials reveal.
The electric vehicle giant has posted job openings for vehicle operators in Queens. The responsibilities of these roles include “driving an engineering vehicle for extended periods, conducting dynamic audio and camera data collection for testing and training purposes.” The positions offer up to $33.66 per hour for five to eight hours of daily work.
However, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Transportation confirmed that Tesla has not applied for the approvals required to test autonomous vehicles in the nation’s largest city. “Any company that obtains a permit to test AVs in New York has to keep a trained safety driver behind the wheel, ready to take control of an AV-enabled vehicle at all times,” the DOT spokesperson stated.
Despite the controversy, Tesla recently obtained a permit to operate robotaxis in Texas, where it has been running a limited fleet in Austin since June with employees monitoring the rides. The company is also seeking similar drivers in several other cities as it expands its Full Self-Driving system testing nationwide. These cities include:
- Dallas
- Houston
- Tampa
- Orlando
- Miami
Source: CNBC