Tesla is hiring robotaxi test drivers in New York City, but company hasn't applied for permits

Tesla is in the process of recruiting test drivers in New York City for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems. However, the company has yet to file for the necessary permits that would allow it to test autonomous vehicles in the bustling metropolis. A job posting on Tesla's official site indicates a search for vehicle operators based in Queens. These individuals will be tasked with operating engineering vehicles over extended periods while collecting dynamic audio and camera data for testing and training. A representative from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed to CNBC that Tesla has not sought approval to conduct autonomous vehicle tests on city streets. Previously, InsideEVs reported that Tesla was also looking to hire test drivers for its robotaxi initiative in Brooklyn. According to DOT regulations, any entity granted a permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York must maintain a trained safety driver in the vehicle at all times, ready to take control if needed. Tesla has not provided any comment on the matter. In comparison, Alphabet's Waymo, a dominant player in the North American robotaxi market, has submitted an application to test its autonomous vehicles in New York, though it remains pending review by authorities. CEO Elon Musk has been advocating for a vision of Tesla centered around AI and robotics, seeking to shift the company's focus beyond merely selling electric vehicles (EVs) and battery systems. Despite these aspirations, the bulk of Tesla's revenue is still derived from EV sales, which have seen a decline this year, particularly in Europe. This drop has been attributed in part to Musk's decision to prioritize the Cybertruck over producing more affordable EVs that appeal to a broader audience. Tesla's challenges are further compounded by a political backlash linked to Musk's controversial political statements and affiliations, including his past connections with President Donald Trump and the endorsement of Germany's anti-immigrant AfD party. In addition to its efforts in Queens, Tesla is also on the lookout for test drivers for its Autopilot team in cities such as Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, as well as in Palo Alto, California, where Tesla's engineering headquarters is located. Current job listings highlight that Autopilot vehicle operators may need to travel both domestically and internationally and should be familiar with automated driving systems. This suggests that Tesla's robotaxi and Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, marketed as FSD Unsupervised in the U.S., are part of ongoing testing initiatives. Recently, Tesla secured a permit in Texas to operate a ride-hailing service, which does not mandate the presence of a human safety driver. The company has been piloting a fleet of robotaxis in Austin since late June, with employees positioned in the front passenger seat to intervene when necessary. The service, however, is currently restricted to select users. Musk announced plans on social media that the Austin service will be available to the general public next month. In San Francisco, Tesla is also running a limited human-operated car service, branded as "autonomous ride-hailing." Musk indicated that the company aims to have over 100 Teslas available for autonomous ride-hailing in the Bay Area, allowing users to request rides. Nevertheless, Tesla is not authorized to transport passengers in autonomous vehicles on public roads in California, according to a recent statement from the California Public Utilities Commission. The company's approach to autonomous vehicles has attracted scrutiny, resulting in federal investigations, product liability lawsuits, and recalls related to incidents that occurred while using the Autopilot or FSD systems. Furthermore, the California DMV previously took legal action against Tesla, accusing it of misleading advertising surrounding its driver assistance technologies. The user manuals for Tesla vehicles clearly state that Autopilot and FSD features are designed for active driver engagement, requiring a driver prepared to take control at any moment, despite Musk's past claims of the vehicles' self-driving capabilities.