Tesla pushes full self-driving testing across US while permits lag in New York

Tesla is actively recruiting test drivers in New York to operate vehicles equipped with “automated driving systems,” even though the company has yet to apply for the necessary permits to conduct autonomous vehicle (AV) testing on city streets.

The job posting, listed on Tesla’s website, seeks vehicle operators in Queens responsible for “driving an engineering vehicle for extended periods, conducting dynamic audio and camera data collection for testing and training purposes,” Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed that Tesla has not applied for approvals to test AVs within New York City. Earlier reports from InsideEVs noted that Tesla was hiring test drivers for its robotaxi program in Brooklyn. The DOT spokesperson emphasized that “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.’”

Furthermore, Tesla has not applied for permits to test automated driving systems at the state level either, according to a spokesperson from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Such permits are required if a human driver is involved in the testing process.

Tesla declined to comment on the situation.

In contrast, Alphabet’s Waymo, a leader in robotaxi technology in North America, has submitted an application to test its AVs in New York, though the process remains under review and requires approval from both city and state authorities.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been promoting a future centered on AI and robotics rather than conventional vehicle sales. Yet, the company still derives nearly all its revenue from electric vehicle sales and battery energy storage systems. Tesla’s EV sales have recently declined, especially in Europe, partly due to Musk’s strategic focus on the Cybertruck over more affordable, mainstream models, and political controversies surrounding Musk’s public statements and affiliations.

Beyond New York, Tesla is also hiring Autopilot test drivers in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Palo Alto, California. The listings note that operators must be familiar with “automated driving systems,” hinting at ongoing data collection for Tesla’s robotaxi and Full Self-Driving (FSD) programs, currently marketed as FSD Unsupervised in the US.

Tesla secured a regulatory win in Texas last week by obtaining a permit for a robotaxi ride-hailing service that does not require a human safety driver. Tesla has been operating a limited fleet of robotaxis in Austin since June, with employees riding in the passenger seat to intervene manually if necessary. Musk recently announced plans to open this service to the general public next month.

In San Francisco, Tesla runs a limited, manned ride-hailing service branded as “autonomous ride-hailing.” Musk posted that the company is “working as quickly as possible to get 100+ Teslas operating for autonomous ride-hailing (can’t use the word ‘taxi’ or ‘cab’ in California) in the Bay Area and allow anyone to request a ride.” However, the California Public Utilities Commission clarified Tesla is not authorized to carry passengers autonomously on public roads in the state.

Tesla’s autonomous vehicle efforts have faced scrutiny, including federal investigations, product liability lawsuits, and recalls following incidents involving Autopilot or FSD systems. The California DMV previously sued Tesla over alleged false advertising concerning its driver assistance features.

While Tesla’s owner manuals specify that Autopilot and FSD require drivers to remain “hands on” and ready to take control, Musk and Tesla have frequently asserted that a Tesla can “drive itself,” fueling ongoing debate and regulatory concern over the safety and marketing of these systems.

By Vafa Guliyeva