August 13, 2025

Tesla Seeks Vehicle Operators for Testing in Queens

News Summary

Tesla is recruiting vehicle operators in Queens, New York, to help test its automated driving systems, despite not having applied for the necessary testing permits. The hourly wage for these positions ranges from $25.25 to $30.60. The company faces challenges, including declining electric vehicle sales and regulatory scrutiny, while competitors like Waymo have begun their permit applications in New York. Tesla has achieved approval for a ride-hailing service in Texas, contrasting with New York’s regulations requiring a human safety driver during AV testing.

New York – Tesla is currently seeking vehicle operators in Queens, New York, to assist in testing its cars equipped with automated driving systems. This move comes despite the fact that the company has not yet applied for the necessary permits to conduct autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in New York City, a requirement set by local regulations.

According to job listings on Tesla’s website, selected vehicle operators will be tasked with driving engineering vehicles for extended durations while conducting audio and camera data collection. The hourly wage for these positions ranges from $25.25 to $30.60, depending on the applicant’s experience. Additional compensation is provided for those working evening or night shifts.

A representative from the New York City Department of Transportation has confirmed that Tesla has not submitted any applications for the permits required to test AVs on the city’s streets. New York law stipulates that a trained safety driver must remain in the vehicle during AV testing, a rule that emphasizes safety in urban environments.

Furthermore, Tesla has not filed an application for AV testing in New York State, which has been corroborated by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. This contrasts with competitor Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, which has initiated an application to test AVs in New York, and whose request is currently under review.

Tesla’s recruitment for test drivers occurs in the context of several challenges the company is facing, including a notable drop in electric vehicle sales in Europe and increased political criticism directed toward CEO Elon Musk. Despite these hurdles, Tesla has been actively posting test driver positions in various cities beyond New York, including Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and its headquarters in Palo Alto, California.

The job descriptions for Tesla’s test drivers require applicants to be well-versed with automated driving systems and possess strong communication and technical skills. Notably, Tesla recently achieved approval in Texas to run a ride-hailing service that operates without a human driver onboard, which differs from New York’s regulations that require a human presence for AV testing.

In Texas, Tesla has been managing a limited fleet of robotaxis in Austin since late June, with safety personnel positioned in the passenger seat. A public launch for Tesla’s robotaxi service in Austin is slated for September, broadening the availability of this innovative service. In San Francisco, Tesla is offering a human-operated car service branded as “autonomous ride-hailing,” although it remains unauthorized for full autonomous operations.

Tesla’s approach to autonomous vehicles has attracted various federal investigations and product liability lawsuits following multiple incidents related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. Complications have arisen from claims that the company misrepresented its driver assistance systems, which necessitate driver oversight. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has taken legal action against Tesla for accusations of false advertising regarding these safety systems.

As Tesla continues to innovate in AI and robotics, the recent job listings for test drivers indicate a broader strategy to advance its presence in the burgeoning AV market. While the company pushes forward with its ambitious plans, adhering to regulatory requirements will be pivotal in shaping its future endeavors in the autonomous vehicles sector.