To become a New York City taxi driver your drivers license must be:

  Non-Probationary
  NYS Class E, or A,B,C (Chauffeurs)
  New Jersey N.Y.   State Class E Equivalent
  Connecticut N.Y.   State Class E Equivalent
  Pennsylvania N.Y. State Class E Equivalent

You must have an original social security card, proof of residence and be no less than 19 years old. In addition, you must pass a physical exam and New York State defensive driving course, as well as a drug test, the taxi operators exam and attend a mandatory taxi driver training

There are also associated fees with following requirements:

  New York City Taxi Driver Application Fee
  Fingerprinting Fee
  Drug Test Fee
  New York City Taxi Operator Exam Fee
  Defensive Driving Course
  Applicable Taxi Driver Training Tuition