In this article:
- Driver and vehicle requirements
- Obtaining the Maryland TNO AQ
- About the Maryland Transportation Network Operator (TNO) license
Driver and vehicle requirements
To obtain the Maryland Transportation Network operator (TNO) Advanced Qualification and unlock more ride opportunities, any driver currently providing rides in Virginia must meet the following requirements set by Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC):
Driver requirements
Drivers must meet the following requirements:
- Be a certified CareDriver, passing our review of driver’s history and criminal background checks, including a check of state and federal sex offender registries
- Be a resident of Virginia or the District of Columbia
- Maintain a valid driver’s license
- Obtain HopSkipDrive trade dress (decals) for the vehicle
- Have applied for the TNO license and vehicle permit through HopSkipDrive. Learn more about the license here.
Vehicle requirements
Vehicles must meet the following requirements:
- Be no more than 10 years old
- Have a current state vehicle inspection completed in either Virginia or Maryland (emissions inspections are not sufficient)
- Comply with insurance requirements. Learn more about insurance requirements here.
- Properly display the HopSkipDrive trade dress (decals) during all rides:
- Recommended locations for decals:
- When facing the vehicle, affix to the lower left corner/passenger side of the interior front windshield
- When standing at the trunk, affix to the lower right corner/passenger side of the interior back windshield.
- Recommended locations for decals:
- Have the TNO vehicle permit issued by the Maryland PSC.
- A TNO whose application is pending before the Commission is authorized to operate their TNO vehicle on a provisional basis until the Commission makes a decision on the application.
- Not be subject to any open safety recall issued by a vehicle manufacturer or posted online by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To check for any open recalls, use this link.
Obtaining the Maryland TNO AQ
To begin the process of obtaining this AQ:
- Complete this interest form.
- After your response has been received, our team will provide instructions which will include how to complete the TNO license application.
- Once the TNO application has been submitted and set to pending, you may start taking rides
About the Maryland Transportation Network Operator (TNO) license
Maryland law requires that all rideshare drivers obtain a Transportation Network Operator license. These licenses are distributed by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). When you submit the interest form for the Maryland TNO AQ, HopSkipDrive will provide more information about how to apply for a Maryland TNO license.
What is a Transportation Network Operator?
Also referred to as a TNO, is an individual who has been issued a Transportation Network Operator’s License or a Passenger for Hire License by the Maryland PSC and who provides Transportation Network Services.
What is a Transportation Network Company?
Also referred to as a TNC, is a company that has been issued a permit by the PSC and operates in the State of Maryland using a digital network to connect passengers to TNOs for Transportation Network Services. HopSkipDrive is the TNC.
Licensure Requirements
To serve as a Maryland rideshare driver, you must obtain the TNO license. You will not be permitted to perform any rideshare pickups in the state of Maryland until the license has been issued.