TLC Licensee Leaders: Davene Taylor

A New Yorker by way of Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, FHV driver discusses heritage, memorable passengers, and moving toward what makes you happy

Taylor emphasizes the importance of wearing one’s seatbelt

Davene Taylor met with the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) in Harlem over the summer to share her views on the for-hire vehicle (FHV) industry and moving her family to NYC. An FHV driver originally from Jamaica, Taylor advocates for sharing the streets, practicing patience, and seeking out opportunity.

TLC: As a “Licensee Leader” for August 2023, what does recognizing driver leadership in safety, accessibility, and customer service mean to you?

Davene Taylor: It definitely means a whole lot. Setting a good example is something that a person should work towards because being a leader and being exceptional in whatever you do really counts. It means a lot.

TLC: Why do you think setting an example is important to encourage safe driving across the industry?

DT: My overall thing is that in life, if you’re doing something, you should do the best that you can do. Because there is no room for mistakes and there is no possibility to go back to get it done. So do it right the first time.

TLC: If not in New York City, where did you grow up?

DT: I was born in Jamaica in a parish called Westmoreland. It is rural Jamaica. And I grew up basically on a farm, where I lived with my grandfather, my sisters, and my mother, who would leave for work in the city. I think it molded me into who I am today.

“I like providing services for people. I like making people happy. I enjoy being a part of their appreciation and gratitude. The expression on their faces… that makes me happy.”

TLC: Was there anything from your upbringing that helped shape who you are today?

DT: My mother wasn’t there most of the time and it wasn’t because she didn’t want to be, but because she had to work to provide for me and my older sister. And I think that gave me a sense of independence. In a sense, I grew up a little bit faster because I depended more on myself than on my mother or any other adult. Already, my son is like, “Mommy, you are the strongest person I have ever seen.” And I feel that’s because I keep moving towards whatever it is that I want. Whatever goal I set, no matter how challenging it gets, I keep working towards it.

My sister, growing up, was the introvert. And I was the extrovert. So, she was the more laid-back person. She had her own challenges, but she had channeled them earlier into education. But, for me, that wasn’t the case.

Taylor in Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood

TLC: What do you feel you were more focused on at that time?

DT: I was always out with friends, doing hair. I love to do hair and I still do hair today. That is how I learned, because I was always doing everybody else’s hair. Also, I was cooking from an earlier age. Things like that. I feel I was more focused on being with friends and building a community. Everything you choose to do prepares you for the future. Because everything I was doing back then, even if I wasn’t more focused on school, I gained the skills that I am using today.

“People will forget the things you do for them, but will never, ever forget the way you made them feel. So, you should always try to make the experience memorable.”

TLC: Wonderful. What initially brought you to NYC?

DT: So, I moved here first in 2017. I first got a visa to come here in 2015, a few months after my son was born. We traveled here twice, just to visit, but I decided to move here in 2017 because I wanted to provide a better life for him. I felt there was more opportunity. I actually got married, and then I eventually moved here. I was living in New Jersey, and it was okay there, but I thought I needed to try this city life. And so, I’ve been living in New York City since 2021. During the pandemic.

TLC: What was it like moving to the City at that time?

DT: It was still the beginning of the pandemic. It was challenging because I had to get used to being inside. And it’s a bigger city. Everything is different from being in New Jersey. At one point, I thought I was literally going to go crazy because I am a country girl. And I’m not used to being inside all day. So, it was a big adjustment, and it was hard working through it, but I did.

TLC: What first inspired you to start driving professionally?

DT: I decided I had to figure out something that I could do where I could depend on myself and that would work with my son’s schedule. I must be able to support him, and myself, and achieve my goals. I also wanted to go to college to earn my degree. So, I learned about Uber. And went to get my TLC driver’s license.

Taylor sought a move to the U.S. to create opportuinty for her family

TLC: Did you know any taxi or FHV drivers before you started driving?

DT: The person who encouraged me to move to New York is a taxi driver. He told me about the industry and about Uber. He said, “Listen. If you want to do something that’s flexible with your son’s schedule, it’s best for you to do Uber.” So that’s when I did the research, saved up the money, and went ahead and got the license. He was the one who told me about it. He’s been here for 20-something years and has been driving for a long time. He told me, “If you decide to, you can get up and go make the money to pay your rent in a couple of days. You decide when.”

TLC: How important was the idea of being self-employed to you?

DT: It meant everything to me. I did not want to go to work for anybody. I’ve always been an entrepreneur. Even back home. I have owned three restaurants. So, yes, it is something that I like to do. So, I learned about Uber, and felt that it was the perfect thing for me. I love to interact with people and to travel. And I saw driving as including these two things I love to do, and felt it was the perfect thing for me.

TLC: What did you think of the process of becoming licensed, including attending driver education classes?

DT: It was challenging. But like in life, everything new will be challenging, if you see it that way. But you must look at the positive parts of your life, such as why you are doing something. I just focus on reaching the end and how I needed to move forward.

“Customer service is everything. If you have an open space, and you let someone into that space, you should give them the best experience. Communication is always key.”

TLC: What was it like for you at the beginning? Did certain driving skills come more naturally than others?

DT: I love driving and have always been driving. It came naturally. I love driving and traveling. I have drove from New York to Louisiana. That’s a 23-hour drive. I have also driven to Boston, two years ago, with my son and my sister. Next, I want to drive to Florida, or somewhere else. I love road trips. I have always been a driver. I was the only person in my family who was driving back home. So, whenever family members would come back from overseas, or whenever somebody wanted to go somewhere, I was the person that they would call.

TLC: Do you think that has also played a role in you choosing this profession?

DT: I like providing services for people. I like making people happy. I enjoy being a part of their appreciation and gratitude. Somebody getting something done that they had wanted to. Just the expression on their faces… that makes me happy.

TLC: In what ways does driving in NYC differ from driving elsewhere?

DT: It’s very different. If you can drive in Jamaica, you can definitely drive in New York. We have small roads. We don’t have big highways. But drivers in New York are persistent, and while on the road, they might not let you go through. So, you have to master patience. Whereas Jersey is a nice, slow feel, in New York you have to be mindful of horn-honking at the change of the light, other drivers cutting you off, and some of the craziest things. You see it in New York. If you don’t have patience, you cannot drive professionally here.

FHV driver Taylor talks heritage, entrepreneurship, and safe driving practices

TLC: What quality have you found essential as a safe driver in NYC?

DT: Don’t be in a rush If you are rushing to get somewhere, you might make a decision that is not the right decision. And you may not end up at your destination. So, it is not worth it. Just take it slow, don’t take anything personal, and you’ll be fine. Be patient and it will be okay.

TLC: What is something that is important to work on as a driver, for everyone?

DT: I have been trying to teach my sister to drive. She doesn’t want to. She is nervous. One time I tried to have her drive from Jersey to New York. And my son was like, “Mom, do not let Auntie drive.” [Laughs.] Because she’s just too nervous, and that’s the thing. I’m like, you can’t be nervous on the road.

If she decides she wants to drive, she will get there. But otherwise, if she wants to get somewhere, she will call her sister and her sister will take her wherever she wants to go. [Laughs.] If her bike does not take her there. Because she rides everywhere. She also rides through a sponsorship, raising money for kids who cannot pay their tuition. I wish I could cycle but I can’t!

“To drive safely, you have to be focused. Do not be distracted by your phone. Feeling safe is very important. One single mistake can cost someone’s life. So, follow the rules. There is no leeway. That is how I see it.”

TLC: Have there been any passengers who have had a lasting impression on you?

DT: Yes, I have passengers who stick out, that I will always remember. I had this passenger, a lady, who I picked up in Queens. I forgot her name, but I will always remember her. It was halfway into the ride that I started to talk to her. She was elderly, going through a divorce, going through a lot. And, I was as well at the time, but she didn’t know that. So, I was speaking with her and being encouraging. And she was like, “You don’t know what you’ve done [for me].” And when I got to the destination, she was still sitting in the car for a long time, talking. She did not leave. And it was so nice to just sit there and talk with her. She was like, “Can I give you a hug?” And she gave me a hug.

And there was this other lady I met downtown. She wanted to talk about my son and said, “You sound like a great mother. And your son sounds like he is super smart.” And she said she wanted to send me money through the app, as a tip, to open an account for my son. And she did. She gave me a good tip.

I’ve had a passenger that was going through aches and pains. For me, I am borderline diabetic. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my son, so I am borderline. And my son is too. So, when asked, I tried to just give her some advice, such as developing healthy eating habits. And she was excited to learn about that.

People will forget the things you do for them, but will never, ever forget the way you made them feel. So, you should always try to make the experience memorable.

TLC: It sounds like you have had some very happy customers.

DT: It’s exciting. It feels like I am working, but like I am helping others, in more than one way. Life is not all about money. You need money to pay bills. But doing something doesn’t mean that you should do it to get rewarded with money alone. That should not be the outlook.

“I might mention, ‘Would you mind putting your seatbelt on? It won’t be a long trip and I would appreciate if you put it on.’ And from saying that, I’ve never had any negative feedback. Because it’s for your safety.”

TLC: Has there been anything unexpected you have learned from a passenger?

DT: I have learned a whole lot. A passenger will come and start a conversation, and might go ahead and ask me, “What else do you do?” And I will tell them about how I am going to school, and I am also planning to go into the healthcare field as well. They will ask me about my interests and point me in a direction that perhaps I did not know about. So, yes, I have learned a lot from them.

For example, there was this one nurse practitioner I had picked up as a passenger. He wanted to encourage me. He said, “You sound smart. Are you going towards your dreams?” He encouraged me to get my High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma and get into college. And he was Jamaican too. He said, “You can rise. Whatever it is, just make that step.” He continued, “And whatever help you need, once you make that step, just reach out to me and I will do whatever I can.”

TLC: Why, in your opinion, is having great customer service skills important as a NYC taxi or FHV driver?

DT: Customer service is everything. If you have an open space, and you let someone into that space, you should give them the best experience. Communication is always key. While communicating, you will also figure out if the person would like to talk. The conversation will take its own direction from there. It’s about having a good personality and good communication skills.

Communication is everything. You can share one word with somebody, and it can change their entire day. For the better. For me, it’s always good to say, “Good morning,” or “How was your day?” It can mean a whole lot to that person.

TLC: In what way do you find community in NYC?

DT: When you surround yourself with the right people, in the right neighborhood, it is great. It’s the American life I’m looking for — the American dream.

“There are always opportunities in this industry, driving and as a business owner. I am excited to see how I can develop more as well as accomplish my academic goals. The sky is the limit. And if I want to own my own business, it would be another step forward.”

TLC: Are there any other goals you have that you would like to share?

DT: I am also studying to be a nurse. I graduated from my HSE classes this summer. And it has been a journey. It’s a journey I am on right now.

I have an interview story with them coming out as well, as they are focused on empowering women to complete their HSE diploma. The school is called Grace Outreach, an education center in the Bronx. In three years, I should complete my associate’s. From there, I’d like to attend Columbia University or Hunter College for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Actually, one of the ladies whose hair I do keeps recommending me to go see the campus at Hunter.

It’s always been a passion of mine. When I was in fifth grade, my mother got injured and I had to take care of her. That’s when I learned it was something I wanted to do. I also want to be a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). This stems from me wanting to protect people who are under anesthesia.

TLC: What does your schedule tend to look like?

DT: My son gets to school at 8:00 a.m., and I get to school at 9:00 a.m. I get off at 3:00 p.m. and he gets off at 4:00 p.m. Once I get home, and make sure his homework is done, I make him dinner. Then I have a sitter who accompanies him while I go to work at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. She puts him to bed by 8:30 p.m. and I get home by midnight or 1:00 a.m.

TLC: During a workday, how often do you take a break? Why is it important to take time out from driving?

DT: Sometimes I only take one break. You need a break, to refresh. It’s necessary. After every couple of hours, you do need at least a few minutes — just to breathe, just to not be that focused.

Taylor, pictured with her son, speaks on the importance of seatbelt use

TLC: What neighborhoods are you most excited to conduct trips in?

DT: I love to go to Queens. And I love to get the rides that take a long time — like those hour-long rides. When I get one of those, I am so excited. Or an hour and a half, going upstate somewhere, it’s so nice. I get that type of ride two or three times per week. Though I wish that was every ride I got! I like far rides. For example, I had this family who was moving with their son from downtown. They had bought a house almost two hours away. So, I took them and their son up there, upstate. Going to Connecticut, or somewhere further, would be exciting. I would love that!

TLC: Do you tend to receive a lot of airport trip requests as well?

DT: I love airport rides. I used to wake up very early for the early morning airport rides. And then, still, for example on Saturdays, I’ll start around 4:30 a.m. and that tends to be an airport ride. And then I’ll work for the rest of the day, and the airport rides will pick up again toward the end of the day.

TLC: Where are you usually when you receive a trip request to go to the airport?

DT: So, sometimes you will have a pre-arranged trip with a passenger who has scheduled the ride. I always check for those. That’s how I get most of them. Otherwise, if I leave my house and drive down to 51st Street or somewhere down there, there’s a possibility I’m going to end up at the airport. And then, if I want to go to Jersey to go get some gas, to cross the bridge, then I’ll just go drive around 42nd Street. [Laughs.] And more than likely, the trip is going to send me to Jersey. There are certain places, that based on where you are, you know where you’re going to end up.

“Slow down. Just slow down. Because most of the time, it’s about speeding. You might save your life or someone else’s life.”

TLC: As someone who has demonstrated a commitment in safe driving, what does it mean to be driving safely, in your opinion?

DT: To drive safely, first, you have to be focused. Do not be distracted by your phone. Safety and feeling safe is very important. This means no cell phones. And you must always follow the rules of the road. One single mistake can cost someone’s life. So, follow all the rules. There is no leeway. That is how I see it.

TLC: Since your work might also involve using a cell phone such as to accept a trip, do you keep your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving?

DT: I do not focus on anything other than driving when I am driving. And I am also planning to get a second phone which will be just for work purposes. Even after I help the passenger arrive to their destination, I am not interested in using the phone for personal use. I want to separate work and my personal life entirely. Also, you cannot have the phone ringing and distracting you or taking your navigation setup off the screen. You have to always be prepared.

TLC: What reminders might you have for other taxi and FHV drivers about safe driving?

DT: I have been in a situation where I went to pick up a passenger and my navigation was telling me to make a turn down a one-way street. The passenger told me it was just a few days earlier that it became a one-way street. You might have that person who understands when the route changes. Though not every passenger might understand this to know that [the traffic change] is not your fault. You have to be mindful of that. Otherwise, be aware of the speed limit.

TLC: What about seatbelt use? Do you offer a reminder to passengers to wear their seatbelts before starting the trip?

DT: With the Highlander, a beeping sound won’t go off until all of the seatbelts are on. It’s deafening. [Laughs.] So, they have to put it on. And if there is still someone who still does not want to put it on, I might mention, “Would you mind putting your seatbelt on? It won’t be a long trip and I would appreciate if you put it on.” And from saying that, I’ve never had any negative feedback. Because it’s for your safety. Every day, when I go out to work, my goal is to be going home to my son. So, I am going to do everything in my power to protect myself and everybody.

“Setting a good example is something that a person should work towards because being a leader and being exceptional in whatever you do really counts … Everything you choose to do prepares you for the future.”

TLC: What are your thoughts on the future of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs)?

DT: We will eventually get there. Moreso, for me, it is about the environment. And when it comes to our health, I think it is a good idea. As [manufacturers] create more electric cars, it’s going to get cheaper, and it’s not going to be just Tesla. Hyundai and other manufacturers are starting to have electric cars.

TLC: What are you most excited about when it comes to your own future in the FHV industry?

DT: There are always opportunities in this industry, driving and as a business owner. I am excited to see how I can develop more, in this industry, as well as accomplishing my academic goals. The sky is the limit. And if I want to own my own business, it would be another step forward.

TLC: Last question. Any essential advice for New Yorkers, drivers and passengers alike, looking to stay safe?

DT: Slow down. Just slow down. Because most of the time, it’s about speeding. You might save your life or someone else’s life.

TLC: Thank you so much.

DT: You’re welcome.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.