Tour & Taxi Test Information

The requirements below are necessary to become a Niagara Falls USA tour guide or taxi driver.

Tour Guide and Taxi Driver Study Materials

The Niagara Falls USA tour guide and taxi driver test consists of fill in the blank and multiple choice questions. Click on the links below to download the study materials, or if you prefer hard copies, visit the Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center during normal business hours to pick up.

Basic Information and History of Niagara Falls - a complete guide to the history and facts of the region
Niagara Falls USA Travel Guide - variety of destination articles, business listings, and annual events
Niagara Falls USA Walking Map - map of downtown Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls State Park Map - map of Niagara Falls State Park, including points of interest

In addition, for the taxi driver test only, download the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Drivers Manual, or obtain a copy by visiting your local DMV.

Schedule a Written Test

Destination Niagara USA administers all written tests at the Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Complimentary parking is available in the adjacent lot at the corner of Rainbow Boulevard and First Street; park in one of the designated spaces with signage reading, "Official Visitor Center Parking."

To schedule a tour guide or taxi driver written test, call (716) 282-8992 x311. Test times are available by appointment only, Monday through Friday. Walk-ins will not be accepted. For tour guide licenses only, any applicant that has been issued a license in the past does not need to take the test again, with proof of prior licensing.

Each written test is $10.00, cash only, and a receipt will be provided.
Bring photo ID.
No phones or notes are allowed in the testing room.
Guests who accompany you may not enter the office area or testing room.

Upon passing, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you can then bring to Niagara Falls City Hall to continue the certification process.

To pass the Niagara Falls USA tour guide written test, you cannot have more than 10 out of 50 questions answered incorrectly.
To pass the Niagara Falls USA taxi driver written test, you cannot have more than 6 out of 35 questions answered incorrectly.

If you fail any written test, you must wait at least 24 hours before retaking another test. Each written test attempt costs $10.00 cash.

Tour Guide License Procedure

After successful completion of the Sightseeing examination (Tour Guide Test), all new licensees will obtain a certificate from Destination Niagara USA. Any applicant that has been issued a license in the past does not need to take the test again, with proof of prior licensing.

Every driver guide or sales attendant must obtain a current Niagara Falls Police Record Check. The cost for a police record check is $15.00. Application must be made at the Municipal Public Safety Building located at 1925 Main Street. They are open from 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, Monday - Friday. Applicants must bring valid photo I.D. The record check will be processed in 1 – 5 days. Please call (716) 286-4534 with any questions you may have.
Licenses are issued at the office of the City Clerk located at Niagara Falls City Hall, 745 Main Street - Room 114. Applicant’s photo will be taken at no charge. Office hours are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays. License fees are $50.00 and payable by cash or credit card with $1.95 service charge on cards. It is recommended that applicants come no later than 3:45 PM as the office closes promptly at 4:00 PM.