Self-driving technology developer Waymo has been granted a permit to test its autonomous vehicles throughout California until July 2022.
Granted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the permit imposes a number of restrictions meaning that the vehicles will still need to be manned by a safety operator and will carry passengers free of charge.
The vehicle must also be insured for public liability and property damage for the full duration of the permit.
In May this year, Waymo launched a ridehailing partnership with taxi service Lyft in a small area outside Phoenix, Arizona. There are currently 10 minivans in operation, each supervised by a safety operator.