Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Google have all been granted permits to test self-driving cars on the public roads of California.
In total, 29 permits were issued with 25 of them going to Google to test a couple dozen autonomous Lexus SUVs. Audi and Mercedes-Benz then received two permits each to test their self-driving technologies.
Audi was reportedly the first to apply for the permits followed by Mercedes-Benz and then Google. A selection of other automakers and suppliers are said to be looking for permits also.
Previously, autonomous cars were able to test on Californian roads without a permit. However, changes to legislature have made them mandatory with one of the key requirements for a permit to be granted is for the test driver to be able to take over the self-driving car whenever necessary.
