While arguments rage about whether driverless technology will actually work on America's streets and highways, the age of autonomous vehicles has officially arrived in California.

Officials from the California Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed that a set of regulations governing how manufacturers can test autonomous vehicles on Golden State roads went into effect Tuesday, Sept. 16 -- and on the same day the departmet issued 29 permits to three companies planning to test self-driving cars on public roads, said a report published by WardsAuto.com.

Volkswagan AG's Audi brand claimed the historic first two permits while Daimler AG, maker of Mercedez-Benz, was granted another two and Google Inc. obtained permits for testing 25 adapted Lexus SUVs, said DMV spokesman Bernard Soriano, who added a few other automakers and first-tier automotive suppliers are also in the process of filing for the permits.

Autonomous car testing has been underway in California for several years without permits, but the state's legislature opted to make permits mandatory for driver-less rides to hit the public roads.

In order to get a permit, the requesting auto operators must demonstrate test drivers will be able to take command of the autonomous vehicles in question at any time.

The newly-implemented regulations actually set rules not just for autonomous vehicle testing, but also the related insurance, registration and reporting procedures by manufacturers, the DMV said in a news release.

The regulations, however, do not address rules for operation of autonomous vehicles by the public, only manufacturers.

Rules governing public operation of driver-less models are currently being developed by DMV.

"Autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation. The potential safety and mobility benefits are enormous," said Jean Shiomoto, DMV Director. "Testing on public roads is one step to developing this technology, and the DMV is excited in facilitating the advancement of autonomous vehicles in California."

The DMV developed the autonomous vehicle testing regulations in compliance with state Senate Bill 1298, which corresponds to Section 38750 of the state's vehicle code.

Under the new regulations, vehicle manufacturers must:

  • Register the test vehicle with DMV;
  • Prove they completed previous autonomous vehicle testing under controlled conditions;
  • Use qualified test drivers who complete a training program and obey all provisions of the vehicle code;
  • Ensure test drivers sit in the driver seat and are capable of immediately taking control of the vehicle;
  • Reports to DMV any accident involving a test vehicle or any situation where the autonomous technology disengages during operation;
  • Maintain $5 million insurance or surety bond.