Google Is Issued The Nation’s First License To Test Self-Driving Cars In Nevada

Welcome to the future!

The DMV just issued Google the nation’s first license to test self-driving cars on public streets, after conducting demonstrations on the Las Vegas Strip and in Carson City that show the car is as safe, or even safer than a human driver.

Laser radar mounted on the roof and in the grill detects pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, creating a virtual buffer zone around the obstacles that the car then avoids.

While some envision the robotic car dropping off its operator at the front of the mall and hunting for a parking spot on its own.

Nevada’s regulations require two people in the test cars at all times. One person is behind the wheel, while the other person monitors a computer screen that shows the car’s planned route and keeps tabs on roadway hazards and traffic lights.

So far, Google’s applied to license three test vehicles. The cars will display red plates and an infinity symbol to represent their status as vehicles of the future.

Once they’re ready for the market the plates will be green.