Autonomous Vehicles

The DMV administers the Autonomous Vehicles Program and issues permits to manufacturers that test and deploy autonomous vehicles on California public roads. Learn more about the program, regulations, and applying for a permit.

Testing with a Safety Driver
Driverless Testing
Deployment
Autonomous Vehicle Test Permit Application
List of Permit Holders

Feedback

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In This Section

Autonomous Vehicle Regulations

Since we started considering the implications of autonomous vehicle technology on California roads in 2013, we’ve worked to develop regulations for testing and deployment, held public hearings and workshops, and hit key milestones. 

Disengagement Reports

Every year, permit holders in the Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program and Autonomous Vehicle Driverless Tester Program must track and report the number of times their vehicles needed to disengage from autonomous mode during tests. 

Collision Reports

Manufacturers testing autonomous vehicles need to report every collision involving one of their vehicles that results in property damage, bodily injury, or death.

Definitions

Key definitions relating to autonomous vehicles in California.

Resources

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created these documents to guide autonomous vehicle development and deployment in the United States:

News Bulletins

See news bulletins relating to autonomous vehicles.

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Occupational Licensing

Learn more about occupational licensing and find helpful resources.

Explore occupational licensing

Vehicle Industry Services

Learn more about vehicle industry services provided by DMV, including motor carrier services, autonomous vehicle regulations and testing, and the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program.

Learn more about vehicle industry services

Questions?

Email us if you have any questions about autonomous vehicles in California. We are here to help!

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