Apple has been granted a
Permit that enables it to
Test auto**mous vehicles on public roads in the state of California, according to the
California DMV website (via
Business Insider).
Apple was added to the list of
Permit holders that are allowed to participate in the Auto**mous Vehicle Tester Program in
California on Friday, joining companies like Google, Tesla, BMW, Honda, Ford, Nissan, and more.
Obtaining a
Permit for auto**mous vehicle testing requires multiple steps, including outlining details for each specific vehicle being tested, suggesting
Apple may have some sort of
Test vehicle that's road ready. Whether
Apple will actually begin testing a vehicle remains to be seen, as some companies sign up and then don't go on to use it, but should
Apple begin vehicle testing, public reports will need to be filed.
In California, all companies that participate in the Auto**mous Vehicle Testing Program must file
Disengagement Reports that outline how many miles were covered with
Self-Driving vehicles, so if
Apple does
Test a vehicle, the information will be shared on the DMV's website.
Apple's acceptance into the Auto**mous Vehicle Tester Program confirms the company's work on a car-related project. Early rumors suggested
Apple was developing its own auto**mous electric vehicle, but
Apple is said to have
since transitioned to building an auto**mous driving system rather than a full blown car.
Developed under the leadership of Bob Mansfield, Apple's auto**mous driving system could allow it to partner with existing car makers or return to its own car development project in the future.
Apple executives have reportedly given the car team until 2017 to prove the feasibility of an Apple-designed auto**mous driving system, and its approval to road-test vehicles could be a signal that the project is advancing.
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