Waymo becomes the first company approved to test self-driving cars in New York City
Waymo has secured a landmark permit to test its self-driving vehicles in New York City, marking the first time the city has authorized such trials. The company confirmed to TechCrunch that testing will begin “immediately.”
Under the permit, Waymo is allowed to deploy up to eight of its Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through late September. Each vehicle must have a trained safety operator in the driver’s seat with at least one hand on the wheel at all times. The company is prohibited from picking up passengers, since that would require additional licensing from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Waymo must also meet regularly with the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) and submit data on its operations, according to the mayor’s office.
A Stepping Stone Toward Robotaxis in NYC
The approval brings Waymo closer to eventually launching a robotaxi service in New York, which would be its most complex market yet. The Alphabet-owned company currently operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, and Los Angeles—all warm-weather cities, with only San Francisco approaching the density and traffic complexity of New York.
Waymo has been preparing for years. It first brought its Chrysler Pacifica minivans to the city in 2021 to conduct mapping exercises, laying the groundwork for eventual testing. Even so, approval was not guaranteed. The company applied for the permit in June and spent months working with lawmakers and community organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, to build support.
New Safety Regime Under Mayor Adams
The permit comes as part of a new autonomous vehicle safety framework launched by Mayor Eric Adams in 2024. Applicants must coordinate with first responders and provide a detailed testing plan to the DOT, as well as submit safety documentation outlining the qualifications of safety operators.
In addition to city approval, Waymo obtained the required permits from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Once the trial period concludes in late September, Waymo will need to apply for an extension if it wishes to continue testing.
If successful, the move could accelerate New York City’s adoption of autonomous vehicle technology—though many hurdles remain before New Yorkers can hail a fully driverless Waymo ride.
