The first permits to test self-driving vehicles on public roads in California have been issued this week, it has been announced. A total of 29 permits were issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles on Tuesday, the first day it became a mandatory requirement for organizations wishing to test autonomous vehicles on public roads in the state.

The permits were issued to three companies: Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Google Inc.

• Audi, a division of Volkswagen AG, requested two permits to trial its driver-less model.

• Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG, requested two permits to trial its autonomous model.

• Google Inc. requested 25 permits to trial a Lexus SUV – manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corp – that has been adapted for self-drive.

According to DMV Deputy Director Bernard Soriano, Audi was the first automobile manufacturer to receive a permit, an historic accolade for the German manufacturer. With its 25 permits, Google may have just earned bragging rights though.

A number of other automobile manufacturers and suppliers are thought to be in the process of applying for self-driving permits. Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Toyota have all confirmed they are investigating and trialing driver-less technology. Stipulations required to obtain a permit include: each vehicle being insured or bonded for $5 million; test drivers being able to take over the controls of an automated vehicle at any time; and all accidents being reported immediately to the DMV.

Driver-less vehicles are being heralded as the future of driving, with many suggesting they will reduce road traffic accidents and save lives. Early estimates suggest that the first fully-automated vehicle could be on the road as early as 2020. A recent study from IHS Automotive suggests that by 2025 as many as 230,000 self-drive vehicles may be manufactured across the globe.

California is the first state in the United States to issue permits for the testing of driver-less vehicle.