For the first time, automakers will be able to test autonomous cars with no steering wheels, brake pedals or human drivers on some public roads in California, under legislation signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown. “California has always been a global leader in innovation, and as transportation technologies evolve, so must our laws and regulations,” she said, in a press release. With the passage of AB1592 our state will prove to the federal government and the rest of the nation that California remains the leader, and that the deployment of autonomous vehicles without the presence of a driver can be done safely and successfully. California regulations currently require that any autonomous cars tested on public roads have a human in the driver’s seat — as well as the equipment to ensure that the human can take control if needed. [...] any company wishing to test cars without drivers or steering wheels on public roads within the designated areas must first prove to the county that the cars have successfully navigated similar roads on their own in the past.