The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) gave Tesla its much-awaited ride-hail permit, which it needs to officially begin its robotaxi operations. This follows the application that Tesla made last year which now designates it as a transportation charter-party carrier (TCP).

The taxi service will initially operate with Tesla employee drivers only, use current-model vehicles, and won’t allow for driverless rides.

Tesla was granted a permit to operate a taxi service in what is seen as a first step toward driverless taxis for the electric vehicle brand.