Google Driverless Cars Prepare to Hit the Road

Google's shuttle is ready to hit the streets.

Google Inc. expects to begin testing a few of its new self-driving prototype vehicle on public roads near its headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., within weeks. It has been testing the unnamed model on closed roads and test tracks.

Provisional drivers will ride in the vehicles during the road tests and can take control of the cars if necessary. The company plans to allow consumers to test the little runabouts within two years and hopes to begin selling autonomous vehicles within five years.

The Internet-search giant has been road testing its technology loaded into a Lexus RX 450h crossover vehicle since September.

Google's pod-like prototype uses the same basic software as the autonomous RX 450h but was built from the ground up to drive on its own. It uses hidden sensors and sophisticated algorithms to help it navigate roadways, traffic and other obstacles. Top speed is limited to 25 mph.