It’s not just Austin:  Read the post on Christian Science Monitor:  Uber tests state laws with driverless cars in San Francisco Without Safety Permits

 The state Department of Motor Vehicles instructed Uber to acquire permits to test its self-driving cars, but the company has said it’s not obligated to do so.

The ride-hailing company plans to bring a “handful” of its self-driving Volvo XC90s to the Bay Area, with an Uber employee ready to take the wheel if the technology fails. But Uber will carry out public tests without a stamp of approval from the state Department of Motor Vehicles.