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Google's autonomous cars, also known as robotic or informally as driverless or self-driving, have passed their first driving test in Nevada, which included a trip along the famous Las Vegas Strip. The cars are controlled by computers processing a combination of mapping data, radar, laser sensors and video feeds. According to The Telegraph, Nevada is the first state to grant a licence to these vehicles to run on public roads. It comes after Nevada passed laws to create a new type of licence for autonomous vehicles last year, which came into effect on March 1. The autonomous cars are based on Toyota Prius hybrid hatchbacks, car having full-width doors that open upward. The cars will carry a distinctive red licence plate with an infinity symbol on the left side. "I felt using the infinity symbol was the best way to represent the 'car of the future'," Nevada DMV director Bruce Breslow was quoted as saying. "The unique red plate will be easily recognized by the public and law enforcement and will be used only for licensed autonomous test vehicles," Breslow added. Google is one off several firms racing to develop cars able to drive themselves. It is competing with car manufacturers as well as military firms to develop the technology. "The vast majority of vehicle accidents are due to human error," California state Senator Alex Padilla said in March when he introduced autonomous car legislation. "Through the use of computers, sensors and other systems, an autonomous vehicle is capable of analyzing the driving environment more quickly and operating the vehicle more safely," he added.

Google's self-driving, robot cars pass driving test along Las Vegas Strip