Trials of self-driving cars will begin on Victorian roads after the State Government passed legislation to allow driverless vehicles on the road.
VicRoads will now be able to grant permits to individuals or organisations wanting to test automated vehicles. 
These changes to the Road Safety Act will encourage industry leaders to develop the new technology in Victoria, according to the State Government.
A $9 million grant program for researchers and industry has also been announced under the Towards Zero Road Strategy and Action Plan.
The grants will go towards supporting the development of vehicles with automated technology and safety features.
The Victorian Government expects the introduction of self-driving cars to be a game changer and expect to ultimately eliminate human driver error.
All driverless vehicle tests will require a human supervisor to monitor the vehicle under the new laws.
As the technology progresses, this condition may be removed to allow the vehicle to drive in automated mode in limited circumstances.
“Victoria is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology and these changes will allow our best and brightest to continue to drive transport innovation,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan.
“Automated vehicles are the future of road safety – that’s why we’re investing in trials and giving researchers better access to Victorian roads,” he said.
VicRoads Acting Deputy Chief Executive Robyn Seymour said they are excited to support trials of automated vehicles, which could revolutionise the way people travel.
“This technology will save lives, and make our roads safer for all Victorians.”
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