It's the first permit of its kind, and a crucial step along the path toward launching a true robotaxi service in the Big Apple.

Waymo is largely considered the gold standard for autonomous ride-share services, offering computer-piloted -rides in five of the largest cities in the U.S—and, generally speaking, doing so in a reliable and safe manner. Now, the Mountain View, California-based company is one step closer to expanding into its biggest city yet: New York, New York.

Waymo secured a permit from New York City on Friday to test its autonomous vehicles on the city’s streets, days after New Yorkers reported spotting some of Waymo’s distinctive cars driving around Manhattan, though the vehicles had human drivers.