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 will soon begin testing its self-driving cars in New York City.The autonomous vehicle company has received approval to begin test drives on the streets of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, the city announced on Friday,