1. (a) Instruction on the automated driving system technology to be tested in the manufacturer's vehicles, including behind the wheel instruction provided by an experienced driver on the capabilities and limitations of the manufacturer's automated driving systems.

   1. (1) For purposes of this section, an “experienced driver” is one who has met the qualifications provided in Section 227.34, subsections (a) and (b)(1) of this Article and through training and experience has developed skill and knowledge in the operation of the manufacturer's autonomous technology.
2. (b) Defensive driver training, including practical experience in recovering from hazardous driving scenarios.
3. (c) Instruction that matches the level of the autonomous test vehicle driver's experience operating the specific type of automated driving system technology with the level of technical maturity of the automated system.

A manufacturer conducting testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads shall maintain a training program for its autonomous vehicle test drivers and shall provide the department with a course outline and description of the autonomous vehicle test driver training program. Within 10 business days of the adoption of any material modifications, the manufacturer shall provide the department with the modified version of the course outline and description of the training program. The autonomous vehicle test driver training program shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Note: Authority cited: Sections 1651 and 38750, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 38750, Vehicle Code.

History

1. New section filed 5-19-2014; operative 9-16-2014 pursuant to Vehicle Code section 38750(f) (Register 2014, No. 21).

2. Renumbering of former section 227.36 to section 227.40 and renumbering of former section 227.22 to section 227.36, including amendment of subsection (a)(1), filed 2-26-2018; operative 4-1-2018 (Register 2018, No. 9).

3. Amendment of first paragraph filed 4-28-2026; operative 4-28-2026 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2026, No. 18).