The Latest: Consumer group applauds self-driving car rules

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The latest on the California Department of Motor Vehicles' draft regulations that would allow consumers to get self-driving cars (all times local):

11 a.m.

A consumer group is applauding California regulators for draft rules that require a licensed driver be behind the wheel once self-driving cars are ready for the public.

The state's Department of Motor Vehicles unveiled the precedent-setting rules Wednesday. They will help frame how regulators elsewhere give consumers access to the cars.

John Simpson, privacy project director at Consumer Watchdog, approves of the DMV's cautious approach. He says the technology hasn't been proven safe and it makes good sense to require a driver at the ready, as well as other safety certifications from manufacturers and an independent tester.

Simpson expects the industry to push back on the draft rules, which are subject to public comment and will not be final for months.

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10 a.m.

California regulators say self-driving cars of the future must have a licensed driver behind the wheel, at least until the technology is proven safe.

The state's Department of Motor Vehicles unveiled precedent-setting draft regulations Wednesday. They will help frame how regulators elsewhere give consumers access to the cars.

Though no manufacturer has said the cars are ready yet, the most aggressive suggest a model could be ready within a few years.

California's proposed rules will slow the public deployment of the cars. They are subject to public comment and will not be final for months.

The DMV has struggled with how to know the technology is safe - before letting it move beyond the current testing of prototypes on public roads. As a result, the regulations are nearly a year overdue.