Since the California law wouldn't allow Google to test self-driving cars on the road unless they have manual controls and a backup driver onboard, the company has just revealed its latest car prototypes with temporary steering wheels and controls. After each vehicle is assembled, Google fits a temporary steering wheel and set of controls into it. But these manual controls will be removed after the prototypes have finished being tested and permitted, because Google's vehicles are ultimately designed to operate without a human driver.

Google's self-driving vehicles are equipped with sensors and software in order to move and navigate safely.

Some of that prototype testing will take place at Moffett Field, home to NASA's Ames Research Center. Google says its private test track simulates traffic lights, construction zones and even wobbly cyclists to create a busy street environment.

Initial testing is slated to begin in six months from now and the prototypes don't even need to have backup drivers onboard.