OL 318 Form – The OL 318 Form, officially titled the Autonomous Vehicle Tester (AVT) Program Application for Manufacturer’s Testing Permit Driverless Vehicles, is the official California DMV document required for manufacturers seeking authorization to test fully autonomous (driverless) vehicles on public roads in California.
This form enables companies to obtain a Manufacturer’s Testing Permit for driverless operations, a program established by the DMV in 2018 under California Vehicle Code §38750 and Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. It ensures rigorous safety, insurance, and operational standards are met before driverless testing begins. The latest revision (R7 7/2020) remains the current version, with the official PDF available directly from the DMV.
Why the OL 318 Form Matters for Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturers?
California leads the nation in autonomous vehicle (AV) innovation, but driverless testing requires strict oversight to protect public safety. The OL 318 Form is mandatory for any manufacturer wanting to operate Level 4 or Level 5 automated driving systems (per SAE J3016) without a human safety driver inside the vehicle.
Without this permit, driverless testing is illegal on California public roads. Approved manufacturers gain legal access to test fleets while complying with remote operator requirements, local notifications, and collision reporting rules. As of late 2025, only a select group of companies hold active driverless testing permits.
Who Needs to File the OL 318 Form?
Only licensed vehicle manufacturers (or their authorized representatives) may submit the OL 318 Form. It applies exclusively to driverless AV testing permits—not drivered testing (which uses OL 311) or deployment permits (OL 321).
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Prior controlled testing in simulated operational design domains (ODDs)
- $5 million minimum liability coverage (via surety bond OL 317 or self-insurance OL 319)
- Remote operators who are trained, licensed, and employed/contracted by the manufacturer
- No charging fees to the public for rides or property transport during testing
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the OL 318 Form
Filling out the OL 318 Form is straightforward but requires precision. The form can be completed online or printed and filled by hand with black or blue ink.
Section 1: Autonomous Vehicle Tester Information
Provide the manufacturer’s legal name, business details, Secretary of State entity number, contact information, and addresses.
Section 2: Driverless Vehicles Equipped for Testing
List up to 10 vehicles (plate number, state, VIN, year, make, model). Add $50 per additional set of 10 vehicles.
Section 3: Applicant Acknowledgements
Initial all 13 mandatory statements confirming compliance with CCR §227.38, including:
- Vehicle safety in each ODD
- Local authority notifications
- Remote operator communication link and monitoring
- Collision information display (Vehicle Code §16025)
- FMVSS and California Vehicle Code compliance (or NHTSA exemption)
- Law enforcement interaction plan
- Remote operator training
- Passenger privacy notices
- No public fee-charging for testing
Section 4: Attachments
Check and include all required supporting documents (detailed below).
Section 5: Certification
Sign under penalty of perjury as the authorized program administrator.
Pro Tip: Use the official OL 318C Driverless Testing Permit Checklist (PDF) to verify completeness before submission.
Required Attachments and Documents for OL 318 Approval
A complete OL 318 application must include:
- Proof of $5,000,000 liability coverage (OL 317 surety bond or OL 319 self-insurance)
- Written notifications to local authorities (including ODD, roads, dates, contacts)
- Communication link monitoring description
- Vehicle monitoring explanation
- Intended operational design domain (ODD) description
- Law enforcement interaction plan (submit to CHP within 10 days of approval)
- Remote operator training program details and completion dates
- Publicly disclosed safety assessment (if available)
- NHTSA exemption evidence (if applicable for FMVSS)
Corporate documents and vehicle registration proofs may also be required.
Fees, Submission Process, and Processing Time
- Original or Renewal: $3,600 (biennial, covers 10 vehicles)
- Modification: $70
- Additional Vehicle Sets: $50 each
Submit the completed OL 318, attachments, and payment by mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Autonomous Vehicles Branch
2415 1st Avenue, MS D405
Sacramento, CA 95818
Processing typically takes up to 30 business days. Keep copies of everything. Permits are valid for 2 years from the last day of the issuance month.
Direct Download: OL 318 Form PDF (Official DMV Link)
Key Regulations and Ongoing Compliance After Approval
Once approved, permit holders must:
- Report collisions within 10 days (OL 316)
- Submit annual disengagement reports (OL 311R) by January 1
- Notify DMV of any contact/vehicle changes within 10 days
- Restrict testing to approved ODDs and jurisdictions
- Dispose of test vehicles only to other permitted entities
Non-compliance can result in permit revocation.
Recent Updates to the OL 318 Driverless Testing Program (2026)
The DMV continues to streamline the AV program. Driverless testing transactions for OL 318 are now available online in select cases (per 2024 AVIM notice). Permit validity was standardized to 2 years, and the program emphasizes real-world validation of Level 4/5 systems. Manufacturers must first demonstrate extensive drivered testing in many cases before qualifying for full driverless permits.
How to Download and Access the Latest OL 318 PDF?
The most current version is always hosted directly on the official DMV website. Click here for instant access:
Download OL 318 Form PDF
Additional helpful forms:
- OL 318C Checklist
- OL 317 Surety Bond
- OL 319 Self-Insurance Application
Visit the DMV Autonomous Vehicles page for the full driverless testing portal.
Benefits of Securing a California Driverless AV Testing Permit via OL 318
- Legal access to California’s extensive public road network for real-world driverless testing
- Enhanced credibility with investors and regulators
- Contribution to advancing autonomous technology safely
- Pathway to future deployment permits (OL 321)
California’s program has positioned the state as a global hub for AV innovation while maintaining one of the strictest safety frameworks in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions About the OL 318 Form
Q: Is the OL 318 Form only for driverless vehicles?
Yes—drivered testing uses the separate OL 311 form.
Q: Can individuals or non-manufacturers apply?
No. Only manufacturers may apply.
Q: How long is the permit valid?
Two years from the end of the issuance month.
Q: What if I need to add more vehicles later?
Submit a modified OL 318 with the $50 fee per additional set of 10 vehicles.
Q: Where can I find the latest permit holders list?
Check the official DMV Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit Holders page.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always refer to the California DMV’s official Autonomous Vehicles Branch resources. The OL 318 Form remains the essential gateway for safe, legal driverless autonomous vehicle testing in California. Download your copy today and ensure your application meets every regulatory requirement for successful approval.