Permit

A permit, in the robotaxi context, is regulatory authorization to operate a specific type of service in a specific jurisdiction. Testing permits authorize on-road testing with a safety driver. Driverless testing permits authorize on-road testing with no driver but no passengers. Commercial passenger permits authorize paying passengers in driverless vehicles. The bar rises at each stage. A company holding a commercial passenger permit in eight countries (as WeRide does) is in a structurally different regulatory position than one holding only testing permits.

The registry tracks permit type per deployment where the public record makes the distinction explicit.