Tesla launches robotaxi rides without a human chaperone in Austin

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images

• Tesla says some of its cars are now driving passengers without a human monitor in the front seat.
• CEO Elon Musk has been pushing to launch more self-driving cars in other US cities.
• Competitors launched similar products in the city 10 months ago.

Tesla's cars passed their driver's exam.

On Thursday, a Tesla executive said a handful of driverless robotaxis were hitting Austin streets without any human chaperones on board.