Telemadrid reports that Waymo’s Madrid test authorization covers 16 vehicles, effective October 19, 2026, through October 18, 2028. It is one of two separately reported test programs, not an authorization for commercial passenger rides.
Two separate test programs
Telemadrid reports the vehicle counts and authorization periods below. Waymo has described its initial test sequence; the report says specialists will be on board during the other program’s initial stage.
| Test program | Vehicles | Reported authorization period | Initial phase described |
| Waymo | 16 | October 19, 2026 to October 18, 2028 | Manual driving, followed by technical validation with trained specialists at the wheel |
| Uber, WeRide and AVOMO | 20 | September 4, 2026 to September 3, 2028 | Specialists on board |
The programs have separate authorizations and vehicle counts. Telemadrid describes them as permissions to test, not commercial passenger-service permits.
How Waymo says testing will proceed
Waymo says its Madrid-area preparations begin with people driving electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. The company then plans technical validation with trained local specialists at the wheel. That is the initial sequence Waymo has announced, rather than a description of driverless passenger rides.
In an announcement on October 20, 2026, Waymo said it aims to welcome its first riders in the Madrid region in 2027. Telemadrid also reported that the Uber, WeRide and AVOMO program was expected to move to commercial operations before the end of 2026, conditional on preparations and operational and regulatory requirements.
For more context on the company’s Madrid plans, see NeoTeo’s earlier coverage of Waymo’s preparations and 2027 rider target.
Waymo’s stated work beyond driving tests
Waymo says it is engaging national, regional and local authorities, working with local partners, familiarizing emergency services with its technology and investing in local operations. These are parts of the company’s stated preparations for a possible Madrid-region service.
