Google self-driving prototype in Austin, courtesy photo.

Google self-driving prototype in Austin, courtesy photo.

Google announced Friday that its self-driving prototype vehicles have now begun testing on Austin streets.

The cars will have test drivers onboard with the cars equipped with a removable steering wheel, accelerator pedal and brake pedal that allow the test drivers to take over if needed.

A few weeks ago, Austin Mayor Steve Adler announced the Google self-driving prototypes would soon be hitting Austin streets. Already, Google has been testing its self-driving Lexus RX450h SUVs on Austin streets.

Austin is the only city in which Google is testing its self-driving prototypes outside of its hometown of Mountain View, California.

As part of the project, Google is asking Austin artists to “Paint the Town” by submitting artwork to be featured on the cars. Google will select up to five pieces of art, and all selected artists will also get a ride in one of the self-driving prototypes. To enter and for more details, visit Google’s “Paint the Town” site.