Tesla on Tuesday received the first in a series of approvals from California required for the electric car maker to eventually launch a promised robotaxi service in the state, according to a state regulator.

The taxi service will initially operate with Tesla employee drivers only, use current-model vehicles, and won’t allow for driverless rides.

Tesla applied for a transportation charter-party carrier permit — a prerequisite for self-driving taxi programs in California — last November. Here's what you should know.