Tesla has a plan to launch a "next-generation" taxi service — and it's nothing like what you're used to

Besides a well-functioning vehicle, the most important part of a good taxi ride is a safe driver with excellent navigation skills.

While this may be enough for most passengers, Tesla wants to redefine traditional taxis with its newly proposed service, foreign media write, reports Telegraph.

The first big change? By "banishing" the driver.

According to the Washington Post, Tesla plans to launch a taxi service in California using self-driving autonomous electric vehicles.

Late last year, Tesla reportedly filed a card permit application with the California Public Utilities Commission seeking approval to carry passengers in its vehicles.

And in November, a CPUC official emailed Tesla to propose discussing the next steps of the company's robotaxi proposal, according to an email obtained by the Post.

Meanwhile, a CPUC spokesperson told the newspaper that Tesla's permit is currently under review.

The Post reported that Tesla already has approval to test its driverless vehicles in California — if a human is behind the wheel. However, this new permit will allow Tesla to accept user requests for self-driving rides. /Telegraph/