"Returning to the files, I soon found the puzzle piece. It was in a document Otto had submitted in support of its application to operate the state’s first Autonomous Technology Certification Facility (ATCF). This is an independent organization that will assess all autonomous vehicles that want to operate (rather than just test) in Nevada, checking that they comply with the state’s safety requirements and traffic laws. The application was a success, and construction of the facility is now underway in a suburb of Las Vegas. (Yes, you read that right — Uber will soon be assessing other companies’ compliance with safety rules.)"
https://www.wired.com/2017/02/how-my-public-records-request-...
Certify what, that the car passed the test track? That’s not the hard part.
The hard part is taking responsibility for the performance of the vehicle including the liability for accidents and malfunctions.
When the autonomous vehicles become a comercial reality they will be need to be treated like aircraft: regular maintenance by certified engineers and NO unapproved modifications. Gone will be the ability to pimp your ride, gone will be back yard mechanics and certainly no “jail broken” cars running modified software on the road.