CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is going to begin working on a bill that would propose regulations for self-driving vehicles.

DMV Acting Commissioner Steve Dale told state lawmakers Monday the driverless vehicles are already being tested in four states.

“It’s certainly something that is definitely on the front burner as far as DMVs are concerned,” Dale said.

Vehicle manufacturers are coming out with additional options every year.

“In 2019 they project that self-driving technology packages will be available on new cars and by 2020 the prediction is that driving will become highly automated,” Dale said.

The acting commissioner said it’s a progression that began when the stick-shift went to automatic transmission and disc brakes went to the anti-lock braking system.

Del. Margaret Staggers, D-Fayette, asked Dale to come up with a proposed bill for lawmakers to consider in next year’s regular session.

“It’s going to come and West Virginia might as well not be (last) in this. We might as well do something,” Staggers said.