Flying cars moved one step closer to reality after PAL-V started testing its Liberty vehicle on public roads.

PAL-V is a startup developing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles that can take to the air as well as drive on the ground. In February, PAL-V reached its final stage in its air certification for its Liberty flying car and has been carrying out a driving program on test tracks since that time. The tests included high-speed ovals, brake and emissions as well as noise pollution testing.

With the approval of the PAL-V Liberty for road usage, the company said consumers will see the flying car on European roads.

The next steps will be for the Liberty to undergo endurance testing in the coming months.

“It was very challenging to make a ‘folded aircraft’ pass all road admission tests,” said Mike Stekelenburg, CTO of PAL-V. “For me, the trick in successfully making flying car is to ensure that the design complies with both air and road regulations.”

The commercialization of the Liberty flying car is expected to be finalized in 2022. Before that happens, more than 1,200 test reports need to be completed before the final 150 hours of flight testing can take place, the company said. After which, deliveries to customers will begin.

Currently, the Liberty flying car is available for pre-order and PAL-V said 80% of those who have already ordered the flying car are new to aviation and will require training for a gyroplane flying license before being able to use the vehicle.