I was behind the wheel when a self-driving Uber failed - here's what happens

Business Insider/Corey Protin

Uber is letting people experience its self-driving car for the first time starting Wednesday.

The popular ride-hailing service is letting a select few people hail Uber's self-driving car as part of a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pilot. The cars can only drive in certain locations, like downtown Pittsburgh and the Shadyside neighborhood. Those in the pilot will get to ride for free, but an Uber spokesperson said that may change in time.

The move shows both Uber's commitment to getting its vehicles mainstream first and making sure people are comfortable with where Uber is heading.

Uber let us get behind the wheel and experience what it's like to monitor a giant robot on wheels doing all the leg work for you, but not everything went according to plan.