Self-Driving Cars: Redefining the Future of Transportation
Kareem Alchorbaji
Md Nasir Uddin Khan
What is a Self-Driving Car?
A self-driving car (also called an autonomous vehicle) can drive without human input using sensors, cameras, radar, and AI software.
“Autopilot” is a general term used in many fields, like aviation, to describe systems that can run on their own. In cars today (2025), most companies focus on Level 2 autonomy, where the car can help with steering, speeding up, and slowing down. But the driver still has to pay attention and be ready to take over. This isn’t the same as fully driverless cars like the robotaxis from Waymo or Cruise, which are being tested in places like California.
Levels of autonomy (from Level 0 to Level 5)
To start, it’s important to understand what “autopilot” really means. In the world of self-driving cars, there are different levels of automation. These range from simple driver assistance systems like cruise control to more advanced semi-autonomous features, and ultimately, fully self-driving technology. To keep things clear, the industry uses a classification system with specific levels to define each stage of automation.
Timeline: Key Milestones
2004–2010: Early Prototypes and DARPA Challenges
- 2004–2007: DARPA Grand Challenges push the first real advances in autonomous vehicle tech.
- 2009: Google launches its self-driving car project (later becomes Waymo).
2011–2015: Testing and Early Public Demos
- Google tests self-driving vehicles on public roads.
- Tesla introduces Autopilot (driver assistance, not full autonomy).
2016–2020: Rapid Development and Hype
- Waymo starts testing fully driverless cars (with no safety driver) in Phoenix, AZ.
- Uber, Apple, Baidu, and others invest in autonomous driving tech.
- Tesla claims “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) is coming soon—but remains a Level 2 system.
2021–2023: Reality Sets In
- Waymo and Cruise (GM) launch limited autonomous taxi services in select U.S. cities.
- Multiple companies scale back or delay full autonomy rollouts.
- Tesla’s FSD Beta expands to more users, still requiring driver attention.
How Do They Work?
- 🚘 Sensors & Cameras: Detect surroundings
- 🧠 AI/Software: Makes decisions
- 🗺️ GPS & Maps: Know where to go
- ⚠️ Machine Learning: Learn from experience
Core AutoPilot Features:
- Stop-and-Go Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is like an upgraded version of old-school cruise control. You still set your speed, but now the car can also use cameras and radar to keep a safe distance from the car ahead. It automatically slows down or speeds up based on traffic. Newer versions can even come to a full stop and start moving again on their own. It’s super helpful for people who drive in heavy city traffic every day.
- Automated, Lane-Centering (ALC)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) is a common feature in many cars that gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if it starts to drift, acting more like a backup than a full driving system. More advanced autopilot-style systems take it further by continuously keeping the car centered in the lane, especially on highways, and can follow gentle curves to make long drives easier. However, these systems aren’t perfect, the driver still needs to stay alert and ready to take control.
- Automated Lane Changes
Automated Lane Changing lets the car switch lanes on its own, usually on highways, once the driver signals or confirms the lane change. The car uses its sensors to check if the lane is clear and only makes the move when it’s safe. It’s kind of like a smart helper that double-checks before merging.
- Autopilot on All Roads
Right now, most autopilot systems are mainly built for driving on highways and freeways, roads with on-ramps and off-ramps, where there’s no cross-traffic or intersections to worry about. Some systems can also work on regular roads, as long as the lane markings are clear. But in those cases, the driver still has to stay fully alert to handle things like stop signs, traffic lights, and cars crossing at intersections.
- Follow Navigation Route (freeways only)
This system lets the car automatically follow a navigation route on freeways, from on-ramp to off-ramp. It can change lanes by itself without the driver needing to use the turn signal and can even handle freeway interchanges. Once the vehicle exits the freeway, the driver takes control again.
5.Follow Navigation Route (freeways only)
This system lets the car automatically follow a navigation route on freeways, from on-ramp to off-ramp. It can change lanes by itself without the driver needing to use the turn signal and can even handle freeway interchanges. Once the vehicle exits the freeway, the driver takes control again.
What About Basic Safety Features?
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) to avoid a front-end collision if a large object is detected ahead.
- Blind Spot Monitoring to alert a driver if another car is in the blind spot
- Lane Departure Warning to alert the driver if they are drifting out of the lane
Pros:
- Reduces human error → fewer accidents
- Can help people with disabilities
- Saves time (can do things while the car drives)
- Can reduce traffic (with better driving systems)
Cons:
- Expensive technology
- Risk of hacking
- Moral/ethical decisions (e.g. who to protect in a crash?)
- Loss of driving-related jobs (truckers, taxi drivers)
Future of Self-Driving Cars
Full Autonomy: We’re moving toward cars that can drive themselves completely, even in busy city streets, with no human help needed.
Enhanced Safety: With fewer accidents caused by human mistakes, self-driving cars could cut down on injuries and fatalities.
Environmental Benefits: Autonomous vehicles could drive more efficiently, helping save fuel and reduce pollution.
FAQ.
Are self-driving cars completely autonomous?
Not yet. Self-driving cars are categorized from Level 0 to Level 5 autonomy. Most current systems are around Level 2, which still requires driver supervision. Level 5 means full automation without human intervention, but no cars are at that level yet.
Can I legally drive a self-driving car?
It depends on your location. Some U.S. states and countries allow autonomous vehicle testing or limited operation, but laws vary widely. Most places still require a human driver to be present and ready to take over.When will fully autonomous cars be available to the public?
Experts disagree on the timeline. Some predict within 5–10 years, while others suggest it may take decades to reach widespread, safe, and legal deployment.
Work Cited
SAE International. (2021). Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles (J3016_202104). https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3016_202104/
Wakabayashi, D. (2018, March 19). How driverless cars work. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/19/technology/how-driverless-cars-work.html
Dustin Hawley. (2023, June 9). Which cars have self-driving features?. Which Cars Have Self-Driving Features? . https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/which-cars-have-self-driving-features
Autopilot Review. (2025, January 12). Cars with Autopilot in 2025
WBOY. (2025, January 11). The best almost self-driving cars available today.
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using convolutional neural network algorithm. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 46(3), 5975–5984. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-235863
Borenstein, J., Herkert, J. R., & Hernández, T. (2020). The ethics of autonomous cars. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/10/the-ethics-of-autonomous-cars/381376/
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2021). Automated vehicles for safety. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.nhtsa.gov/technology-innovation/automated-vehicles
Litman, T. (2020). Autonomous vehicle implementation predictions: Implications for transport planning. Victoria Transport Policy Institute. https://www.vtpi.org/avip.pdf
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