Yes, there are cars that can drive themselves, but their capabilities are limited to specific conditions. The technology, known as SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), is available in many new vehicles today. It requires the driver to remain fully engaged and supervise the system at all times. Fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4-5) that require no human intervention are not yet available for consumer purchase, though they are being tested in controlled areas.
The term "self-driving" covers a spectrum of automation defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The most common systems you can buy now are Level 2. These combine features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically maintains a set distance from the car ahead, and Lane Centering Assist, which gently steers to keep the vehicle within its lane. Together, they can handle steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked highways.
It is critical to understand that these are driver-assistance systems. The driver is legally and functionally responsible for the vehicle. The system may prompt you to place your hands on the wheel periodically, and it can disengage suddenly if conditions become unclear.
Here is a comparison of some widely recognized systems available in the U.S. market:
| System Name (Manufacturer) | Key Features | Operational Domain (Typical Use) |
|---|
| Autopilot / Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Tesla) | Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control | Highways and limited-access roads |
| Super Cruise (General Motors) | Hands-free driving, Driver Attention System, LiDAR-map enabled | Over 400,000 miles of compatible highways in North America |
| BlueCruise (Ford / Lincoln) | Hands-free highway driving, Lane Change Assist, Predictive Speed Assist | Pre-mapped divided highways (over 130,000 miles in North America) |
| ProPILOT Assist (Nissan/Infiniti) | Steering assist, distance control, navigation-linked speed adjustment | Highways |
| Driver Assistance Professional (BMW) | Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, Active Lane Keeping | Highways, particularly in stop-and-go traffic |
The future of autonomy hinges on Level 3 conditional automation, where the car can drive itself under certain conditions and the driver can disengage, but must be ready to intervene when requested. Systems like Mercedes-Benz's DRIVE PILOT, which is legally approved for use in Nevada and California, represent this next step, though availability is still very limited.
