Do Self-Driving Cars Require a Driver's License?

[VonGenevieve]

Self-driving cars do not require a driver's license. Below is more information about self-driving cars: 1. Self-driving cars are a type of intelligent vehicle, also known as wheeled mobile robots, which primarily rely on an onboard computer system-based intelligent autopilot to achieve autonomous driving. 2. The first truly self-driving car appeared in the 1980s. In 1984, Carnegie Mellon University initiated the Navlab and ALV projects. In 1987, Mercedes-Benz and the Bundeswehr University Munich jointly launched the Eureka Prometheus Project. Since then, many large companies and research institutions have begun developing operational prototypes of self-driving cars, with Tesla being the first to introduce autonomous vehicles for specific environments. 3. Self-driving cars perceive the road environment through onboard sensing systems, automatically plan driving routes, and control the vehicle to reach predetermined destinations. They integrate various technologies such as automatic control, system architecture, artificial intelligence, and visual computing. They are the product of highly developed computer science, pattern recognition, and intelligent control technologies, and serve as an important indicator of a country's scientific research capabilities and industrial level. They have broad application prospects in both national defense and the national economy.

[MacJuniper]

I've driven some cars with autonomous driving features, like Tesla's assisted driving. Currently, these vehicles can't be considered truly driverless—they fall under Level 2 or Level 3 autonomy, which means users still need to sit in the driver's seat and be ready to take over at any moment. So, theoretically, you still need a driver's license because the system might make errors, and you're responsible for emergencies. Legally, regulations vary by country—China currently only allows test vehicles to operate in certain pilot zones, and drivers must hold a valid license; some U.S. states like California have specific laws requiring operator certification, though not necessarily a traditional driver's license. In the future, when true full automation (Level 4 and above) becomes widespread, the need for a license might disappear, but we'll have to wait for regulatory updates and technological maturity. Safety-wise, the transition period is crucial: in case of accidents, liability still falls on the human driver, which affects insurance rates. In short, a driver's license is required now, but with rapid technological advancements, it's advisable to stay updated on policy changes.

[VanNora]

As a car tech enthusiast, I find this question quite interesting. It depends on the level of autonomous driving. For instance, L0 to L1 require manual control, making a driver's license essential; L2 features like adaptive cruise control offer partial automation but still require a licensed driver. True driverless operation starts at L4 and above, exemplified by Waymo taxis operating in U.S. pilot zones without requiring operators to hold a license, though special training certification is necessary. Technologically, these vehicles come equipped with perception systems like LiDAR to handle road conditions, but legislation lags behind—liability remains ambiguous: who bears responsibility for system failures? Currently, China only trials such vehicles in select cities like Beijing, mandating that users must be certified personnel. Long-term, widespread adoption of driverless cars may replace traditional licenses with digital credentials, but traffic management must first address cybersecurity concerns. I recommend staying updated on local regulations, as they significantly influence vehicle purchase decisions.

[McWyatt]

I'm old now, but I remember when I was young, you had to get a driver's license to drive on the road. Nowadays, my kids tell me about the rise of self-driving cars, but as far as I know, most cars on the market still can't operate completely without human intervention. For example, Google's autonomous driving tests are still in the early stages, and a licensed operator must be on standby during operation. In pilot cities in China like Shanghai, passengers don't need a driver's license to use autonomous taxis, but regulations require operators to monitor safety. If full autonomy is achieved in the future, driving schools will probably have to transform. Elderly people will find it more convenient to travel using such vehicles, but the systems must be reliable to avoid accidents where responsibility is shifted to the machines. For now, in most cases, a driver's license is still necessary—let's wait until the technology becomes more stable.

[AthenaLee]

As a parent, I'm always concerned about my child's travel safety. Autonomous vehicles sound convenient, but current regulations are incomplete. For example, with Level 3 autonomous cars, drivers still need a license to handle emergencies. Some U.S. states allow fully autonomous vehicle testing without a license, but China strictly requires operator certification—this ensures public safety. More importantly, if an accident occurs with a child in the car, who is responsible? The law is still evolving, prioritizing adult supervision. I recommend checking local policies before buying a car, as they affect the actual user experience. In the long run, requirements may simplify as adoption grows, but regulations must keep pace with automakers' claims to prevent system failures from harming the innocent. Safety first—for now, a driver's license remains essential protection.