Introduction
“Wait, so… can any car actually drive itself right now?”
That’s the question I asked myself last month when watching a Tesla demo. It’s flashy, sure — but is it really autonomous? We’ve heard promises from Elon Musk, Waymo, and big auto giants for years, but how far have we actually come?
In this blog, we’ll cut through the marketing fluff, explore what counts as a “self-driving car,” where the technology really stands today, and — spoiler alert — what still needs fixing. Buckle up, it’s not as clear-cut as you might think.
What Is a Self-Driving Car — Really?
Before we dive into who’s doing what, let’s clear up the confusion.
A self-driving car, or autonomous vehicle (AV), is supposed to operate without human input. But here’s the kicker — there are levels to autonomy, defined by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers):
| Level | Autonomy Description | Example |
| 0 | No automation | Classic cars |
| 1 | Driver assistance | Cruise control |
| 2 | Partial automation | Tesla Autopilot (needs supervision) |
| 3 | Conditional automation | Mercedes Drive Pilot (limited areas) |
| 4 | High automation | Waymo in Phoenix, AZ |
| 5 | Full automation | Theoretical — not yet real |
As of mid-2025, no commercially available car is Level 5. Not even close. So, technically? No — there are no fully self-driving cars on the open market.
Why the Confusion Exists Around “Actual” Self-Driving
Most of us see flashy terms like “Autopilot” or “Full Self-Driving” and assume it means hands-off cruising anywhere. Not quite.
Here’s why confusion is rampant:
- Marketing labels are misleading (looking at you, Tesla).
- Tech advancements are fragmented — city vs. highway, day vs. night.
- Legal frameworks vary by state or country.
Even the U.S. Department of Transportation has warned consumers against assuming autonomy from brand labels. (source)
Where Are We Now? Real Examples of Self-Driving Tech
So if there aren’t fully autonomous cars, what do we have?
Let’s break it down by company:
Waymo (Alphabet/Google)
- Operating a commercial driverless taxi in parts of Phoenix and San Francisco.
- These cars operate Level 4 autonomy — but only in geofenced zones.
- You can even download the Waymo app and order a driverless ride today — pretty wild, right?
Tesla (controversial but advanced)
- Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta has over 1 million users.
- But it’s Level 2 — the driver must supervise at all times.
- Crashes have occurred due to overtrusting the system.
Cruise (by GM)
- Running robotaxi tests in San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix.
- One of the first to get state permits for Level 4 operation (limited areas only).
- Recently paused expansion after safety investigations (source).
Mercedes-Benz
- First carmaker to get Level 3 legal approval in the U.S. (Nevada and California).
- Drive Pilot lets the car control itself on highways under specific conditions.
- However, it still requires driver takeover when conditions change.
The Roadblocks to Full Self-Driving
So, if the tech is this good… why aren’t we there yet?
Here’s what’s holding us back:
- Legal liability: If a robot crashes, who’s at fault?
- Edge-case handling: Construction zones, random pedestrians, flashing lights — still confusing for AI.
- Mapping limitations: Self-driving cars need extremely detailed 3D maps.
- Moral dilemmas: Who lives or dies in a split-second crash decision?
- Trust: Many people simply aren’t ready to hand over the wheel.
Comparison Table: Autonomous Levels vs. Real-World Use
| Autonomy Level | Real-World Example | Commercially Available? | Notes |
| Level 0 | 1999 Honda Civic | ✅ Yes | No automation at all |
| Level 2 | Tesla, Nissan ProPilot | ✅ Yes | Requires supervision |
| Level 3 | Mercedes Drive Pilot | ✅ Limited | Legal in some U.S. states |
| Level 4 | Waymo, Cruise | ✅ Limited | Geofenced areas only |
| Level 5 | None | ❌ Not Yet | Pure autonomy still theoretical |
What the Future Holds for Self-Driving Cars
Here’s where it gets interesting. Experts believe true Level 5 cars are at least 5–10 years away from wide adoption — if not longer.
Companies like Nvidia, Mobileye, and Apple are racing behind the scenes to develop:
- More robust AI training models
- Better real-time LiDAR and radar fusion
- Seamless V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication
But the question remains: Will we ever be able to nap in the backseat legally? Only time — and a few lawsuits — will tell.
Then why is self-driving technology not literally at your driveway yet?
There are a couple of obstacles that keep reoccurring:
1. The world of driving is dirty. AI is stumped by city centers, adverse weather conditions, and random impediments.
2. The issue of safety is not imaginary. Testing accidents in the real world have people on the edge.
3. Regulations are lagging behind. There are no laws written on Level 5 autonomy- the big leagues.
4. Technology is not yet tuned up. Some improvements could be made in the area of sensors, software and data processing.
5. Money, money, money. The process of developing and deploying fully autonomous vehicles is expensive.
The bottom line is that we are still not quite there but almost and the hype has died down. The industry is now laser focused on ensuring that self-driving cars are completely safe and reliable before going mainstream.
But the effect is already being felt in minor ways:
- Safety on the road: More advanced driver-assist features are reducing accidents.
- Economic stimulus: The self-driving technology may increase the economy of the world by trillions by 2050.
- Access to all: The elderly and the disabled may be able to move around with the help of autonomous vehicles.
- Environment Friendly: Greener driving would reduce emissions.
Then can you really purchase a real self-driving car?
According to industry projections, you may have a couple by 2030, but it will still be ten or more years before it is widely used. Dreams are alive, you just need to hold on to that wheel a little bit longer.
Want to explore more about the newest trends in technology? To learn more about the future of transportation and smart mobility, visit TechDaily360 to read articles.
Conclusion: So… Are There Any Actual Self-Driving Cars?
If you’re picturing a car that can show up at your door, take you anywhere, and handle every traffic situation — we’re not there just yet. Not even close. Fully self-driving (Level 5) cars don’t exist in a commercial, go-anywhere form.
But here’s the good news — we do have cars that can drive themselves in certain cities and under specific conditions. Companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Mercedes are making real progress. Some taxis in Phoenix and San Francisco don’t even have drivers inside! That’s a huge step, even if it’s limited to a few zones.
Still, every self-driving system today needs:
- A controlled environment
- Human monitoring or intervention
- High-definition maps and constant updates
The tech is moving fast, no doubt. But so are the challenges — safety, laws, and public trust. While we aren’t riding around in robot cars just yet, we’re definitely on the way.
So next time you hear someone say, “Self-driving cars are already here,” you can confidently say:
“Well, sort of — but they still have training wheels on.”
FAQ: Self-Driving Cars — What People Are Asking
1. Are there any cars that can truly drive themselves today?
Not fully. Some vehicles like Waymo’s taxis can drive without a person inside, but only in specific cities and mapped areas. Most other “self-driving” features still need human supervision.
2. Is Tesla’s Full Self-Driving actually self-driving?
No. Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” is still Level 2 automation, which means the driver must stay alert and keep their hands ready. It doesn’t meet the definition of full autonomy.
3. Which company is closest to making a fully autonomous car?
Waymo and Cruise are ahead in terms of real-world testing. They operate in select areas without drivers. Mercedes also leads with its approved Level 3 system in some U.S. states.
4. What’s the difference between Level 2 and Level 4 autonomy?
- Level 2: Driver must supervise at all times (e.g., Tesla Autopilot).
- Level 4: Car can drive itself without supervision in limited areas (e.g., Waymo taxis in Phoenix).
5. Are self-driving cars legal on public roads?
Yes — but only in certain places. Some U.S. states allow testing or operation of Level 4 autonomous vehicles, like Arizona, California, and Nevada.
6. Can I buy a self-driving car today?
You can buy cars with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), but you can’t buy a car that legally drives itself everywhere without your help.
7. How safe are self-driving cars right now?
They’re getting better, but not perfect. Companies collect millions of miles of data to train the systems. Still, accidents have happened, especially when drivers overtrust the tech.
8. When will we see real self-driving cars for everyone?
Experts estimate 5–10 more years before fully autonomous cars might become mainstream — and even that depends on laws, tech improvements, and public acceptance.