There's been a lot of talk lately about self-driving cars, and the N.C. Department of Transportation wants to make sure it's ready for an autonomous driving revolution.

It sounds crazy, but these cars aren't science fiction anymore -- you can go out today and buy cars that can mostly drive themselves in some situations.

The Turnpike Authority's Dennis Jernigan recently got behind the wheel of a car that's driving itself to see what it feels like.

"It takes a little getting used to to take your hands off the wheel," said Jernigan.

Last year, the federal government selected NC-540 in western Wake County as a proving ground for autonomous vehicles. For this test, GM loaned the DOT a Cadillac CT 6 with Super Cruise. That means when it's on the highway, it mostly drives itself.

In March, engineers spent a week with the Cadillac, driving 1,000 miles up and down NC-540 in all kinds of conditions -- and officials say it performed exactly as the owners manual said.

Why does the DOT need to test this technology? Jernigan says engineers need to know how to design roads for autonomous cars. One of the biggest concerns is that the car's cameras need to see the pavement markings.

Jernigan says the DOT is embracing a future with more self-driving cars, and he believes it will make driving safer and cut congestion.

"You should be able to accommodate more vehicles in the same space once this technology is fully implemented," he said.

Jernigan was impressed -- but he says it's a weird feeling to take your hands off the wheel the first time.

Even when the CT-6 is driving itself, you still have to be engaged as a driver. The car has head-tracking technology, which means if you look away too long, lights on the steering wheel flash and the seat vibrates to get your head back in the game.

The DOT says it's hoping to work with other carmakers to test their self-driving vehicles.