Will driving schools disappear once cars become autonomous?

Should driving schools which provide training for future drivers be wary of autonomous cars? After all, in case of such vehicles the car’s behavior on a road will be the sole responsibility of computer AI. The development of technologies intended for self-driving cars has been accompanied by worries whether driving schools will remain necessary at all.

At present such fears appear exaggerated.

Autonomous vehicles remain incapable of driving entirely on their own on public roads. So far they are merely being tested on the latter, and are still required to be supervised by a human driver (who can correct the car’s functioning if need be). The presence of self-driving vehicles on our roads has also not been legally regulated in a clear-cut manner. Nonetheless, the manufacturers are working towards attaining the fifth (i. e. highest) level of autonomy. Once this objective is met, much can change.

5 level of autonomy will help?

The foremost claim has been that cars equipped with the fifth level of autonomy will be capable of driving entirely without human interference. The car’s system will become completely responsible for its functioning, hitherto in the hands of a human driver. Despite all this, many are of the mind that driving schools will not disappear at all. The reason should be obvious – somebody will still have to teach the drivers how to appropriately cooperate with the new technologies. Driving Schools Association of the Americas even recommends conducting a lesson specifically dedicated to autonomous driving.

The systems presently installed in cars are mainly tasked with assisting the drivers in order to increase their safety, not take charge of the whole driving process. Should a car system be made responsible for every task related to driving, it can be expected to make mistakes. Do regular computers not crash once in a while as well?

Instructors make clear that while using AI humans should remain aware of what is going at all times during the drive. Many of us are still not completely up to speed on how to use equipment ensuring better driving safety. And as we all know, ignorance can be damaging and even harmful.

The newest technology presents us with many hitherto unavailable possibilities, and not just in the developing field of motorization. This is why schools teaching prospective drivers should not fear competition from computers, or rather computer-commanded vehicles.. In many cases, however, such assistance may prove necessary. The drivers of autonomous vehicles should remain mindful of how to react while driving their cars if need arises.

According to many a vehicle equipped with the latest technologies and AI will not be a perfect substitute for an driver.

Self-driving cars with safety systems, can work in team with their drivers in order to ensure a safe ride. Up-dated driving schools could be the ideal place where driver could switch to cars commanded chiefly by IA. This would make it easier for the drivers to get used to the new technologies. Besides, nobody claims that the nearest feature will already make traditional cars useless. Owners of driving schools do not have to lose sleep over the prospect.