Level 4 is where we reach actual autonomy. This is when the car starts to think for itself, and it can analyze complex situations and work around them. Even so, a Level 4 self-driving car still needs a steering wheel so the driver can take over if the vehicle is flummoxed. Computers can only handle so much. For now, at least.
Up until now, we’ve been dealing with human-driven cars. Level 5 removes human error entirely. The vehicle doesn’t need a steering wheel because it can do everything a human can without human error. When discussing human error, think of distracted driving, road rage, straying over speed limits, and losing control.
Only when automakers reach Level 5 can we rightfully start using terms like driverless, autonomous, and self-driving cars.
Since the technology does not yet exist, and human drivers are still going to be around for a while, the self-driving car’s pros and cons we’ll be exploring are all theoretical.
