For years, self-driving vehicles have been talked about as a futuristic breakthrough that might be on the horizon. And while the concept of full autonomy has been grabbing public attention lately, the reality is more complex. 

But this begs the question: where are we really with self-driving vehicles today? And what should dealerships, service departments, and customers expect in the near future? 

Here’s a look at where autonomous tech stands now, what’s working, and what’s still in the works. 

The Reality Behind the Headlines: The Full Story is More Complex Than it Seems

Autonomy Is a Spectrum—Not a Single Feature

First, it’s important to understand that “self-driving” doesn’t mean one thing. According to SAE International® (Society of Automotive Engineers), there are six levels of driving automation, ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (autonomous in all conditions, no human input needed). 

Most vehicles on the road today fall into Levels 1 or 2. These include familiar driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automated emergency braking. Some high-end vehicles, like those from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and GM, are pushing into Level 3 territory—where the car can handle certain driving tasks but still needs a human on standby. 

In other words, we’re making progress, but the leap to full autonomy is bigger than most headlines suggest.

Real-World Deployment Remains Limited

While companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Tesla are leading the charge, fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4 or 5) remain rare and geographically restricted. 

Most of today’s true self-driving cars are limited to controlled environments or specific city zones where they’ve been heavily mapped and tested. For example, Waymo operates autonomous taxis in Phoenix and parts of San Francisco, but these systems still struggle in unpredictable conditions like snow, construction zones, or rural roads. 

Why the delay? The answer comes down to safety, liability, and sheer complexity. Driving is dynamic, and teaching a car to handle the unpredictable nuances of real-world traffic is no small feat. 

Regulation and Consumer Trust Are Key Hurdles

Even as technology evolves, regulatory and public acceptance challenges remain. Right now, there’s no universal federal framework for self-driving cars in the U.S., which means a patchwork of state-by-state rules. 

At the same time, many consumers are skeptical. High-profile accidents involving semi-autonomous systems have made headlines, leading to questions about when and how self-driving features should be used. 

Dealerships have a critical role to play in building customer confidence. That starts with educating drivers on how to safely use driver-assist features today while setting realistic expectations for what tomorrow’s vehicles can and can’t do.

Autonomous Tech Still Creates New Service Opportunities

Even if full autonomy is still years away, the increasing complexity of driver-assist systems is already reshaping service operations. 

Cameras, radar, LiDAR, and software updates are becoming standard vehicle components, and keeping them calibrated and functioning correctly is essential for safety. This evolution means added service needs, creating an opportunity for dealerships to stand out through avenues like expert technician support or by building pre-owned inventory through service-lane appraisals. 

Offer specialized training for your technicians, and make sure your service advisors are ready to explain the value of systems checks, software updates, and calibrations. Rather than simple upsells, these services are essential for keeping today’s tech-reliant vehicles on the road.

The Road Ahead: Cautious Progress, But Not a Sudden Leap

So, how far have we come with self-driving technology? The short answer: we’re making steady, meaningful progress… but we’re not there yet. 

Over the next 5–10 years, we can expect to see more advanced driver-assist systems in mainstream vehicles, continued testing of robotaxis in select cities, and greater regulatory guidance on how autonomous features are implemented. 

For now, the smartest move for dealerships is to stay informed, educate customers, and prepare your service department for the evolving technology under the hood and behind the wheel. 

Want to future-proof your dealership? Connect with us to learn how our tools and solutions can help you navigate the road to autonomy and better serve today’s tech-savvy customers.