Driverless cars in Oz: One million by 2035, no licence needed

An NRMA report looking into driverless cars has estimated we’ll see one million driverless cars on Australian roads by 2035, as well as speculating that by 2025 people may not need a licence to control the vehicles.

 

The report is based on a six-month study into the implications of driveless cars down under, as increasing pressure is placed on governments and ministers to ensure the nation is ready for the age of automation.

It is expected that car ownership will drop, with people instead opting for rental ‘subscription’ type services allowing them to lease as they need.

Of course, this will benefit the elderly, disabled and also people too young to drive – citizens currently forced to rely on public transport and ride sharing options.

“People with epilepsy, narcolepsy, sensory disability, as well as the elderly and the young who are unable to hold a traditional driver’s licence, will be able to use point-to-point transport that meets their needs,” the report obtained by The Australian says.

NRMA president Kyle Loades insists driving skills will become a thing of the past as we move into the age of autonomous vehicles.

“By the late 2020s, it’s likely to come to a point where you jump in your autonomous vehicle to go from Sydney to Brisbane or Melbourne at, say, 10pm, go to sleep while your vehicle drives you, and save on a night’s accommodation,” Loades says.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has been tasked with delivering a reform allowing automated vehicles to operate safely and legally on Australia’s roads by 2020.

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