810: The Five Levels of Self-Driving Cars — with Jon Krohn (@JonKrohnLearns)

Level Zero

Level zero vehicles, as Jon Krohn explains, are the traditional cars that require full human control. These vehicles can still have sensors that provide automated warnings, such as lane departure alerts or automated braking 1.

   

Levels 1 & 2

Levels one and two introduce driver assistance and partial automation technologies. At level one, cars can control either speed or steering, but not both simultaneously. Level two vehicles, like some Tesla models, can manage both speed and steering under certain conditions, though human drivers must remain alert 1.

   

Levels 3-5

Levels three to five represent increasing autonomy. Level three allows cars to drive independently under specific conditions, with a human ready to take over if needed. Level four vehicles, like those from Waymo, can operate without a human driver in certain areas. Finally, level five promises full autonomy in any driving situation, potentially transforming how we travel 2.