Automated driving

This term is part of the following categories: technology, sensors, vehicle system and activity/process.

Version 5.0, release date: April 2023

Definition: when the dynamic driving task is performed by the automated driving system.

Note 1: an automated vehicle driving itself is performing automated driving.

Note 2: automated driving may operate for some or all of a journey depending on the capabilities of the system, the suitability of infrastructure, any other constraints on its operational design domain and the preferences of the user-in-charge.

Note 3: with reference to self-driving features, the Law Commission of England and Wales and Scottish Law Commission joint report (2022) extended this definition with the condition that the vehicle must drive “safely and legally, even if an individual is not monitoring the driving environment, the vehicle or the way that it drives”.

Previous versions:

Version 4.0, release date: March 2022

Definition: the full function of the dynamic driving task performed by the automated driving system within its operational design domain.

Note 1: an automated vehicle driving itself is performing automated driving.

Note 2: automated driving might operate for some or all of a journey depending on the capabilities of the system, the suitability of infrastructure, any other constraints on its operational design domain and the preferences of the user-in-charge.

Note 3: the Law Commission of England and Wales and Scottish Law Commission joint report (2022) extended this definition with the condition that the vehicle is to drive "safely and legally, even if an individual is not monitoring the driving environment, the vehicle or the way that it drives".

Version 3.0, release date: October 2020

Definition: when the full function of the dynamic driving task is performed by the automated driving system within its operational design domain.

Note 1: an automated vehicle driving itself is performing automated driving.

Note 2: automated driving may operate for some or all of a journey depending on the capabilities of the system, the suitability of infrastructure, any other constraints on its operational design domain and the preferences of the user-in-charge.

Version: 2.0, Release date: June 2020

Definition: When the full function of the dynamic driving task is performed by the automated driving system within its operational design domain.

NOTE 1: An automated vehicle driving itself is performing automated driving.

NOTE 2: Automated driving may operate for some or all of a journey depending on the capabilities of the system, the suitability of infrastructure, any other constraints on its operational design domain and the preferences of the user-in-charge.

Version: 1.0, Release date: January 2020

Definition: When full responsibility for the dynamic driving task rests with the automated driving system.