self-driving

[self-drahy-ving]

adjective

1. (of a machine) operating without the guidance of a human.

2. (of a vehicle) navigated and maneuvered by a computer without a need for human control or intervention under a range of driving situations and conditions.

   self-driving cars.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-driving¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Tesla will have to work out kinks with its self-driving efforts to successfully roll out its robotaxis across the country to make that business a real money maker.

From Los Angeles Times

When self-driving cars violate the rules of the road, law enforcement can’t penalize them the same way that they can humans.

From Los Angeles Times

The union has pushed for more oversight of self-driving vehicles, such as legislation mandating human operators in autonomous heavy duty trucks and other delivery vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times

Self-driving vehicles have sparked safety concerns and drawn scrutiny at times, including after a 2023 incident in which a pedestrian was seriously injured by a Cruise vehicle.

From Los Angeles Times

Officers were bewildered to see the car — a self-driving Waymo robotaxi — make an illegal U-turn at a traffic light right in front of them, the San Bruno Police Department said in a social media post Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times