Self-Driving Cars Explained: What’s Available & What’s Next?
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
The world of transportation is evolving rapidly, and self-driving cars are at the center of this revolution. What once seemed like science fiction is now becoming a reality on roads across the globe—including the UAE. But what exactly are self-driving cars? What’s currently available, and what’s coming next?
In this blog, we’ll break down the concept of self-driving cars, explore current market offerings, predict future trends, and discuss what it all means for traditional vehicles—and why companies like Scrap My Car UAE are more relevant than ever.
What Is a Self-Driving Car?
A self-driving car, also known as an autonomous vehicle (AV), uses a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate without human input. These vehicles are designed to analyze the environment, make decisions, and drive themselves safely under various conditions.
They are categorized into six levels of automation by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (fully autonomous with no human interaction required).
The Levels of Autonomy: A Quick Overview
Level 0: No automation. The driver is fully in control.
Level 1: Driver assistance, like adaptive cruise control.
Level 2: Partial automation. The car can steer, accelerate, and brake, but the driver must remain engaged.
Level 3: Conditional automation. The car can drive itself in specific scenarios but needs the driver to take over if required.
Level 4: High automation. The vehicle can handle most driving tasks but might need human input in certain settings.
Level 5: Full automation. No driver needed at all—even no steering wheel!

What’s Available Now?
Many vehicles on the roads today already incorporate autonomous features—even if they aren’t fully self-driving. These include:
Tesla Autopilot / Full Self-Driving (FSD): Offers semi-autonomous features, such as automatic lane changing and traffic-aware cruise control.
Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot: The first approved Level 3 autonomous system, currently available in limited markets.
Waymo (by Google): Operating fully autonomous taxis in certain areas of the US.
Cruise (by GM): Another robo-taxi provider being tested in urban environments.
In the UAE, autonomous technologies are slowly making their way onto the roads. Dubai, in particular, has ambitious goals, aiming for 25% of all transportation to be autonomous by 2030.
What’s Next for Self-Driving Cars?
Here’s what we can expect in the near future:
1. Expanded Testing and Deployment
Expect to see more pilot programs in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the UAE embraces smart city initiatives.
2. Better AI and Safety
AI will continue to evolve, improving safety, decision-making, and traffic interaction.
3. More Level 4 and 5 Vehicles
Companies like Waymo and Baidu are pushing forward with full autonomy. It’s only a matter of time before fully autonomous cars become the norm in select environments.
4. Infrastructure Integration
Governments and private companies are working together to create infrastructure—like smart traffic lights and dedicated AV lanes—to support self-driving vehicles.
What Does This Mean for Traditional Cars?
As self-driving technology evolves, older cars—especially those without smart features—will become obsolete. This shift will influence car ownership patterns, insurance models, and even public transportation systems.
Many UAE residents are now reconsidering whether it makes sense to hold onto outdated vehicles, especially when:
Their cars don’t have modern features.
They are expensive to maintain.
They offer little resale value in a market shifting toward smart and electric vehicles.
Time to Let Go? Scrap Your Old Car Today
If you own a car that’s falling behind in this tech-driven world, you don’t have to hang onto it. Scrap My Car UAE offers a fast, hassle-free, and profitable way to get rid of your old or damaged vehicle.
Here’s why thousands in Dubai and across the UAE trust us:
✅ We offer instant quotes and same-day pickups.
✅ Get cash on the spot—no waiting, no hidden fees.
✅ We handle all paperwork and deregistration.
✅ Eco-friendly recycling that helps the environment.
✅ We buy all makes and models, running or not.
With self-driving technology advancing and the value of traditional cars declining, now is the perfect time to take action.
Contact Scrap My Car UAE Today
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Let go of the past and make room for the future. Scrap your car the smart way—with Scrap My Car UAE.



