Technically, a driverless car is one that drives itself and doesn’t need a human to operate it. In order to navigate its route, stay within the speed limit and avoid collisions it relies on several sensors, digital maps and GPS.

It may sound futuristic, but experts say a driverless car – or automated car – is merely an extension of features cars already have. Consider anti-lock brakes (ABS) and assisted parking technology as just two examples.

Several companies are currently testing driverless models including Audi, BMW, Ford, Google, General Motors, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Google’s self-driving cars are the ones which have had the most coverage and include Toyota Prii and an Audi TT that have been driving around California. They have reportedly traveled more than 225,000km with only a single accident – and that was when a person was actually driving!

How does it work?

In the Google models, the driver sets a destination and artificial intelligence software installed in the car selects the best route and starts the journey. These cars have a roof-mounted radar-style sensor called LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) that continuously creates a 3D map of the car’s route within a 60m radius.

Sensors and a radar system on the front and rear bumpers and rear left wheel relay the car’s position back to the software to register it on the 3D map.

The software controls the steering and the brakes by simulating how a human driver would react, and is well aware of traffic lights and signs by “talking” to Google maps.

What are the benefits?

Experts say that driverless cars would prevent car accidents caused by human error. Automated cars don’t tweet when they are driving, they don’t apply makeup and they never get distracted as they are singing along to a classic hit on the radio.

Human drivers can take over the controls at any time, but when they are in automated mode they could be doing something else with their commuting time – finishing a report for work, updating social media feeds or even sleeping.

Driverless cars in Australia

Volvo recently became the first car company to test a driverless car on the road in Australia, with an XC90 specially adapted for the trial in Adelaide. The car used sensors to determine the route and distance to other vehicles and a modified cruise control system kept the car in the correct lane on the freeway – which was closed to the public for the trials.

Automotive research organisation ARRB Group has developed the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative that aims to provide the framework and help develop legislation so that driverless cars can be tested and then introduced on Australia’s roads.

But fully driverless vehicle aren’t expected in Australia for several years, so you’ve got plenty of time to think about whether you need one to take a nap on your long commute to work or read a book on your interstate road trips. While still a way off, the idea of a stress-free road trip is pretty enticing!