Automated vehicles in Queensland
What is an automated vehicle?
An automated vehicle automates one or more of the primary driving controls (such as steering, acceleration or braking) without the need for human input.
Many vehicles on Queensland roads have some level of automation during which a primary driving task is performed by the vehicle rather than the driver, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-assist and park assist.
Levels of automation
SAE J3016TM—Levels of driving automation.
View a text based version of this diagram.
Automated vehicles are classified into automated driving levels that consider the role the human plays in the vehicle. Automated vehicles are categorised into 6 different levels, ranging from level 0, where there is no automation, to level 5, where the vehicle is truly self-driving and has the same or better skills as a human driver. Level 5 automated vehicles will require no human involvement in the driving task at all.
Preparing for automated vehicles
Automated vehicles have the potential to improve road safety, transport network efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
To ensure Australia is well placed to take advantage of these benefits, significant national reforms are underway involving all levels of government. These reforms aim to prepare our legislation and transport infrastructure for a future where highly automated vehicles are used on our roads. Read more about automated vehicles in Australia.
Automated vehicles on Queensland roads
Vehicles currently used on Queensland roads have a range of automated features from level 0 to level 2. There are no commercially available level 3 or above automated vehicles, with no expected timeframe for release.
The Queensland Government's ZOE2 is a level 4 connected and automated vehicle operating under special circumstances, and with appropriate permits, on Queensland roads as part of the Cooperative and Highly Automated Driving Pilot. It is a purpose-built research platform providing valuable automated vehicle technology insight for government and industry.
Drivers of automated vehicles on Queensland roads
There is no vehicle currently available in Australia safe enough to operate in 'self-driving' mode without a driver monitoring the driving task. Until completely self-driving cars are available without any monitoring or support from a human, the driver will always need to be an attentive while operating an automated vehicle.
To operate an automated vehicle on Queensland roads, you must:
- have a permit (apply for a permit here)
- be a nominated expert driver of automated vehicles.
Like all other drivers, the driver of an automated vehicle must:
- hold the appropriate driver licence for the class of vehicle they are driving
- not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- follow all road rules, including wearing a seatbelt and refraining from speeding
- monitor the driving task and environment and be aware of other road users
- be attentive and free from fatigue, tiredness and distractions.
To drive the ZOE2, drivers were trained by the proto-type manufacturer in France. Currently there are only a handful of expert drivers licensed to operate the vehicle in self-driving mode.
Trialling automated vehicles on the road
A permit is required to trial highly automated vehicles on Queensland roads to ensure trials are conducted safely. Apply for an automated vehicle trial permit and find out more about applying for an automated vehicle trials in Queensland.
What's next?
To realise greater safety benefits, it is expected automated vehicle technology will converge with connected vehicle technology, known as Connected and Automated Vehicles.