Have you encountered one yet: a self-driving car with no driver? Okay, that's a trick question. Because although autonomous vehicles have been allowed on the road since 1 July thanks to special legislation, you won't be encountering any for the time being.
The special law we are discussing makes it possible to ‘experiment with automated systems in vehicles’. In other words, self-driving cars are allowed on the road, even without a driver. The latter is new. Because since 2015, self-driving cars have been allowed to be tested on public roads in the Netherlands, but on the condition that there is a driver behind the wheel. According to the new legislation, this is now also permitted without a chauffeur.
Although the Netherlands is globally the best prepared for the self-driving car, according to KPMG, there are no driverless cars on Dutch roads yet. In other words: nobody is yet making use of the experimental legislation, which is exclusively reserved for scientists and companies, who must meet strict requirements.
This means you need a permit from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and your car must be inspected by the RDW. So far, no one has applied for such a permit, although there is already a lot of interest. And even if you have a permit, it doesn't mean the car is allowed to drive everywhere. It will only be allowed on designated routes. Autonomous vehicles are already being driven in the Netherlands, but this is on (closed) business parks and campuses.
Imagine Adrem Car Rental had a self-driving car for hire. Would you want to ‘drive’ in it? Or would you prefer to get behind the wheel yourself? At Adrem Car Hire, you can go for a Car hire in the Echt region.
