Australians continue to express skepticism about self-driving cars, as revealed by a recent survey conducted by insurance company iSelect. The survey was released just as Tesla introduced its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in Australia, highlighting the ongoing debate over autonomous vehicles.
The survey, which gathered responses from 500 Australians aged over 18 who regularly drive or travel by car, was conducted between July 30 and August 5, 2025. It found that nearly half of the respondents (44 percent) were opposed to the idea of fully driverless cars, akin to those operated by Waymo in the United States, being introduced in their local areas.
Public Sentiment on Autonomous Vehicles
The survey results indicate a divided public opinion on autonomous vehicles. While 35 percent of respondents had a net positive reaction to self-driving cars, only 8 percent felt ‘very positive’ about the technology. A significant 21 percent remained neutral on the matter, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the adoption of such technology.
When it comes to partial automation—vehicles that can drive themselves using features like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control—25 percent of respondents expressed openness, provided the driver remains vigilant. However, only a small fraction (5 percent) were ready to embrace full autonomy under any circumstances.
Concerns Over Safety and Trust
Safety remains a primary concern for Australians, with 28 percent believing that self-driving cars could increase the number of road accidents, despite claims that over 90 percent of traffic collisions are caused by human error. In contrast, 23 percent believe autonomous vehicles will reduce accidents, while 17 percent foresee no impact, and 32 percent are uncertain.
“More than half (51 percent) of respondents are comfortable with basic driver assistance features, but trust diminishes with increased autonomy.”
Interestingly, the survey revealed that 54 percent of participants would trust a sober, experienced human driver over an AI-powered vehicle in high-risk situations. Only 11 percent placed more trust in AI, while 15 percent trusted both equally, and 20 percent trusted neither.
Regional and Demographic Insights
The survey highlighted regional differences in attitudes towards autonomous vehicles. Victorians exhibited the most positive outlook, with 42 percent responding favorably to the idea of driverless cars in their area. Meanwhile, 37 percent of those aged 35-44 believe that driverless vehicles will reduce accidents, the highest of any age group.
Despite hesitations about personal use, Australians appear more receptive to autonomous delivery services. While 23 percent reject the idea of receiving deliveries from driverless vehicles, a substantial 76 percent would accept them, with 30 percent welcoming groceries, parcels, or takeaway from such services.
Adoption and Future Prospects
When considering the adoption of autonomous vehicles, Australians remain cautious. Only 18 percent expressed willingness to buy or ride in a self-driving car, while 41 percent were firmly opposed due to a lack of trust. Another 41 percent were open to the idea but harbored significant concerns.
“Despite advances in AI, most Australians still trust human judgment more for making split-second decisions on the road.”
The announcement of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system in Australia comes at a time when the global automotive industry is rapidly advancing towards greater autonomy. However, the mixed reactions from Australians underscore the challenges that lie ahead in gaining public trust and acceptance.
Looking Ahead
As the technology behind self-driving cars continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how public perception will shift. Experts suggest that increased exposure to and education about autonomous technology may gradually alleviate concerns. Meanwhile, policymakers and industry leaders will need to address safety and regulatory issues to foster greater confidence among the public.
The road to widespread adoption of self-driving cars in Australia appears to be a long one, with many hurdles to overcome. However, as technology progresses and societal attitudes evolve, the landscape of transportation may eventually transform, paving the way for a future where autonomous vehicles are a common sight on Australian roads.
