Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi passes US driving test, gets driver’s licence

In probably every country, driving a car will require going through a test to ensure competency to become a licensed driver on public roads. But what about autonomous cars that have a computer operating them? Shouldn’t the computer ‘driver’ also be subject to some sort of test to ensure that the computer will drive safely?

Tests included driving on streets
Hyundai decided to do just that and put its IONIQ 5 robotaxi with autonomous technology through a process similar to an actual driver’s licence test in the USA. Using AI-based autonomous driving technology, powered by Motional, the robotaxi went through a series of public-level driving tests, including road driving in Las Vegas, and passed all of them.

Human tester observes computer ‘driver’
“I’m a DMV [Department of Motor Vehicles] Certified Driving Examiner with 25 years of experience. In that time, I’ve failed thousands and thousands of students in the interest of public safety,” said Kandice Jones, the person who conducted the somewhat unique test.

She explained that the test used all the same criteria, just like testing a human. The speed was monitored all the time, along with lane changes. ”I graded manoeuvres, stops, left turns, maintaining the lane, and of course reaction time,” said Jones.

The IONIQ 5 robotaxi excelled, impressing her with its speed control, lane changes and manoeuvring, its ability to accurately stop at a stop sign, perform left turns, and its reaction time to developing hazards. It  effortlessly navigated the Las Vegas Strip, as well as the city’s suburban areas.

Providing freedom of mobility to all
The achievement underscores the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s reliability as well as the inclusivity of its autonomous vehicle technology, highlighting its potential to safely provide freedom of mobility to all. This is especially important for those who may be unable to get a licence due to health issues.

“As a company that pursues freedom of mobility, we at Hyundai aim to exhibit the safety and trustworthiness of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi through this campaign,” said Sungwon Jee, Senior Vice-President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company. “We will continue our efforts to communicate our AI-based autonomous driving technology, which is set to provide positive changes to our customers’ everyday lives.”

Hyundai-Motional IONIQ 5 Robotaxi to be made in Singapore