According to new data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, tech companies working on self-driving vehicle technology have reduced their testing on public roads in the state.
In 2024, a total of 4.5 million autonomous vehicle test miles were recorded, marking a 50% decrease from the previous year. This data includes testing with safety drivers as well as driverless testing permits.
The decline is particularly noticeable in driverless testing, with an 83% drop from 3.26 million miles in 2023 to 552,895 miles in 2024, as reported by the DMV.
The DMV also released its annual disengagement reports, highlighting instances where human drivers had to take control due to safety concerns or technology failures, though comparing results across companies remains challenging.
The industry has seen changes, including Waymo’s shift to commercial operations and the closure of Cruise by GM, resulting in fewer testing miles reported. Waymo and Cruise have historically logged the most testing miles, with Cruise halting its testing in 2023 and Waymo focusing on commercial operations.
Fewer new permits for testing with human drivers have been issued over the past three years, indicating a more consolidated industry. Only a limited number of companies are actively conducting public road tests now compared to previous years.
Despite the overall trend of reduced testing, some companies like Wayve and Waymo have recently secured significant funding, showcasing continued interest and investment in autonomous vehicle technology.
The industry has evolved from a period of high excitement with numerous players to a more consolidated landscape, with Waymo leading in both testing and commercial operations, signaling a change in the competitive dynamics of the sector.
