How Germans really feel about autonomous driving

ADT editorial team ADT editorial team

27 December 2025 - 10:11

1 min

Germany’s readiness to adopt self-driving systems will depend on how successfully industry and policymakers address expectations and anxieties.

Adobe Stock / AA+W

Autonomous mobility is gaining acceptance in Germany. Many expect quieter streets, smoother traffic and greater safety and comfort. Despite concerns around technology, legislation and costs, most respondents show strong openness to self-driving systems.

Self-driving mobility — whether in cars, shuttles or long-distance trains — is moving closer to everyday reality. And according to new survey findings from Bitkom, the German digital industry association, the public is warming to the idea. In a representative poll of 1,004 people aged 16 and above, respondents highlighted a range of potential benefits they associate with autonomous transport.

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Half expect reduced traffic noise thanks to more controlled driving behaviour, while 47 per cent anticipate smoother traffic flow. Safety perceptions are split between road users and passengers: 43 per cent believe automated systems could improve safety for others on the road, and 29 per cent expect greater protection for those inside the vehicle. Comfort remains another key motivator, cited by 37 per cent of respondents. Only nine per cent say autonomous driving offers no advantages at all.

Where the public sees risks and uncertainties

Enthusiasm, however, is not universal. Many Germans question whether the legal foundations are sufficiently robust: 73 per cent view the regulatory environment as unclear. Technical reliability also raises concern — 63 per cent fear system failures, and 55 per cent worry about potential hacking of vehicle technologies.

Almost half of respondents (49 per cent) trust human drivers more than automated systems when navigating difficult situations. High investment costs for necessary infrastructure are seen as a drawback by 42 per cent, while 32 per cent regard autonomous mobility in general as too expensive. And for 38 per cent, autonomous driving loses out on one simple point: it lacks the enjoyment of driving itself. Only three per cent report no concerns whatsoever.

A public cautiously optimistic about self-driving systems

Despite these reservations, the overall picture is one of cautious optimism. Many Germans recognise tangible benefits — increased safety, reduced emissions and added convenience — while acknowledging that trust must be built through reliable technology, clear legal frameworks and transparent communication. As autonomous mobility advances, Germany’s readiness to adopt self-driving systems will depend on how successfully industry and policymakers address these expectations and anxieties.