Assistance systems go a step further: in certain situations they can brake or steer for you, sometimes faster than you could react. Some are safety-critical; others are conveniences you may not use on your road test.
Know the rule
Driver assistance systems perform part of the driving task in specific circumstances, but you may still need to act. If one reacts during a drive test, the examiner uses discretion in scoring it.
Handbook p. 53 ↗Safety critical technologies
Technologies that may prevent or reduce the severity of a crash.
Handbook p. 53 ↗Safety-critical systems
| System | What it does |
|---|---|
| Automatic emergency braking / brake assist | Brakes urgently for slow or stopped traffic if you don't |
| Automatic reverse braking | Beeps or flashes, then brakes for an obstacle while backing |
| Lane keeping assist | Alerts you, then may gently steer you back into your lane |
| Left turn crash avoidance | Warns and brakes if you turn left into oncoming traffic |
Know the rule
With automatic emergency braking, keep scanning for hazards and keep a safe following distance.
Handbook p. 53 ↗Know the rule
Lane keeping assist is easily cancelled by nudging the wheel, and it won't work when lane lines are faint or covered with snow or dirt.
Handbook p. 54 ↗Know the rule
Left turn crash avoidance works at low speeds, such as at a traffic light. If the gap is too small it can stop the car from moving forward. Don't depend on it — judge gaps yourself.
Handbook p. 54 ↗Convenience technologies
Features that don't require you to show a skill. They are not permitted during the testing process.
Handbook p. 54 ↗Know the rule
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) speeds up or slows down to keep the following gap you set (generally short, medium or long); advanced versions stop and restart in traffic jams. Stay aware, and don't use ACC in bad weather or other unsafe conditions.
Handbook p. 54 ↗Know the rule
Automatic parallel parking searches for a spot and guides you in, but you're responsible for braking and monitoring around you. Follow its prompts and make slight adjustments afterward if needed.
Handbook p. 54 ↗Autonomous vehicle
A motor vehicle with an automated driving system designed to function at SAE J3016 automation level 3, 4 or 5, including a fully autonomous vehicle (NRS 482A.030).
Handbook p. 55 ↗SAE levels of driving automation — from vehicles without this technology to self-driving vehicles
Handbook p. 55 ↗Put it into practice
During your road test, the car's automatic emergency braking stops for a car that cut in. The examiner uses discretion scoring it. But you can't switch on adaptive cruise control — convenience features aren't allowed during testing.