What Uber's self-driving cars are and where they operate
Uber has partnered with self-driving technology companies to test autonomous vehicles in select cities, but these cars are not yet available to most riders. As of now, Uber's main self-driving program operates in limited locations through partnerships with companies like Waymo (which handles autonomous rides in Phoenix, Arizona under the Waymo One brand, though Uber has worked with other autonomous partners in the past). The vehicles still have a human safety operator in the driver's seat during rides.
Uber's approach differs from a fully driverless fleet. The company has invested in autonomous technology research and development, but the rollout has been slower than early announcements suggested. Riders in test cities may see autonomous vehicles available as an option in the Uber app, though availability depends on time of day, location within the city, and current testing phases.
The company has also faced setbacks. Uber sold its self-driving division (Advanced Technologies Group) to Aurora Innovation in 2020, then later partnered with Waymo for autonomous ride services. This means Uber is not building the self-driving technology itself anymore — it is working with companies that have developed it.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's self-driving cars are only available in a few cities and require a human safety operator to be present in the vehicle during rides.
- Waymo operates most of Uber's current autonomous ride services, and riders can request these vehicles through the Uber app in may be able to access areas.
- Fares for autonomous rides may differ from standard Uber rides, and availability changes based on time, location, and testing schedules.
- Uber sold its own self-driving division and now partners with other companies rather than developing autonomous vehicles in-house.
How to request a self-driving Uber if available in your area
If you live in a city where autonomous Uber rides are being tested, the process looks the same as ordering a regular Uber. Open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, and look for an autonomous vehicle option if it appears. Not all ride types will show this option — it depends on the specific partnership and testing phase in your city.
When you request an autonomous vehicle, you will see the fare estimate before confirming the ride, just as you would with a standard Uber. The price may be higher or lower than a regular UberX ride depending on demand and the specific program. Once you confirm, a self-driving car with a safety operator will arrive at your location.
If autonomous rides are not showing up in your app, it means they are not currently being tested in your area. Uber does not announce expansion dates in advance, so checking the app periodically is the only way to know when service becomes available where you live.
What happens during a ride in a self-driving Uber
A human safety operator sits in the driver's seat throughout the entire ride. This person monitors the vehicle's systems, can take control if needed, and is responsible for passenger safety. You will interact with this operator much like you would with a regular Uber driver — they can answer questions about the ride and help with any issues that come up.
The vehicle itself handles steering, acceleration, and braking under normal conditions. The safety operator watches the road and the car's sensors to make sure everything is working correctly. If something unexpected happens — construction, an accident, or a system error — the operator can take over when ready.
From a passenger perspective, the ride feels similar to a regular Uber, though you may notice the vehicle drives more cautiously or takes slightly different routes than a human driver might. The car follows traffic laws strictly and does not take risks.
Current cities where Uber's self-driving cars operate
Phoenix, Arizona is the primary city where Uber riders can request autonomous vehicles through a partnership with Waymo. Waymo One, Waymo's ride-hailing service, also operates independently in Phoenix, but Uber app users in that city may see Waymo vehicles as an option.
Uber has tested autonomous vehicles in other cities in the past, including San Francisco and Pittsburgh, but those programs have ended or been paused. The company has not announced firm timelines for expanding to new cities, so the list of available locations may change.
To learn about self-driving Uber rides are available where you live, check the Uber app directly. If the option does not appear, it is not yet being tested in your area.
How fares and pricing work for autonomous Uber rides
Autonomous Uber rides are priced through the same surge pricing and base fare system as regular Uber rides. The fare you see before confirming the ride is the price you will pay, with no hidden fees beyond what appears in the app.
In some cases, autonomous rides may cost more than a standard UberX because the technology and safety operator add to the company's costs. In other cases, pricing may be competitive or even lower as Uber tests demand and market response. Pricing varies by city and changes over time as the program develops.
You pay through the same Uber account and payment method you use for regular rides. Tips can be added in the app after the ride ends, just as with any other Uber trip.
Why Uber uses safety operators instead of fully driverless cars
Self-driving technology is not yet reliable enough to operate without human oversight in all situations. A safety operator can handle unexpected scenarios — pedestrians behaving unpredictably, road hazards, system failures — that the autonomous system might not recognize or respond to correctly.
Regulators in most states also require a human operator in the vehicle during testing and early deployment. This is a legal requirement, not just a safety choice by Uber or its partners. As the technology improves and proves itself over millions of miles, some jurisdictions may eventually allow fully driverless operation, but that is not the current standard.
The safety operator also serves as a backup if the passenger has questions or needs help during the ride. This human presence makes the experience more familiar to riders who are used to traditional Uber drivers.
What the future of Uber's self-driving program might look like
Uber's long-term goal is to reduce the cost of rides by removing the driver, but the company has shifted its strategy. Rather than building its own autonomous technology, Uber is partnering with companies like Waymo that have already invested heavily in self-driving research. This approach lets Uber focus on its app and customer experience while relying on proven technology partners.
Expansion to new cities will likely happen gradually, starting with areas that have favorable regulations and good conditions for testing (wide roads, moderate weather, lower traffic complexity). Uber has not announced specific timelines, so changes could come quickly or take years.
The role of safety operators may eventually shrink as technology improves, but that transition will be slow and depend on regulatory approval in each state and city. For now, expect autonomous Uber rides to remain a limited, operator-supervised service in a small number of locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to ride in a self-driving Uber?
Yes. A trained safety operator is present in every autonomous Uber ride and can take control at any moment. The vehicles are tested extensively before being used for passenger rides, and they follow traffic laws strictly. Waymo, the company operating most of Uber's autonomous rides, has logged millions of miles in testing.
Can I request a self-driving Uber if I'm nervous about it?
You do not have to request an autonomous vehicle. If the option appears in your app, you can choose a regular Uber instead. Autonomous rides are optional, not mandatory.
What happens if the self-driving car breaks down during my ride?
The safety operator will pull over safely and contact Uber support. You will be offered a refund or a replacement ride. If the vehicle cannot continue, another car will come to pick you up.
Will self-driving Uber rides eventually have no driver at all?
That is Uber's long-term goal, but it is not happening yet. Regulators require a human operator for now, and the technology is still being refined. Any shift to fully driverless rides would happen gradually and only in places where it is legally permitted.
How do I know if self-driving Uber is available in my city?
Open the Uber app and request a ride. If autonomous vehicles are being tested in your area, you will see that option when you select your pickup and dropoff locations. If it does not appear, the service is not yet available where you live.