Driverless Cars - IELTS Reading Answers

The text for the Driverless Cars Reading Answers is presented below. You can review the questions first and then read the passage to easily note down your answers as you go.

Paragraph 1

The car manufacturing sector is very accustomed to adjusting to automated production. Beginning in the 1970s, the adoption of robotic vehicle assembly delivered major cost reductions along with gains in the dependability and versatility of mass-produced cars. A fresh challenge to automotive manufacturing is on the horizon once again, and it stems from automation. However, this time the shift relates to the vehicles themselves rather than the production process.

Paragraph 2

Research into vehicle automation is nothing new. For upwards of 50 years, cars featuring basic autonomous functions have existed, playing a major role in the development of driver assistance technologies. Momentum in this area has accelerated rapidly since Google announced in 2010 that it was testing self-driving cars on Californian roads.

Paragraph 3

Technology is progressing at such a rapid pace due to a variety of factors, chief among them being safety. Investigations by the UK Transport Research Laboratory indicate that human error accounts for over 90 percent of road collisions, making it the primary cause of traffic accidents. Introducing driving automation can potentially lower the frequency of these incidents.

Paragraph 4

Another motivation is to minimize the time individuals spend actively driving so that it can be repurposed for other activities. People may find it possible to socialize, work efficiently, or unwind if the vehicle manages some or all of the driving tasks while the automation system bears total responsibility for safety. Furthermore, elderly or disabled individuals might gain the ability to travel independently when the car handles the operation.

Paragraph 5

Beyond these immediate advantages, we can examine the broader implications for transportation and society, as well as how manufacturing methods may need to adapt accordingly. Currently, the typical car remains parked for over 90 percent of its existence. Automation makes car-sharing initiatives much more feasible, particularly in urban centers where vehicle demand is highest. Overall mobility needs can be satisfied by significantly fewer cars if a large share of the population opts for shared autonomous vehicles.

Paragraph 6

A study on automated mobility conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Singapore revealed that under 30 percent of the currently active fleet would be necessary if automated car-sharing were fully rolled out. Under those conditions, we might need to manufacture far fewer automobiles to fulfill demand. Nevertheless, the total number of trips taken could rise because vacant vehicles would need to travel from one user to the next.

Paragraph 7

Simulation studies from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggest that self-driving vehicles could lower car ownership rates by 43 percent, though this would cause the average annual mileage per vehicle to double. Consequently, the cars would be utilized more intensively and require replacement sooner. Because of this high turnover rate, vehicle manufacturing volumes might not necessarily drop.

Paragraph 8

Automation could introduce other shifts in how vehicles are built. Should we transition to a system where consumers do not own cars individually but instead access various vehicles through a mobility service, motorists will be able to pick the exact model that fits their specific needs for a particular trip, rather than making compromises on all their preferences.

Paragraph 9

Given that most seats in most automobiles remain empty most of the time, this trend could encourage the creation of smaller, highly efficient vehicles tailored to individual requirements. For unusual journeys, such as family holidays or helping children move into university housing, specialized vehicles could be made available on demand.

Paragraph 10

Several hurdles must be cleared before we can introduce autonomous vehicles to our streets. These include technical challenges to guarantee vehicle reliability across diverse traffic densities, weather conditions, and road scenarios; regulatory issues surrounding how liability and legal enforcement must evolve when human drivers are absent; and societal changes required for communities to accept and trust self-driving vehicles as a standard component of the transport network.

Paragraph 11

Undoubtedly, several hurdles must be addressed, yet through focused and thorough research, these issues can be resolved over the coming 10 years. In the near future, transportation will transform in numerous ways and intersect with various other technological advancements, such as virtual reality and telepresence, making accurate forecasts difficult. Nevertheless, one point remains certain: transformation is inevitable, and the adaptability to handle this will prove vital for stakeholders engaged in producing the vehicles that will shape future transit.

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Questions 1-5

This reading passage has eleven paragraphs. Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A - K, as your answer to each question.

1. Google announced that it had been trialling self-driving cars on the streets of California in 2010.

2. University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute indicates that automated vehicles might reduce ownership of vehicles by 43%.

3. Automation can increase the development of smaller and efficient vehicles that match the needs of individuals.

4. Those who are old or disabled may be able to travel alone if the vehicle can do the driving.

5. Vehicles would be used more frequently and will require replacement sooner resulting in fast turnover the vehicle production may not necessarily decrease.

Questions 6-9

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the informationFALSE if the statement contradicts the informationNOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

6. Safety is the biggest reason for driverless car technology advancement.7. The average car spends its life parked for more than 90% of its life. 8. Modelling work at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute indicates that automated vehicles might increase ownership of vehicles.9. The flexibility to respond to this will be essential for those involved in manufacturing the vehicles that will implement future mobility.

Questions 10-14

Complete the summary below.

Write the answer in NOT MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

From the 1970s the implementation of 10_______ manufacture brought significant cost savings and improvements in the reliability and flexibility of mass production of vehicles.For more than 50 years, vehicles with limited 11________ capabilities have been around, which contributed significantly towards driver assistance systems. More than 90% of road collisions occur due to human error, and it is the biggest cause of 12________. Automating driving may help to reduce the occurrence of this. One thing is clear: change is for sure, and the 13______ to respond to this will be essential for those involved in manufacturing the vehicles that will implement future mobility. There is no doubt that many challenges need to be taken care of but, through targeted and 14________, these problems can be solved in the next 10 years.

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Answers 1-5

1. Paragraph 2

Explanation: Progress in this field has quickly gathered pace since Google announced that it had been trialling self-driving cars on the streets of California in 2010.

2. Paragraph 6

Explanation: Modelling work at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute indicates that automated vehicles might reduce ownership of vehicles by 43%, but as a result the average annual mileage of vehicles doubles.

3. Paragraph 8

Explanation: Since, most of the seats in most cars are unoccupied most of the time, it can increase the development of smaller and efficient vehicles that match the needs of individuals.

4. Paragraph 4

Explanation: Those who are old or disabled may be able to travel alone if the vehicle can do the driving.

5. Paragraph 7

Explanation: As a result, the vehicles would be used more frequently and will require replacement sooner. Due to this fast turnover the vehicle production may not necessarily decrease.

Answers 6-9

6. True

Explanation: Technology is advancing so fast due to many reasons. The biggest reason is safety.

7. True

Explanation: The average car spends its life parked for more than 90% of its life.

8. False

Explanation: Modelling work at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute indicates that automated vehicles might reduce ownership of vehicles by 43%, but as a result the average annual mileage of vehicles doubles.

9. True

Explanation: The flexibility to respond to this will be essential for those involved in manufacturing the vehicles that will implement future mobility.

Answers 10-14

10. robotic car

Explanation: From the 1970s the implementation of robotic car manufacture brought significant cost savings and improvements in the reliability and flexibility of mass production of vehicles.

11. Self-driving

Explanation: For more than 50 years, vehicles with limited self-driving capabilities have been around, which contributed significantly towards driver assistance systems.

12. road accidents

Explanation: More than 90% of road collisions occur due to human error, and it is the biggest cause of road accidents. Automating driving may help to reduce the occurrence of this.

13. flexibility

Explanation: One thing is clear: change is for sure, and the flexibility to respond to this will be essential for those involved in manufacturing the vehicles that will implement future mobility.

14. robust research

Explanation: There is no doubt that many challenges need to be taken care of but, through targeted and robust research, these problems can be solved in the next 10 years.

You can also explore our complete guide on The Triune Brain IELTS Reading Answers to practice another IELTS Reading passage and improve your accuracy with well-explained solutions.

Here are some professional recommendations for the IELTS reading test:

• Skimming and Scanning: Master rapid skimming and scanning techniques to locate crucial details within the text. Quickly review the passage to grasp the general meaning, then search for specific details while tackling the questions.
• Highlight and Underline Keywords: Mark essential keywords in both the reading passage and the questions to sharpen your focus and locate relevant details much faster.
• Manage Your Time: Allocate your time wisely across the three sections. Spend roughly 20 minutes on each part and avoid lingering on any single question for too long. If an answer escapes you, progress forward and revisit it later if time permits.
• Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the guidelines for each question format. Different formats may demand different approaches, so make sure you understand the requirement before answering.
• Practice Regularly: Expose yourself to diverse writing styles and topics by reading academic papers, newspapers, and magazines. Utilize authorized IELTS preparation materials to replicate authentic test conditions.

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