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Next time you get in your car know that the driver beside you may not be driving at all, as self-driving cars are now hitting Ontario roads.

Three autonomous vehicles have been approved by the province to test drive on public roads and highways, including the University of Waterloo’s modified Lincoln Sedan and the Erwin Hymer Group’s high-tech Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

“If you’re going on a trip, you’re going to take something like a fully functioning RV with your whole family and be able to interact and enjoy yourself on that journey.” said Joel Adams from the Erwin Hymer Group.

The RV isn’t quite ready for testing on public roads just yet, but what’s been dubbed the ‘Autonomouse’ is ready to roll.

The car has powerful computers that collect, processes and analyze data in real time.

“This is the 3D Lidar. It’s basically a time light censor. It bounces out the beam and takes the beam back and measures the time. It basically provides us with a 3D map of what’s around the car.” said Ali Harakeh, a student at the University of Waterloo.

It’s just one element in a system of visual sensors, radar and sonar.

Researchers say they will be evaluating how the vehicles operate under various weather and road conditions.

Self-driving cars are currently begin tested on the roads around the world.

Google has been testing self-driving cars in California since 2009 and Uber starting testing theirs in Pittsburgh in September.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca says the reasons for Ontario to get on board are clear.

“Untapped potential for employment. An automated vehicle supply chain is coming and we want those jobs to be here.”

Ontario’s pilot project is set to run for the next ten years.