Autonomous trucks in the EU will not replace professional drivers in the foreseeable future. Autonomous trucks from 2025–2027 are vehicles with advanced assistance systems (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping) that facilitate monotonous driving on highways. A human remains critically necessary for controlling maneuvers on narrow streets, processing customs documents, and overseeing cargo loading and securing. Transport automation does not eliminate the profession but transforms it: the driver becomes a highly paid operator of a modern transport complex, and the demand for such personnel in Europe is only growing.
Today, news headlines are filled with bold statements: “Artificial intelligence will leave long-haul drivers jobless,” “First cab-less truck launched.” Because of this, many candidates planning to obtain Code 95 and start working in Europe are hesitant: is it worth investing time and money in a profession that might disappear?
As a practitioner working in European international transport, I will state directly: the panic is absolutely unfounded.
European logistics is currently experiencing a colossal shortage of personnel—the market lacks hundreds of thousands of drivers. Transport automation is indeed progressing, but it is aimed not at dismissing people, but at increasing safety and reducing the driver’s workload. In this article, we will honestly examine the current stage of technology, why a robot cannot tighten a strap on a pallet, and how you can adapt to new realities to become an indispensable specialist.
To understand the essence of what is happening, you need to know that autonomy is divided into 6 levels (from 0 to 5).
Autonomous trucks from 2025 and 2026 by Volvo, Scania, or Mercedes-Benz are, in essence, very smart assistants. They are equipped with cameras, radars, and lidars, but they still require the presence of a professional behind the wheel.
The industry is developing according to two main scenarios, neither of which excludes human involvement.
This technology allows several trucks to drive one after another with minimal distance (about 10–15 meters).
This is the maximum that autonomous trucks in the EU are capable of in the next decade.
Let’s move away from flashy startup presentations and look at the harsh reality of European operations. There are things a computer will not learn to do for a very long time.
A computer cannot use tie-down straps, place corner protectors, or lay anti-slip mats. If the cargo shifts during transit, it is the driver who will feel it through the trailer’s behavior, stop, and re-tighten the straps. The responsibility for cargo safety lies with a human.
Autopilot works perfectly on straight highways in Texas. Now imagine a typical industrial zone in Italy or a narrow street in a French village, where tree branches scratch the tarpaulin, and roundabouts (rondos) were built for horse-drawn carriages.
The driver is a company representative.
Lidars and cameras become blind in heavy snowfall, fog, or icing. In bad weather, smart systems switch off, displaying the message: “Take over control.”
Do not think that progress will not affect you. The work becomes less physically demanding but more knowledge-intensive.
A common mistake among newcomers: neglecting to study onboard computers. If you cannot read error messages on the display, or do not understand how to properly activate the engine brake in conjunction with adaptive cruise control, you will consume more fuel, and the company will start losing money.
To be among the most sought-after specialists with a high salary in 5–10 years, you need to act strategically today.
At our driving school, “Code 95 at Marka,” we do not just “drill” for tests. Our instructors practically demonstrate how modern Tachographs and driver assistance systems work. We teach students to operate a 2026 truck, not vehicles from the last century.
Autonomous trucks and the development of automation are not a threat to your career, but a tool that makes the long-haul driver’s job more comfortable and safer. The cabin transforms into a modern office, and the driver becomes a respected specialist-operator. The demand for people who can manage such technology will continue to grow, guaranteeing you stable employment and a European salary for decades to come.
If you are ready to master a prestigious profession that keeps pace with the times, contact the StarTruck (“Code 95 at Marka”) training center. We will prepare you for the real conditions of modern European roads, process the necessary documents, and help you get a confident start in logistics.
