Sam Schmidt – The First Autonomous Driver’s License

Sam Schmidt was told he would never be behind the wheel again, but some amazing technology is putting him, a quadriplegic, back on the road.

In the late 90s, Sam Schmidt had a promising career as an IndyCar driver, finishing fifth in the championship in 1999 after taking his first win in Las Vegas. In off-season, however, his ascension in the sport was derailed. During testing that following January, an accident at Walt Disney World Speedway in Florida left Schmidt a quadriplegic.

On Wednesday, the State of Nevada, and presented by Nevada Lt. Governor Mark Hutchison, the nation’s first autonomous vehicle restricted driver’s license. He can now drive his very own custom Corvette. He first took the car out for a spin at Exotic Racing and then headed out on public roads.

“Unbelievable. Many emotions for sure,” said Sam Schmidt.

“The advancement technology in this car is just amazing. I feel completely normal, in control. We could go a lot faster if we needed to!” he continued.

Schmidt maneuvers the car by turning his head left and right and blows or sucks from a mouthpiece to accelerate or brake the car.