Registrations open for the Self Driving Challenge 2026
Only 14 team spots available
Registrations for the Self Driving Challenge 2026 are now open. This engineering challenge invites student teams from universities, universities of applied sciences and vocational institutes to design, build and ride their own autonomous vehicle. Interest is growing rapidly and the first registrations have already been submitted. The new season offers space for a maximum of 14 motivated student teams.
Autonomous racing at RDW Testcircuit Lelystad
The Self Driving Challenge takes place at the RDW Testcircuit in Lelystad. Throughout the season, teams test and improve their vehicles on a real track where realistic traffic situations are recreated. No simulations, but hands-on work with real vehicles, sensors and track conditions. Teams will work with technologies such as:
- Perception and sensor fusion (LiDAR, camera, radar)
- Localization and mapping
- Path planning algorithms
- Control engineering
- On-track testing and validation
Why participate
The Self Driving Challenge offers students a unique learning experience that combines teamwork, technology and innovation in practice. Participants gain:
- Experience with autonomous driving technology
- The ability to turn theory into real applications
- Guidance from professionals and industry experts
- A valuable addition to their engineering portfolio
- The opportunity to compete against other student teams
Key information
- Registration deadline: 1 December 2024
- Target group: student engineering teams
- Location: RDW Testcircuit Lelystad, the Netherlands
- Technology focus: AI, robotics, embedded systems and autonomous driving
- Selection process: maximum of 14 teams, based on motivation and technical proposal
How to register
With only 14 places available and the first teams already showing interest, we encourage teams not to wait too long to apply. The new season promises technical challenges, teamwork and a race to the future of mobility. Show your interest via mail: selfdrivingchallenge@rdw.nl.
Build. Code. Ride. Join the challenge.