What Is Rivian Driver+?

Understanding Rivian's suite of driver-assistance and self-driving features.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Jun 5, 2024 | 3 min read

Rivian

As driver-assistance systems grow more capable, they can also become more complicated — and not just technologically. Automakers use a wide range of brand names for their active-safety systems, and the same umbrella term can consist of different features on different models from the same company.

Rivian Driver+, on the other hand, is fairly consistent. Whether it's on the company's R1T electric pickup or R1S SUV, the technology generally uses the same array of sensors and cameras to provide the same features.

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Rivian Driver+ Combines Driver-Assistance Features

Rivian Driver+ combines adaptive cruise control with active lane keeping, providing hands-free operation on certain roads under appropriate conditions. Hands-free driving is one of the most advanced capabilities of modern safety tech, and the same hardware and software that allow the R1S and R1T to drive themselves on specific highways enable other features as well.

Driver+ also includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree parking camera, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high beams.

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How Rivian Driver+ Works

Rivian Driver+ relies on a network of sensors and cameras. The company on its website says the Driver+ tech employs 10 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and five radar transmitters to monitor traffic around the vehicle as well as its general surroundings.

All the data gathered by this network allows the vehicle to steer, brake, and accelerate itself. It can also provide feedback and assistance to the driver if not operating in hands-free mode.

Most of Rivian's Driver+ features work in any situation where sensors aren't obscured by rain, snow, ice, or road grime. Hands-free driving, however, is limited to certain highways. When using the hands-free Highway Assist, drivers must pay attention to the road ahead so they can take over if an emergency situation develops.

Rivian does not consider Driver+ a Level 3 autonomous driving system. If the vehicle detects that the driver's focus has drifted, it will shut off Highway Assist and not allow it to be reengaged until the vehicle has been cycled in and out of Park.

In the past, Rivian monitored driver attention using a single driver-facing camera, but it has since stopped installing this camera in new vehicles and has disabled it in existing vehicles with an over-the-air software update.

The company said the camera did not meet its performance requirements, and it is able to adequately monitor driver involvement using other inputs that are not pointed directly at the driver's seat.

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Vehicles That Offer Rivian Driver+

Rivian includes Driver+ as standard equipment on both the R1S and R1T, meaning there are no additional terms to be aware of to ensure you get the latest tech. That said, the company has added new functionalities through over-the-air updates, meaning that in the future, some advanced features could result in additional charges or subscription fees.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.