Udacity Intro to Self-Driving Cars Nanodegree Review (2026)
Last updated: May 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson. See our review methodology.
By Josh Hutcheson · E-Learning Specialist
Reviewing online learning platforms since 2019. Review methodology
The 60-second verdict: The Udacity Intro to Self-Driving Cars Nanodegree (nd113) is the prerequisite or intro-level path before the more advanced Self Driving Car Engineer Nanodegree (nd0013). Intermediate level. Covers Python, C++, computer vision basics, sensors, and probability for autonomous systems. Best for: career switchers entering autonomous vehicle field, ML engineers branching into AV, students preparing for senior AV programs.
Our rating: 4.3/5 | Cost: $399/mo | Enroll →
What is the Intro to Self-Driving Cars Nanodegree?
This is Udacity’s entry point into autonomous vehicle engineering. Designed as a prerequisite or alternative starting path before the advanced Self-Driving Car Engineer Nanodegree (nd0013), it covers the fundamentals: programming languages used in AV (Python + C++), basic computer vision, sensor concepts, and probability/statistics for AV decision-making.
Curriculum overview
Module 1: Bayesian Thinking
Probability theory for autonomous decisions. Localization basics. Object detection probability fundamentals.
Module 2: Working with Matrices
Linear algebra for computer vision. Matrix operations in Python. Coordinate systems for AV.
Module 3: C++ Fundamentals
Why C++ for AV? Memory management, OOP in C++, performance considerations. AV systems often run on C++ for performance.
Module 4: Performance Programming in C++
Optimizations for AV embedded systems. Profiling, multi-threading basics.
Module 5: Computer Vision Fundamentals
Image processing basics, edge detection, lane detection algorithms. OpenCV introduction.
Prerequisites
- Basic Python knowledge.
- High school math (calculus, statistics, linear algebra basics) helpful.
- No autonomous vehicle background required.
Should you take this or jump to nd0013?
Take Intro (nd113) if: you’re a career switcher with limited Python/C++, want a gentler introduction, or are uncertain whether AV is your long-term path. Skip to Self Driving Car Engineer (nd0013) if: you have solid Python + ML background, you’re committed to AV career, you want the production-level program directly.
FAQ
Does this lead directly to AV jobs?
No — it’s preparatory. Most AV employers expect the deeper Self Driving Car Engineer Nanodegree (nd0013) or equivalent experience.
How does this compare to Coursera’s self-driving car courses?
Udacity’s program goes deeper on real coding (C++ specifically). Coursera’s offerings tend to be lecture-heavy. Pair with our broader AWS vs Azure guide if your AV career intersects with cloud infrastructure.
Final verdict: 4.3/5
Solid prerequisite program. Best as a stepping stone to the advanced Self-Driving Car Engineer Nanodegree, not as a standalone qualification.
Related: Udacity Self Driving Car Engineer (nd0013) · Udacity Sensor Fusion · Flying Car Engineer