THE International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released a new international standard for autonomous driving system test scenarios, led by China.

ISO 34505:2025 outlines the evaluation process for test scenarios of autonomous driving systems, clarifies the requirements for evaluation indicators such as exposure, complexity, and criticality, and defines the general methods and characteristics of test cases, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced Monday.

The new international standard was initiated in September 2022 and developed by a team of experts from China and Germany. It aims to fill the gap in global standards for self-driving system test scenarios, providing a unified foundation for autonomous driving technology R&D and supporting Chinese automakers’ entry into overseas markets.

The release of ISO 34505:2025 holds great significance for China’s automotive industry, according to Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). With rapid advancements in autonomous driving technology and increasing pressure from global competitors, participation in the standard-setting process offers Chinese automakers a competitive edge, Cui said.

While some Chinese cities have allowed self-driving vehicles to conduct road tests, high-level autonomous driving tests are still performed in simulated environments. The new standard paves the way for the expansion of road tests for these emerging technologies.

The standard also addresses the growing demand from automakers with self-driving R&D centers abroad and from service providers seeking to roll out robotaxi pilot projects in foreign cities.

MIIT stated it will continue to participate in the revision of international automotive standards alongside specialized institutions, including the China Automotive Technology and Research Center.(SD-Agencies)