You can build a small self-driving RC car for learning and controlled-course experiments with Donkeycar, an open-source, Python-based platform. This is a hobby robot car—not a road-ready autonomous passenger vehicle. Donkeycar is aimed at hobbyists and students and supports neural-network, computer-vision, and GPS-based approaches, as well as a simulator for trying ideas before assembling hardware.
What you need to build a Donkeycar
The Donkeycar hardware guide outlines a build around an RC chassis and a Raspberry Pi. Its parts list includes:
- An RC car chassis, with a 1/16-scale car suited to larger tracks and a 1/28-scale car better suited to smaller indoor spaces
- Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB of memory
- microSD card and a wide-angle Raspberry Pi camera
- USB battery, jumper wires, and screws
- PCA9685 servo driver
- Printed roll-cage and top-plate parts
Check the Donkeycar hardware build guide for the current parts details and compatibility before buying. Prices and availability can change, and a custom chassis may need different mounting parts or control hardware.
Choose a chassis for your space
A 1/16-scale car can suit a large office or outdoor course, but the hardware guide warns that its speed and weight can cause damage in a crash. A 1/28-scale car is slower and lighter, making it a more practical choice for a smaller indoor area. Consider available space, speed, drivetrain compatibility, and room to mount electronics before choosing.
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- OFFICIALLY LICENSED PORSCHE RACE CAR MERCH + PREMIUM GIFT BOX: Officially authorized by Porsche, this RC race car kit perfectly replicates the iconic 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25’s authentic styling with opening doors and working lights (approx. 10.3in L x 4.3in W x 2.8in H)—ideal for die-hard racing fans. Packaged in a sleek, premium gift box, it’s a top choice for birthday, holiday, or back-to-school gifts for kids ages 8+ and racing enthusiasts
- BEGINNER-FRIENDLY 76-PC ASSEMBLY KIT: This 76-piece RC car kit is easy to assemble by adults in 30-45 minutes with a complete, easy-to-follow instruction manual that provides step-by-step guidance. *Note: Assembly time may vary for kids of different ages building alone
- FULL-FUNCTION 2.4GHz INTERFERENCE-FREE REMOTE CONTROL: The 2.4GHz remote offers stable, long-range control of 10-20 meters (33-66ft) in open areas with full driving functions: forward, reverse, stop, left turn, and right turn. No signal interference means kids can race multiple RC cars at the same time without glitches
- SAFE LOW-SPEED DESIGN FOR INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLAY: With a safe low speed, this RC car is suitable for play on all indoor and outdoor surfaces like carpets, hardwood floors, sidewalks, and driveways, preventing collisions and letting kids master driving skills easily
- WHAT YOU GET + BATTERY REQUIREMENTS: 1 x 76-PC RC Race Car Building Kit (includes a built-in motor, 2.4GHz remote control, and custom DIY decals to personalize your Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 race car), 1 x Step-by-Step Assembly Manual. *Note: Requires 5 AA batteries (3 for the car, 2 for the remote) – batteries are not included with the kit
The project overview estimates a build at about $250–$300 and two hours to assemble. These are Donkeycar documentation estimates, not a current retail quote or guaranteed build time; parts, prices, and experience affect the result. If you prefer a preassembled option, Donkeycar also identifies the Waveshare PiRacer Pro as ready to run; check its current listing for price and availability.
Build and configure it in this order
- Assemble the hardware. Fit the selected RC car with the listed electronics and secure the camera, battery, and control components.
- Install Donkeycar software. Follow the project’s installation guide for your host and vehicle setup.
- Create an application from a template. Donkeycar’s templates provide a starting point for configuring a vehicle.
- Calibrate the car. Check steering and throttle response so the software’s commands correspond to the car’s actual movement.
- Drive it manually first. Confirm the car responds predictably before recording examples or enabling autonomous behavior.
- Create an autopilot. Choose behavioral cloning, GPS path following, or computer vision based on your track and goals.
- Experiment in the simulator. The project provides a simulator for learning and trying behavior without starting on physical hardware.
Donkeycar describes its system as modular: components such as a camera, GPS receiver, or controller can provide inputs, while vehicle components send steering and throttle to an ESC-and-servo drivetrain or differential drive. The exact setup depends on the chassis and software configuration; consult the current Donkeycar repository and documentation for implementation details.
Rank #2
- DIY Building: The F1 car kit requires assembly, which is a fun and challenging science kit for children and adults. The process of building the car helps to develop creativity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Good choice for children aged 9-16.
- STEM Education: The F1 car kit is designed to be an educational toy that promotes STEM education. By building and assembling the car, children can learn about basic engineering concepts and gain problem-solving skills.
- High-Quality Wood Material: The F1 car kit is made of high-quality wood, ensuring durability and longevity. The wood material provides an authentic and unique feel to the product and enhances the overall building experience.
- Remote Control: The F1 car kit comes with a remote control that allows users to control the car's movements, making it a fun and engaging toy for kids and adults alike. The remote control is easy to use, making it accessible to everyone.
- Racing Experience: Once the car is built, it can be raced against other remote control cars or driven around to showcase its speed and agility. The F1 car kit provides a realistic racing experience and is sure to impress both kids and adults.
Choose how the car should navigate
| Approach | How it works | What it demands |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral cloning | You drive manually while the car records camera images alongside steering and throttle values. A trained convolutional neural network then predicts steering and throttle from images. | Recorded driving examples and a training workflow. Donkeycar’s guide describes recording at 20 samples per second and targeting about 10,000 examples; these are project instructions, not performance guarantees. |
| GPS path following | You drive a route once to record GPS waypoints; the car uses its position to steer toward the recorded path. | A route where GPS is available and suitable GPS hardware. The project documentation presents this as an outdoor option. |
| Computer vision | An image-processing algorithm, such as one using color-space conversion or edge detection, identifies features relevant to the course. | You develop and tune the algorithm and its parameters for the track; unlike behavioral cloning, this approach does not require a set of manually driven examples. |
For behavioral cloning, the Donkeycar autopilot guide describes recording and training a model from manually driven data. It also cautions that outdoor performance is more difficult when lighting and surroundings change. A controlled, consistent course is a more manageable starting point than an unpredictable environment.
Plan for mounting, handling, and integration
Adding a camera, computer, and battery changes a small car’s weight and balance. Donkeycar’s custom-build guidance notes that added load can make a car top-heavy and less responsive, so mount parts securely and account for the particular chassis. A custom base plate may be needed; possible fabrication methods include 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC milling, or drilling thin plywood.
Rank #3
- Support four 2600mAh 18650 batt (not included), two parallel and two series output currents are larger, and the motor power is stronger.
- On-board HY2120 + AOD514 lithium battery protection circuit, with anti-overcharge, anti-over-discharge, anti-over-current, and short-circuit protection functions.
- On-board FP5139 automatic buck-boost voltage regulator circuit can provide stable 5V voltage to Raspberry Pi.
- On-board 0.91-inch 128 × 32 resolution OLED, real-time display of car IP address, memory, power, etc.
- On-board AINA219 chip is convenient for real-time monitoring battery voltage and charging current.
Check that the drivetrain can accept the intended steering and throttle outputs. A nonstandard drivetrain may require adapting both control outputs and wiring. An assemble-yourself chassis can offer more customization, while a preassembled system prioritizes convenience; either way, verify mounting and drivetrain compatibility before committing to the build. See the Donkeycar custom-build guide for integration considerations.
Keep the project on a controlled course
Run the car on a private, controlled course with enough room to stop and retrieve it. The project’s warning about 1/16-scale cars is practical: they can be fast and heavy enough to damage themselves or nearby objects in a collision. Added electronics can also affect handling, so test at low speed and keep people and fragile items out of the course.
Rank #4
- High Speed AI Racing Robot Powered by Raspberry Pi 4, Supports DonkeyCar Project, Pro Version
- High performance AI robot, deep learning, self driving, suitable for high school AI learning/professional racing
- Upgraded chassis, carbon brushed motors, front& rear axle differentials, oil-filled shocks, 4WD independent suspension, 5MP 160° FOV Camera
- Based On DonkeyCar Open Source Project. The DonkeyCar Utilizes Deep Learning Neural Network Framework Keras/TensorFlow, Together With Computer Vision Library OpenCV, To Achieve Self Driving.
- PiRacer Pro AI Kit Is Based On Google’s Open Source Deep Learning Neural Network Study Framework TensorFlow, And Developed In Python - One Of The Most Popular Programming Language.
The Donkeycar materials describe an educational RC platform; they do not establish that a build is roadworthy, legally permitted on public roads, or safety-certified as a passenger vehicle. Do not use or represent a hobby RC build as a public-road self-driving car.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to start learning
Donkeycar presents itself as a flexible entry point for hobbyists and students, describing the project as the “Hello World” of autonomous driving. Begin with the official Donkeycar project overview, then use the hardware and installation guides to match your build to your skills and space. For community racing and projects, the overview also points readers to DIY Robocars.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Support four 2600mAh 18650 batt (not included), two parallel and two series output currents are larger, and the motor power is stronger.
- On-board HY2120 + AOD514 lithium battery protection circuit, with anti-overcharge, anti-over-discharge, anti-over-current, and short-circuit protection functions.
- On-board FP5139 automatic buck-boost voltage regulator circuit can provide stable 5V voltage to Raspberry Pi.
- On-board 0.91-inch 128 × 32 resolution OLED, real-time display of car IP address, memory, power, etc.
- On-board AINA219 chip is convenient for real-time monitoring battery voltage and charging current.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
