I think we might have the technology for cars to drive themselves in 15-20 especially if there is demand for it. However I just don't see a way to get from here to there. Even with a working system, what company could produce it and take on that kind of product liability?
In the US it will probably have to be pushed forward by the federal government. Once the technology is good enough to significantly cut crash death rates then it becomes a public health issue. I expect they will establish some sort of certification program for automatically driven cars. And manufacturers will receive liability protection for certified products.
