The invention relates to a method and a system for switching to an autonomous driving mode from a manual driving mode. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer (110) may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions, e.g. with regard to an improperly closed or open door. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks (810-850, 910-940) for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer 110 may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode.