Driver models play a vital role in developing and verifying autonomous
vehicles (AVs). Previously, they are mainly applied in traffic flow simulation
to model realistic driver behavior. With the development of AVs, driver models
attract much attention again due to their potential contributions to AV
certification. The simulation-based testing method is considered an effective
measure to accelerate AV testing due to its safe and efficient characteristics.
Nonetheless, realistic driver models are prerequisites for valid simulation
results. Additionally, an AV is assumed to be at least as safe as a careful and
competent driver. Therefore, driver models are inevitable for AV safety
assessment. However, no comparison or discussion of driver models is available
regarding their utility to AVs in the last five years despite their necessities
in the release of AVs. This motivates us to present a comprehensive survey of
driver models in the paper and compare their applicability. Requirements for
driver models in terms of their application to AV safety assessment are
discussed. A summary of driver models for simulation-based testing and AV
certification is provided. Evaluation metrics are defined to compare their
strength and weakness. Finally, an architecture for a careful and competent
driver model is proposed. Challenges and future work are elaborated. This study
gives related researchers especially regulators an overview and helps them to
define appropriate driver models for AVs