VEHICLE DRIVING MODE SWITCHING CONTROL METHOD AND VEHICLE DRIVING MODE SWITCHING CONTROL DEVICE

A vehicle driving mode switching control method is provided to switch from a driving assist mode in which a driving operation performed by a driver is assisted by autonomous travel control having a plurality of assist levels to a manual driving mode in which the driver performs the driving operation. The vehicle driving mode switching control method sets a threshold value higher for a driving assist mode in which the assist level is relatively high than for a threshold value of a driving assist mode in which the assist level is relatively low. The vehicle driving mode switching control method detects an input value from the driver with respect to a steering wheel of a host vehicle, and switches from the driving assist mode to the manual driving mode when the input value from the driver is equal to or greater than the threshold value.