diff --git a/simulator/simple_planning_simulator/src/simple_planning_simulator/simple_planning_simulator_core.cpp b/simulator/simple_planning_simulator/src/simple_planning_simulator/simple_planning_simulator_core.cpp
index 7d09aabdc9abd..1536fafe56e7e 100644
--- a/simulator/simple_planning_simulator/src/simple_planning_simulator/simple_planning_simulator_core.cpp
+++ b/simulator/simple_planning_simulator/src/simple_planning_simulator/simple_planning_simulator_core.cpp
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ SimplePlanningSimulator::SimplePlanningSimulator(const rclcpp::NodeOptions & opt
   }
 
   // control mode
-  current_control_mode_.mode = ControlModeReport::AUTONOMOUS;
+  current_control_mode_.mode = ControlModeReport::MANUAL;
   current_manual_gear_cmd_.command = GearCommand::PARK;
 }