Pilots of self-driving vehicles fast-tracked

The Department for Transport has announced that self-driving vehicle pilots have been fast tracked so they start in England from spring 2026.

Companies will be able to pilot small scale taxi- and bus-like services without a safety driver for the first time – which could be available to members of the public to book via an app – before a potential wider rollout when the full Automated Vehicles (AV) Act becomes law from the second half of 2027.

The Automated Vehicles Act will require self-driving vehicles to achieve a level of safety at least as high as competent and careful human drivers, and they will undergo rigorous safety tests before being allowed on our roads.

It is hoped that self-driving vehicles will help reduce deaths and injuries, by having faster reaction times than humans, and by being trained on large numbers of driving scenarios, including learning from real-world incidents. 

Self-driving vehicles can also improve transport for millions of people - providing greater choice and flexibility to get around more easily. They could add new public transport options in rural areas to boost connectivity for local communities, and improve mobility, accessibility and independence for those unable to drive.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "We can't afford to take a back seat on AI, unless it's on a self-driving bus. It's great to see the UK storming ahead as a global leader in using this technology - making our roads safer, travel easier and driving growth by spurring innovation across the country.

“That's why we’re bringing timelines forward today, placing the UK firmly in the fast lane and creating opportunity along the way so people across the country benefit."

Self-driving trials have already been taking place in the UK since January 2015, with British companies Wayve and Oxa spearheading significant breakthroughs in the technology. From spring 2026, self-driving cars without a safety driver could be available for people to book via an app for the first time.