Back to the future for UK self-driving: Green light for advanced trials from Spring 2026
It may not be as “fast-tracked” as widely advertised, but it is nonetheless great news that advanced trials of self-driving vehicles – basically on-road testing without a safety driver on-board – are scheduled to begin in the UK early next year.
As we reported last month, there had been growing frustration among self-driving leaders that the UK timescale seemed to be slipping.
When the AV Act passed back in May 2024, the then Conservative government of PM Rishi Sunak promised self-driving vehicles “on roads by 2026”.
A delay was never officially announced, but many industry insiders were resigned to a 2027 start date. As such, there is widespread relief that we are now, at least, back on track.
A Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) press release led with the eye-catching: “Driving innovation – 38,000 jobs on the horizon as pilots of self-driving vehicles fast-tracked”.
Intriguingly followed by: “From 2026, self-driving cars without a safety driver could be available for people to book via an app for the first time.”
“The future of transport is arriving,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. “Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology.
“With road safety at the heart of our pilots and legislation, we continue to take bold steps to create jobs, back British industry, and drive innovation to deliver our Plan for Change.”
Supporting comments
The release went on to quote multiple interested parties…
Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle: “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.”
Wayve CEO, Alex Kendall (our inaugural Self-Driving Industry Person of the Year Award Winner): “Accelerating commercial self-driving pilots to 2026 positions the UK as a leading destination for the deployment of L4 self-driving technology. These early pilots will help build public trust and unlock new jobs, services, and markets.”
SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes (who last year warned of delays jeopardising competitiveness): “Pilot rollout of commercial self-driving services from next year will widen public access to mobility, while the consultation will ensure the technology is deployed in a safe and responsible way. These latest measures will help Britain remain a world leader in the development and introduction of self-driving vehicles, a manifest application of AI at its finest.”
Oxa’s Gavin Jackson: “Oxa welcomes the Department for Transport’s (DfT) decision to enable driverless services on British roads by 2026. Since 2024, Oxa has advocated for an expedited regulatory regime. Clear rules will open up the market and encourage transport companies to introduce the benefits of autonomous vehicles across the country.”
Uber’s Sarfraz Maredia: “Uber already enables tens of thousands of driverless trips each month worldwide through partnerships with leading AV developers. Having recently appointed a dedicated leader for our UK autonomous efforts, we look forward to working with regulators and partners to deploy this technology safely in Britain.”
Waymo’s Michelle Peacock: “The United Kingdom has long been home to our first European engineering team dedicated to the development of our AI-powered Waymo Driver. We’re delighted to see the government lay the groundwork for new investment possibilities in the years ahead.”
TechUK’s Julian David OBE: “Today’s announcement is great news for the UK’s AV and tech sectors. Safety must be front and centre of any new regulatory regime. The call for evidence on the statement of safety principles enables a healthy discourse on what outcomes the public should expect from self-driving vehicles.”
Safety principles
Ah yes, the open call for evidence on automated vehicles: statement of safety principles – as required under Section 2 of the AV Act 2024 – that was also announced by the DfT and CCAV today (10 June 2025). You have until 11:59pm on 1 September 2025 to contribute.
Congrats to Uber on maximising the press opportunity – see “Uber to bring self-driving cars on to Britain’s streets next year” in The Telegraph, and “Driverless Uber taxis coming to UK in MONTHS – all you need to know” in The Mirror.
Any connection between this and the commitment to enable “people to book via an app” we wonder? We also welcome these additional comments…
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Policy Director, Steve Cole: “RoSPA welcomes the government’s announcement as an important step towards ensuring that people will be able to benefit from self-driving technology as safely as possible.”
Chair of RoadSafe, Arun Srinivasan: “Collision avoidance and advanced driver assistance systems have already proved to be vital in reducing casualties and technology has further potential to prevent crashes.”
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Chief Executive, Matt Stringer: “RNIB welcomes the pilot scheme of autonomous vehicles. Blind and partially sighted people are already navigating increasingly automated streetscapes, not just as future passengers, but as pedestrians today. The true potential of autonomous vehicles will only be realised when they’re safe, accessible and intuitive for everyone, from the pavement to the passenger seat.”
Chief Executive of Motability Operations, Andrew Miller: “Automated vehicles have the potential to be transformative. Implementing this technology on the UK’s roads could help our disabled customers be better connected to work, education, healthcare and wider society.”
Meanwhile, Waymo has reportedly suspended service in parts of Los Angeles after its robotaxis were targeted during protests following immigration raids. Did someone mention public trust?
