Self-driving taxis and buses are set to be trialled on public roads in England from spring 2026, bringing the launch forward by a full year as the Government aims to position the UK at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology.
For the first time, companies will be allowed to trial small-scale autonomous public transport services, including taxi-style and bus-like vehicles, without requiring a safety driver on board. These services could be made accessible to the public through app-based bookings, paving the way for broader deployment once the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act is fully in force from the latter half of 2027.
The Department for Transport (DfT) had initially indicated that self-driving legislation would come into effect in late 2027, stating that efforts were underway to rapidly bring autonomous vehicles to UK roads. They now believe that accelerating the start of these trials will support the creation of 38,000 jobs and contribute to an industry projected to be worth £42 billion by 2035.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented: “The future of transport is arriving. Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology.”
The Automated Vehicles Act sets out that autonomous cars must match or exceed the safety standards of a competent human driver. Vehicles will need to pass stringent assessments before being approved for use on public roads.
By reacting more swiftly than human drivers and drawing on data from a wide range of real-world driving scenarios, the DfT believes self-driving technology has the potential to cut the number of road injuries and fatalities.
Trials of autonomous vehicles have already been underway in the UK since early 2015, with British firms such as Wayve and Oxa leading developments in the field.
Beginning in spring 2026, the Government expects members of the public to be able to use an app to book rides in self-driving vehicles operating without a safety driver.
Wayve, which recently secured over $1 billion in funding, has partnered with both Nissan and Uber. Oxa, meanwhile, has provided autonomous shuttle services in the United States and is already deploying self-driving technology to enhance baggage operations at Heathrow Airport.
Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve, said: “The UK has been Wayve’s home since 2017 – building this technology here has been an incredible journey, from testing our first prototype in Cambridge to deploying the world’s first end-to-end AI driver on public roads, starting in London and expanding nationwide.
“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. For Wayve, this means we can prioritise the UK for early deployment and help deliver safer, cleaner mobility to the UK.
“We’re excited to bring the benefits of L4 autonomous mobility to cities around the UK.”