Why Self-Driving Cars Aren’t (Yet) a Thing in the UK
The idea of hopping into a car that drives itself while you relax with a coffee or catch up on emails sounds like something from a sci-fi film. But despite years of hype and billions in investment, self-driving cars are still not a common sight on UK roads. So, what’s holding them back?
Understanding the Levels of Autonomy
To grasp where we are, it helps to understand the six levels of vehicle automation, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE):
- Level 0: No automation – the driver is fully in control.
- Level 1: Driver assistance – e.g., adaptive cruise control.
- Level 2: Partial automation – the car can steer and accelerate/decelerate, but the driver must remain engaged (e.g., Tesla Autopilot).
- Level 3: Conditional automation – the car can drive itself in certain conditions, but the driver must be ready to take over.
- Level 4: High automation – the car can drive itself without human input in specific environments.
- Level 5: Full automation – no steering wheel or pedals; the car handles all driving in all conditions.
As of 2025, most vehicles on UK roads are at Level 2, with a few experimental trials of Level 3 and Level 4 systems in controlled environments
Regulatory Framework Still in Progress
The UK government has passed the Automated Vehicles Act, which sets the stage for self-driving cars to operate legally. However, the full rollout of this legislation—and the supporting regulations—isn’t expected until late 2027. Until then, only limited trials are allowed, and a human driver must remain ready to intervene.
Safety and Public Confidence
Safety remains a top concern. While autonomous systems can react faster than humans and don’t get tired or distracted, they still struggle with complex, unpredictable environments, like narrow country lanes, erratic pedestrians, or sudden weather changes. The UK’s cautious approach is designed to build public trust and ensure that these vehicles are at least as safe as a competent human driver.
Infrastructure Isn’t Ready
The UK’s road network—especially in older towns and cities—isn’t exactly ideal for autonomous vehicles. Inconsistent signage, tight streets, and a lack of digital mapping infrastructure make it difficult for AI systems to navigate reliably. Upgrading this infrastructure will take time and investment.
Technology Is Still Evolving
While companies like Wayve, Oxbotica, and Tesla are pushing the boundaries, fully autonomous vehicles (Level 5) are still in development. Even in the US, where testing is more advanced, most self-driving cars are still in pilot phases or require a safety driver.
Pilot Programmes Are Coming
There is progress. The UK government has announced that self-driving taxi and shuttle pilots will begin in spring 2026, allowing people to book rides via an app, without a safety driver. These trials will be crucial in shaping the future of autonomous transport and could pave the way for broader adoption by the end of the decade.
