Passengers may be able to book self-driving taxi and bus-style vehicles later this year, following the opening of applications on May 22, 2026, for operators seeking to run self-driving mobility services across the UK.
This pilot scheme will enable firms, including UK self-driving technology company Wayve, to bring cutting-edge technology to UK roads, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking billions for the economy by 2035.
Services could enhance journeys by supporting greater freedom and independence for older and disabled people, as well as expanding travel options across both work and leisure, the UK government said.
Self-driving technology could transform roads, with human error currently contributing to 88% of collisions on UK roads, said the UK Department for Transport.
Safety will be central to the pilot scheme, which will gather real-world evidence on how self-driving vehicles operate on everyday roads, from navigating busy urban streets to interacting with traffic and carrying passengers safely.
Services will be subject to rigorous approval checks by government, including strict safety assessments to ensure the technology is protected against cyber and security threats.
Roads and buses minister Simon Lightwood said, “Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK. This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel firsthand while ensuring safety always comes first.”
Local transportation authorities, such as Transport for London, will also need to provide local consent to ensure services reflect local priorities. The government is working closely with safety and accessibility experts as it develops the regulations needed to safely bring self-driving vehicles to UK roads.
Learnings from the pilots will support the development of self-driving vehicle regulations, which are currently being progressed by government, following a Call for Evidence that closed in March.
Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery at Uber, commented, “London has long been a pioneering city for Uber, where we’ve launched some of our biggest innovations, and we can’t wait to give people in the capital the chance to experience autonomous rides this year.”
Ben Loewenstein, Waymo head of policy and government affairs for the UK and Europe, added, “We hope to soon become part of London’s transport network and demonstrate the safety, accessibility and sustainability benefits of battery-electric autonomous vehicles through the government’s pilot scheme. We are working closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for London to ensure our operations align with their goals.”
Sarah Gates, VP for global affairs and assurance at Wayve, said, “The UK has all the ingredients to become a global leader in the deployment of self-driving vehicles, and today’s launch of the Automated Passenger Services scheme marks an important milestone.
“Self-driving vehicles represent a generational opportunity to make road transport safer, more accessible and more convenient for millions of people. Beyond the societal benefits, this sector also has the potential to drive significant economic growth – revitalising the UK’s industrial base, creating high-skilled jobs, and strengthening the country’s position as a world-leading technology ecosystem.”
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