The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the UK government will fast-track pilots to spring 2026, introducing self-driving commercial pilots on England’s roads.
Pilots of self-driving taxi- and bus-like services will be brought forward by a year to spring 2026, which the DfT reported could create 38,000 jobs and add £42bn to the UK economy by 2035.
The DfT also stated that 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.
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Self-driving trials have already been taking place in the UK since January 2015, and from spring 2026, self-driving cars without a safety driver could be available for people to book via an app for the first time.
UK 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.”
Achievements in connected autonomous vehicles will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
