The Department for Transport has opened applications for operators seeking to run self-driving taxi, bus and private hire-style services across United Kingdom, marking the first time commercial autonomous passenger transport services will be permitted on public roads in Great Britain under British legislation.
The pilot programme, announced on May 22, 2026, is expected to enable passenger bookings for autonomous transport services later this year.
According to the government, operators will be required to undergo regulatory approval processes covering vehicle safety and cyber-security standards, while also securing local authorization from transport authorities including Transport for London where applicable.
The scheme follows a government consultation process on self-driving transport that closed in March 2026 and is intended to support the development of broader autonomous vehicle regulations in Britain.
“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,” said Simon Lightwood, the UK’s roads and buses minister.
“This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first,” Lightwood added.
Industry organization Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders estimates that automated passenger transport services in Britain could generate around £3.7 billion ($4.96 billion) annually by 2040.
Several autonomous driving companies are supporting the initiative, including Wayve, Uber and Waymo, part of Alphabet.
Wayve said it plans to launch a supervised passenger service in the UK later this year.
The pilot programme forms part of broader efforts by governments and technology companies to commercialize autonomous mobility services while establishing regulatory frameworks for public-road deployment.
