It’s no longer the stuff of science fiction. As of today, 22 May 2026, you’re a real step closer to being able to tap an app and have a driverless car turn up to take you across town.
The government has opened applications for operators to run self-driving passenger services on Britain’s roads, and according to the Department for Transport, passengers could start booking journeys later this year. So what’s actually happening, and what does it mean for the trade?
What’s just been announced
The DfT has thrown open the doors for companies to apply to run automated “taxi and bus-style” services across Great Britain under a new pilot scheme. This is being enabled under the Automated Vehicles Act, with full implementation of the wider framework still expected in the second half of 2027 — so what’s launching now is the pilot stage, not the full rollout.
Crucially, this is the first time UK legislation will allow operators to offer passenger-carrying commercial services like robotaxis to the general public. Applications opened today, with the first paying journeys expected later in 2026.
Who’s in the running
The pilot is expected to involve British self-driving firm Wayve, which has been developing its tech in the UK for nearly a decade and says it plans to bring a supervised passenger service to market here this year. Alongside Wayve, the big international names are circling too — Waymo (owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet) wants to become part of London’s transport network through the programme, and Uber has signalled it’s keen to launch autonomous ride services in the capital.
It’s worth knowing that several of these operators are working with partners. Uber has tied up with Wayve and separately with Chinese firm Baidu, while Lyft is also working with Baidu. Waymo’s vehicles have already been spotted on London streets, currently driven by safety drivers while they map the city.
The safety pitch
The government’s headline argument is road safety. The DfT points out that human error currently contributes to 88% of collisions on UK roads, and the case being made is that self-driving tech could bring that figure down.
Every service will be subject to what the DfT calls “rigorous” approval checks, including safety and cyber security assessments. On top of that, local transport authorities will have to give their consent before operators can run services in their area — so it’s not a free-for-all.
What it means for drivers
Let’s be straight: this is the development the trade has been keeping a wary eye on for years. The pilot is small-scale for now, the regulatory framework isn’t fully in place until 2027, and local councils hold a veto. So nobody’s being replaced overnight.
But the direction of travel is clear. The government is actively courting these operators, projecting tens of thousands of jobs and billions for the economy by 2035. For anyone driving a cab or PHV for a living, it’s worth understanding how these services are being introduced, where they’re likely to launch first (London is the obvious early battleground), and how the rules around them develop. This is one to watch closely rather than panic about — but watch it you should.
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