United Kingdom robotaxi rules
The UK has a national law for self-driving vehicles and, since May 15, 2026, a permit scheme for passenger services that use them. In London, a permit also needs the consent of Transport for London.
Updated . By the Robotaxi Atlas desk.
The Act and the permit scheme
The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 received royal assent on May 20, 2024. Much of it has yet to be brought into force, and the Department for Transport expects full implementation in "the second half of 2027."
In the meantime, the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permit regulations, SI 2026/439, came into force on May 15, 2026. Under them the DfT can grant permits for passenger services that use automated vehicles. A London service also needs TfL's consent.
Where London operators stand
There is no record of an APS permit granted to Waymo. It began driving in London on Apr 14, 2026 with trained specialists behind the wheel, and on Sep 24, 2026 it said a launch needs DfT approval and TfL consent.
Wayve rides launched on Uber on Sep 3, 2026 with a TfL-licensed private hire driver on board, which makes them a safety-driver service. Tech Times reported that on Aug 5, 2026 TfL licensed up to 15 Wayve vehicles as private hire vehicles.
Apollo Go began supervised road testing in Brent with Freenow by Lyft on Jul 28, 2026 and expects public rides in 2027. On Oct 8, 2026, Uber and Pony.ai announced that Gen-7 testing would start in the coming weeks.
What riders can do today
Every autonomous ride you can book in London today has a licensed driver aboard. Fully driverless public rides can only start once an operator holds an APS permit.
Cities affected
- London Safety driver
Questions people ask
Are driverless taxis legal in the UK?
Since May 15, 2026, the Department for Transport can issue permits for automated passenger services. TfL must also consent in London, and there is no record of a permit granted to Waymo.
When will the Automated Vehicles Act be fully in force?
The UK Department for Transport expects the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 to be fully implemented in the second half of 2027.
Can you ride an autonomous car in London now?
Autonomous rides are available in London with a driver on board. Wayve rides on Uber launched on Sep 3, 2026 with a TfL-licensed private hire driver in the car.