They have been in development for a number of years now, with some already on public roads.
And now the initial rollout of self-driving vehicles to the UK could begin as soon as 2023, under new plans unveiled by the Government and backed by a £100 million investment to boost the rollout.
Some cars, coaches and lorries with self-driving features could be operating on motorways in the next year, the Government has said. The plans will see new legislation introduced to make it safer for further self-driving vehicles to be rolled out, which is expected in 2025.
The Government said this new technology could revolutionise public transport, especially for those who don't drive, and could help reduce road collisions caused by human error.
The plans also say that vehicles that can drive themselves could be on sale to the public in the next year, but they will require a valid driving licence so that the user can drive them on other roads too.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: "The benefits of self-driving vehicles have the potential to be huge. Not only can they improve people’s access to education and other vital services, but the industry itself can create tens of thousands of job opportunities throughout the country.
“Most importantly, they’re expected to make our roads safer by reducing the dangers of driver error in road collisions."
Do you need a licence for self-driving cars?
For those vehicles expected to be on sale next year, you'll need a valid drivers' licence.
However, other self-driving vehicles such as those used for public transport of deliveries and which the Government wants on roads by 2025, would be used without a driving licence as they would be completely autonomous.
The government plans to create laws for self-driving cars around existing laws, as well as consulting on their safety.
It will state that manufacturers are responsible for the vehicles actions when self-driving, not the driver itself - meaning drivers can't be responsible for accidents.
In response to the plans, AA president Edmund King said: “The automotive world is changing rapidly and so the Government is right to embrace the positive changes offered by this new technology, and back it by funding research and putting forward legislation.
“Assisted driving systems, for example, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are already helping millions of drivers stay safe on the roads.
“It is still quite a big leap from assisted driving, where the driver is still in control, to self-driving, where the car takes control."
Would you try out a self-driving car? Let us know in the comments.
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