Self-driving cars might be a thing sooner than you'd believe

From laws being passed, to test runs in Europe, self-driving cars may be around sooner than you think

Thought self-driving cars were a thing of the future? Like real hoverboards that levitate, or robot butlers?

Think again.

The future's getting fast-tracked — and it might just be pulling up behind you at the lights. Back in May 2024, the government’s world-leading Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became law.

This means that self-driving cars could be on our roads as soon as 2026.

Yes, that soon.

But what does this mean? Are they safe? Will they get rid of traffic? And what will they cost?

Let’s dive in.

Are self-driving cars allowed in the UK?

Not yet.

Fully self-driving cars are not yet legal for unsupervised use on UK roads. 

However, the Automated Vehicles Act aims to make them legal by 2026. This legislation establishes safety standards and processes for autonomous vehicles. 

While fully autonomous driving is not yet permitted, many vehicles currently on the market already have Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. 

How long until we get self-driving cars?

You might start seeing them in 2026.

Cars with self-driving features could start appearing as early as 2026 — though the technology will be rolled out gradually.

And whether or not you choose to use it? That’s entirely up to you.

Are self-driving cars safe?

In short? Potentially safer than us lot.

Driver error is behind nearly 9 in 10 crashes. We’re distracted, tired, hungry, singing to the radio... you name it.

Self-driving cars don’t get hangry. They don’t get road rage. No texting at traffic lights. No arguing with the sat nav.

They just get from A to B.

So, yes — they’re looking pretty safe.

We even got to see the amazing tech in action. At Tesla’s Not-an-Insights Forum, we watched a video of their self-driving tech navigate the chaos of Amsterdam.

We’re talking cyclists swerving, tourists crossing without looking, and even traffic lights suddenly changing.

The car? Cool as a cucumber.

It paused, waited, and avoided everything like it had a sixth sense.

And no, the route wasn’t staged. You can’t script Amsterdam.

Will self-driving cars get rid of traffic?

Self-driving cars may reduce traffic, but they likely won’t get rid of it. Will they solve the Great British motorway misery? Not quite.

Autonomous vehicles have the benefit of being able to platoon.

This is where cars can drive closely together in sync, safely — like a motorway conga line, but smarter.

By reducing human error, we should see fewer crashes, which means fewer traffic jams and road closures.

However, widespread adoption would be needed for self-driving cars to have a significant impact on traffic.

How much do self-driving cars cost?

Tesla’s shiny new Robotaxi (aka Cybercab) looks like the Cybertruck’s sleeker little sibling.

It’ll cost less than $30,000 — and no, that’s not a typo.

With wireless charging and production due to start sometime in 2026, it’s an exciting time for self-driving cars. But coming even sooner than that, the new Model Y will have self-driving capabilities, once it has been approved.

The new Model Y is priced from £44,990, and when self-driving is allowed, it’ll simply be an update in the system for you.

And with more models set to hit the market, prices are likely to come down over time.

While fully self-driving cars aren’t quite ready to chauffeur us to the chippy just yet, they’re certainly not a far-off fantasy anymore.

With legislation in place, tech already being tested, and futuristic features slowly making their way into the cars we can drive today, it’s only a matter of time before we’re all cruising hands-free.

Whether you’re excited, sceptical, or just wondering how it’ll handle a three-point turn in a Tesco car park, one thing’s for sure:

The future of driving is changing gear. And it might just be driving itself.

Ready or not, the robots are learning the Highway Code.