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Driverless cars have now entered the testing phase in the UK, and other markets, such as the USA, are already reporting huge successes, especially with the recent completion of the longest ever driverless journey all the way from San Francisco to Manhattan.
There are those who argue that driverless cars present a threat to critical thinking, but actually the introduction of this sort of technology to UK roads could mean freedom for the younger generation, the elderly, and the disabled, and it’s suggested that 2500 lives could be saved in Britain between now and 2030 by the adoption of driverless vehicles.
However, while we understand the benefits of driverless cars, we know remarkably little about the practicalities – most notably, what this technology means for the current driving test. High tech cars which offer automated features such as self parking and cruise control are already widely available, but it’s still a legal requirement to pass the driving test before getting behind the wheel solo – will the same be true for driverless cars?
According to sources, the UK government are planning to review current legislation in the next few years, rewriting the Highway Code, making changes to MOT regulations, and considering how the country should approach the concept of driverless vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.
Legalities & Practicalities
Although little information is being shared with regard to the practicalities of driverless technology, especially while we are still in such as early stage of testing, it is expected that two types of driverless vehicle will be introduced onto UK roads: highly automated cars and fully automated cars.
Highly automated cars are anticipated to be more advanced versions of the high tech ‘smart’ vehicles we’ve seen launched by manufacturers all around the world in recent years. It is believed that a driving license will be required to use the car, and that ‘drivers’ will have opportunities to take over the controls if desired.
Fully automated cars, on the other hand, will be designed to take over the entire driving process, and here’s where the majority of questions arise. Although occupant input will not be expected, will there be an option to utilise manual controls in case of technology failure? If yes, surely ‘drivers’ will still require on-the-road training.
Will We Buy Driverless Cars?
Of course, the future of the UK driving test isn’t solely reliant upon what the Government decides – its future will also be determined by whether or not we, as a nation, are favourable towards the new technology. Consider that some people driver simply because they love to do it, while nearly half of Brits claim they wouldn’t be interested in buying a driverless car, either now or in the future. Additionally, the average cost of a first car in the UK is £1450, and yet consumer grade driverless cars are expected to be priced equivalently to a sports car or premium saloon.
While it is safe to say that, should driverless cars be made legal in the UK, many will make the change to this new, cutting edge technology, driverless cars will certainly not be exclusive on the British market in this lifetime. Cost consideration, a passion for driving, and safety concerns will encourage many to opt for more traditional driving methods, keeping the UK driving test an important and vital aspect for new drivers.
