The UK’s Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets the stage for a new era in mobility, but the real test lies in how automated vehicles (AVs) will be approved and authorised for public roads.

Published: 21 January 2026
Author: Ben Gardner

The UK’s Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets the stage for a new era in mobility, but the real test lies in how automated vehicles (AVs) will be approved and authorised for public roads.

With the Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest call for evidence now open, stakeholders have a unique opportunity to shape the rules that will govern the deployment of AVs from day one.

Introduction

The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 is more than a legislative milestone – it is the foundation for a regulatory framework that will determine how self-driving technology moves from concept to reality on UK roads. Chapter one of the DfT’s call for evidence focuses on the critical first steps: type approval, authorisation, operator licensing and the responsibilities of those bringing AVs to market.

Why does this matter?

The evidence and opinions submitted now will help shape decisions on:

• who should be able to get AVs on the road
• what evidence should be required to prove safety and compliance
• an appropriate operator licensing regime for vehicles that operate with no human in charge
• regulating transition demands and developing insurance products for AVs.

Engaging with the call for evidence at this stage means you can help shape a framework that works for your business and the wider sector, rather than being caught out by requirements that do not fit your needs.

This article focuses exclusively on chapter one of the call for evidence, exploring the practical questions and policy choices that will decide how AVs are launched and regulated from the outset. A follow-up article will examine chapter two, which addresses the regulatory landscape once AVs are in use – including ongoing oversight, incident investigation and cyber security.

The building blocks: Type approval and authorisation

At the heart of the new regulatory framework are two distinct but interconnected processes: type approval and authorisation.

Type approval is the gateway for any vehicle, automated or otherwise, to enter the UK market. It involves a rigorous assessment of whether a vehicle meets all relevant safety, security and environmental standards.

For automated vehicles, the Government recognises that existing schemes, largely inherited from EU law and international standards, may not be fully equipped to address the unique challenges posed by self-driving technology. The DfT is therefore seeking views on whether amendments are needed to current approval routes, including those for vehicles produced in limited volumes or for specific, novel use-cases. There is a clear emphasis on harmonising with international standards, particularly those developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, to ensure that UK vehicles remain competitive and compliant on the global stage.

Beyond type approval, an AV must also be specifically authorised to operate autonomously on UK roads. The Government is seeking views on how the “self-driving test” should be defined and what evidence should be required to show a vehicle can safely and legally drive itself in real-world conditions. They are also asking what ongoing responsibilities should fall to the Authorised Self-Driving Entity (ASDE), including how to ensure vehicles remain compliant over time. The call for evidence invites feedback on a range of areas such as whether evidence from type approval should support authorisation, the possible role of geofencing or environmental mapping and the content and usage of information captured on the register of authorisations.

User-in-charge (UIC) and transition demands

For automated vehicles that require a user-in-charge (UIC) – a qualified person present and able to take control – the Government is seeking views on several issues. These include what legal responsibilities and immunities the UIC should have, what activities they should be allowed to do while the vehicle is driving itself and how they should be trained or tested for this role.

The call for evidence also asks for evidence on how safely and quickly a UIC can resume control after disengagement and what protocols should govern the handover process (“transition demands”). If you have experience with human factors, driver training or the practicalities of handover between vehicle and human, this is your chance to contribute.

No-user-in-charge (NUIC) operator licensing

For vehicles that operate with no human in charge, such as fully driverless shuttles, delivery vehicles or goods vehicles, the Government is proposing a licensing regime for operators. They are seeking feedback on what should be required to demonstrate that an operator is reputable, financially stable and capable of safely managing AV fleets.

This includes not only background and financial checks, but also the operational capabilities needed to monitor vehicles, respond to incidents and ensure passenger and cargo safety. The call for evidence also covers how remote assistance and remote driving should be regulated, what training and safeguards are needed for remote operators and how third-party suppliers should be managed. If you have experience in fleet operations, remote monitoring or operator licensing, your insights will help shape a practical and robust framework.

Insurance

The Government is also examining how insurance should work for automated vehicles. They are seeking views on what types of data and evidence should be collected and shared to support insurance claims and investigations, how liability should be determined when a vehicle is driving itself and what new insurance products or adaptations may be needed for AV operators and fleet managers.

The call for evidence also explores the role of insurance in demonstrating financial stability for regulated bodies, the challenges of data sharing and privacy and what lessons can be learned from other countries. If you are an insurer, operator or manufacturer, your practical experience with claims, data, liability and insurance products will help shape a workable and future-proof system.

Why your input matters

This call for evidence is a genuine opportunity to shape the UK’s AV landscape. The Government is seeking practical insights on everything from technical standards and operational requirements to the roles of self-driving entities and the future of insurance. Your perspective can help ensure the regulatory framework is both robust and workable.

The call for evidence is lengthy and therefore respondents are encouraged to provide meaningful views on questions that fall within their expertise. There is no requirement to respond to all questions. Clear, practical examples and suggestions are especially valuable.

By responding to the questions (accessible here) in a targeted way, you can directly influence how self-driving vehicles are authorised, monitored and managed – helping to build a system that reflects the needs and ambitions of your organisation and the sector more broadly.

The call for evidence is open until 5 March 2026.

Conclusion

The call for evidence is more than a regulatory formality; it is an invitation to help define the next chapter of UK transport. The framework for getting automated vehicles on the road will be shaped by those who engage now – bringing real-world experience and ambition to the table.

If you’d like guidance on preparing your response or want to discuss how these proposals could affect your organisation, please contact Shoosmiths’ mobility team.