Understanding the Secretary of State’s List of Self-Driving Cars: What It Means for Buyers

The UK government has taken a significant step in regulating autonomous vehicles by requiring the Secretary of State to maintain an official list of self-driving cars. But what does this actually mean for people considering buying a new car? Let’s break down this important legislation and its implications.

What Makes a Car “Self-Driving”?

According to the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, a vehicle qualifies as “self-driving” if it can safely drive itself in at least some situations without needing to be monitored by an individual. Think of it like having a qualified chauffeur built into your car—but only for certain parts of your journey. The car must be capable of handling specific scenarios independently, such as motorway driving or low-speed traffic, without requiring the driver to keep their hands on the wheel or eyes on the road.

The Official List: Your Guide to Genuine Self-Driving Cars

The Secretary of State’s list serves as the definitive record of which vehicles are legally considered self-driving in Great Britain. It’s similar to how the DVLA maintains records of all registered vehicles, but this list specifically identifies which cars have genuine self-driving capabilities. This helps prevent confusion between advanced driver assistance systems (like adaptive cruise control) and true self-driving features.

Insurance Implications

One of the most important aspects of this legislation is how it affects insurance. If your car is on the official list and is involved in an accident while driving itself, your insurer will be liable for any damage caused. This is a significant shift from traditional car insurance, where the driver is typically responsible. It’s like having an extra layer of protection specifically designed for when your car is in self-driving mode.

Protection for Drivers and Other Road Users

The law requires all self-driving vehicles on the list to be covered by insurance that includes accidents occurring when the car is driving itself. According to data from the Department for Transport’s 2023 Infrastructure Strategy, around 10 million electric vehicles are expected on UK roads by 2030, and many of these may have self-driving capabilities. This regulation ensures that as autonomous vehicles become more common, both drivers and other road users are protected.

What to Check Before Buying

If you’re considering a car with self-driving features, you should:

• Verify whether it appears on the Secretary of State’s list.
• Understand exactly which situations the car can handle autonomously.
• Check with insurers about specific coverage for self-driving capabilities.
• Be clear about your responsibilities as the vehicle owner.

Looking Ahead

The creation of this official list represents an important step in regulating autonomous vehicles in the UK. It provides clarity for buyers, manufacturers, and insurers while ensuring safety and accountability on our roads. As self-driving technology continues to evolve, this framework will help manage the transition to increasingly autonomous vehicles while protecting all road users.

Remember, being on the list doesn’t mean a car can drive itself in all situations—it simply means it’s been officially recognised as capable of safe autonomous operation in specific circumstances. Always check the exact capabilities of any vehicle you’re considering and understand when you need to take control.