The Department for Transport has outlined a new Code of Practice for testing driverless cars on public roads.
Extending many of the same rules that govern traditional vehicles, including that autonomous vehicles must have an insured driver who holds a valid licence inside who can take over if needed.
As well as that, the cars must obey all of the UK’s standard road laws, and must also hold a valid MOT if they’ve spent more than three years on the roads, just like a regular vehicle.
However, specific laws for autonomous cars include a new rule which states that they must undergo extensive testing on private roads, while test drivers will need additional skills and qualifications to use them.
Drivers will also be required to be “conscious of their appearance to other road users”, which means they must look as though they’re actually driving in order to prevent confusing other motorists.
Talking on the phone, eating or drinking or putting your feet up on the dash are all banned, while highway authorities will be instructed to keep a close eye on drivers within testing zones.
Each car must also be fitted with a data recording device, which can capture data from the sensors to keep an eye on each vehicle’s behaviour, and to provide authorities with information upon request.
However, the government has assured drivers that any personal data collected, which includes the behaviour or location of people in the vehicle, will be protected under the Data Protection Act.
The regulations also state that the cars will need to be designed with cyber security in mind, to protect them against the risk of unauthorised access or usage by hackers.
Currently, the vast majority of the UK’s driverless cars are only being tested around parks, private roads and dedicated test facilities, though the new Code of Practice means they’ll be able to hit public streets soon.
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