Part 1Regulatory scheme for automated vehicles
Chapter 1Authorisation of road vehicles for automated use
Self-driving capability
I11Basic concepts
1
This section applies for the purposes of this Part.
2
A vehicle “satisfies the self-driving test” if—
a
it is designed or adapted with the intention that a feature of the vehicle will allow it to travel autonomously, and
b
it is capable of doing so, by means of that feature, safely and legally.
3
Whether a vehicle satisfies the test is to be assessed by reference to the location and circumstances of that intended travel (and may differ in respect of different locations and circumstances).
4
A “feature” of a vehicle is a combination of mechanical or electronic operations that equipment of the vehicle performs.
5
A vehicle travels “autonomously” if—
a
it is being controlled not by an individual but by equipment of the vehicle, and
b
neither the vehicle nor its surroundings are being monitored by an individual with a view to immediate intervention in the driving of the vehicle.
6
References to “control” of a vehicle are to control of the motion of the vehicle.
7
A vehicle that travels autonomously does so—
a
“safely” if it travels to an acceptably safe standard, and
b
“legally” if it travels with an acceptably low risk of committing a traffic infraction.
8
In assessing whether a vehicle is capable of travelling autonomously and safely, the Secretary of State must have particular regard to the statement of safety principles.