Uber partners with Wayve to launch trials for driverless rides in the UK starting 2026

Uber has partnered with the UK-based AI startup Wayve to pilot fully autonomous ride-hailing services in the UK, starting in the spring of 2026. This pilot program marks Uber’s first foray into Level 4 autonomous driving, which allows cars to operate without a safety driver present. The move comes in response to increasing competition in the self-driving ride-hailing sector, with companies like Waymo already offering driverless services in cities such as San Francisco. The trials are set to take place in London, thanks to the UK’s newly established ‘accelerated framework’ for self-driving commercial pilots. Uber aims to bring autonomous driving to its global users and has stated that this partnership is a step towards making driverless rides a reliable and safe option for all passengers. Wayve, known for its AI-powered self-driving software, will work closely with the UK government and Transport for London to ensure regulatory approvals are met ahead of the launch. The initiative is supported by SoftBank and is part of the UK’s broader push to introduce autonomous vehicles by 2026, following the passage of its Autonomous Vehicles Act in 2022.