With the announcement that driverless cars could be on Britain’s roads by January 2015, Book Theory Test Today examines the future of ‘driving’ in the UK.
The Government has announced that driverless cars will be trialled in three cities across Britain as early as January 2015. The announcement offers an insight into the future of motoring, with the possibility that the theory test and practical driving exam could very soon become a thing of the past.
Book Theory Test Today says: “Under current law driverless cars are not legally allowed to be on Britain’s roads. However, the Government has been pressing ahead to see laws updated in a bid to boost development and encourage investment.â€
Should the Government’s claim come to fruition it could spell the end of the theory test and practical driving exam in the very near future. But, some commentators are not too worried about the theory test or practical driving exam being abolished just yet.
Book Theory Test Today says: “The hype surrounding driverless cars is nothing new. Back in July 2013 the Government made exactly the same pledge, saying that driverless cars would be on Britain’s roads in 6 months. However, here we are 12 months on and the topic has only just been revisited.â€Â
Vince Cable, Britain’s Business Secretary, recently unveiled two measures that will help to get self-driving cars onto the UK’s roads in the next six months: a £10 million investment to fund trials across three UK cities and a legal review to permit driverless cars to take to Britain’s highways.
Book Theory Test Today says: “For all the rumours surrounding the abolition of the theory test and practical driving exam it actually remains unclear whether self-driving cars will need a driver to take command of controls should the computer technology falter. At present driverless cars in California, where Google is testing its technology, still require the presence of a driver.
Google is hoping to produce cars that require no steering wheel or brake pedals and is pushing hard for permission to test them on public roads. Whether Google is allowed to do so in Britain will depend on the outcome of the legal review.Â
A statement released by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “Two areas of driverless technology will be covered in the review: cars with a qualified driver who can take over control of the driverless car and fully autonomous vehicles where there is no driver.â€
Book Theory Test Today says: “It is important to stress that the UK is not reliant on the use of Google’s technology. There are a series of developments taking place in the UK, such as Oxford University. Their RobotCar project uses a standard iPad and off-the-shelf components to convert standard cars to automated ones.â€
There has been no official announcement about what the future holds in terms of the driving theory test and practical exam, but opinion is split as to whether driving testing will be abolished as the UK makes way for driverless cars.
Business Secretary, Vine Cable, said: “The excellence of our scientists and engineers has established the UK as pioneers in the development of driverless vehicles through pilot projects. This announcement will see driverless cars take to our streets in less than six months, putting us at the forefront of this transformational technology and opening up new opportunities for our economy and society.â€
Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today… Â
