\n\tReports have emerged that owners of self-driving cars should be forced to take a new driving test and have a special licence. A new ‘driving’ test for a ‘self-driving’ car, you’re probably thinking why? Here’s what we know…<\/p>\n
\n\tApparently, a study has concluded that self-driving car owners should take a new driving test<\/a> and have a special licence to ‘operate’ their vehicle. The study, which recommends strict new laws to ensure motorists pay attention while at the wheel of a driverless car, involved a series of tests carried at the University of West England (UWE) in Bristol.<\/p>\n \n\tThe study follows a tragic accident that occurred in the US, which led to the first pedestrian in the world being killed by a driverless car, after being struck by an automated Uber vehicle in Arizona in March.<\/p>\n \n\tMotorist or Manufacturer Responsible for Accidents?<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tThe Venturer study, completed at UWE, questions whether responsibility for an accident ultimately lies with a motorist or a manufacturer, if a crash were to happen during a vehicle’s ‘handover’ period – that time it takes for a driver of an automated vehicle to regain control.<\/p>\n \n\tThe report by Venturer referenced research carried out at UWE in 2016, which highlighted that it took just two seconds for a driver to take back control of an autonomous vehicle when travelling at 50mph. Cars can travel up to 45 metres during that two second gap.<\/p>\n \n\tTechnical director at insurance firm AXA UK, David Williams, said: “AXA has supported the concept of the driverless car right from the start. It’s exciting that projects like Venturer are at the forefront of change that could have a profound, positive effect on society.”<\/p>\n \n\tHowever, Williams said that it was important for people to recognise the limitations of a vehicle and, more importantly, what the law allows us to do and what we can’t do when travelling in them.<\/p>\n \n\tInsurance Issues<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tFrom an insurance point of view, driverless cars represent somewhat of a grey area. In the event of accident for instance, how can responsibility be apportioned fairly between human and vehicle?<\/p>\n \n\tNew Driving Test<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tNottingham University’s, Sarah Sharples, said: “People planning on using a self-driving car should have an appropriate level of competence through a driving test<\/a>. There is a need to consider whether any such driving test includes an understanding of how an autonomous vehicle will behave.”<\/p>\n