Majority of UK drivers do not trust fully self-driving cars, survey shows

More than half (54%) of respondents to a survey have said they would not use a fully self-driving car while nearly three-quarters (73%) would trust their own judgement more than the car’s systems.

These are among the findings in a new survey of more than 1,000 UK drivers by Consumer Intelligence, which provides benchmarking data and consumer insights to general insurers and retail banks.

The survey reveals that among drivers aged over 65, almost half (46%) say they would “definitely not” ride in a self-driving car, compared with 16% of 25 to 34 year olds.

Despite the rapid roll-out of self-driving taxis in the US by companies like Waymo and Cruise, a new report from Consumer Intelligence reveals that UK drivers remain deeply sceptical of handing control to a computer.

Unless manufacturers, insurers and policymakers address these trust issues, the UK could lag behind in adoption, the report warns.

Consumer Intelligence noticed that self-driving cars have greater acceptance in US cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles, which already have self-driving taxi fleets operating daily.

‘Robotaxi’ operators such as Waymo are carrying thousands of passengers each week, offering a glimpse of what a driverless future might look like, the company says.

Ian Hughes, chief executive of Consumer Intelligence, said: “Britain is watching the rise of robotaxis in America with curiosity but also caution. Our research shows that UK drivers are far from convinced. Trust is the missing ingredient. For many, especially older drivers, the thought of surrendering control to a machine is simply a step too far.”

Hughes added: “The UK mobility industry cannot assume that because self-driving taxis are working in the US, British consumers will automatically embrace them. Building confidence will take visible proof of safety, clear communication,  and time.”

While younger, urban drivers show greater openness – particularly Londoners, where over 20% would “definitely” try a self-driving car – mainstream acceptance remains distant, research shows.

The survey also revealed that:

• 36% of UK cars still lack basic driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping or emergency braking.
• 7 in 10 drivers with safety tech say they would use it more if insurers offered discounts.
• One in five drivers don’t know what a car club is, despite growing interest in shared mobility schemes.

The Consumer Mobility Trends Analysis