While Tesla’s self-driving cars can’t legally function without human supervision in the UK, the company recently tested its latest autonomous technology on British roads. The tests included steering through Swindon’s famous Magic Roundabout, one of the country’s most challenging traffic circles.
Tesla’s Model 3 test vehicles tackled London streets and the complex roundabout using the same hardware found in regular consumer cars. The only difference was the unreleased engineer-specific software running the vehicles. During these demonstrations, drivers didn’t touch the steering wheel, letting the car handle everything on its own.
The Magic Roundabout consists of five mini-roundabouts arranged in a circle, creating a confusing pattern that challenges even experienced human drivers. Tesla’s system successfully maneuvered this maze, along with roadworks, traffic signals, and unprotected turns. The technology also worked in unmapped areas like parking lots, using artificial intelligence similar to Tesla’s “Summon” feature available in the United States.
Despite these impressive demonstrations, UK regulators won’t let Tesla launch its “Full Self-Driving” system yet. The government currently restricts the technology to basic highway lane changes that require constant driver input. These limitations keep Tesla’s system at Level 2 autonomy, meaning drivers must stay alert and ready to take control.
The UK’s new Automated Vehicles Act, passed in 2024, makes manufacturers and developers responsible for self-driving car safety. The government’s working with the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe to create safety standards covering everything from crash protection to human factors. Officials say they might allow self-driving trials by 2026, but only after rigorous safety certification.
The RAC Foundation praised Tesla’s handling of the Magic Roundabout but warned the system needs to prove it can handle every possible scenario, including encounters with rule-breaking drivers. Many people remain skeptical about self-driving technology due to past issues like phantom braking incidents.
Tesla hopes to eventually launch Robotaxi services in the UK, but that depends on meeting all legal requirements. The company’s focus on autonomous taxi services comes as it faces a 12% revenue drop and increased competition from other automakers. While Tesla pushes forward with its plans, Uber expects to launch self-driving taxi services in London by Spring next year. For now, British Tesla owners will have to wait while their cars’ identical hardware sits ready for software updates that regulators haven’t approved yet.