Section 1 — Basic concepts

(1) This section applies for the purposes of this Part.

(2) A vehicle “satisfies the self-driving test” if—

(a) it is designed or adapted with the intention that a feature of the vehicle will allow it to travel autonomously, and

(b) it is capable of doing so, by means of that feature, safely and legally.

(3) Whether a vehicle satisfies the test is to be assessed by reference to the location and circumstances of that intended travel (and may differ in respect of different locations and circumstances).

(4) A “feature” of a vehicle is a combination of mechanical or electronic operations that equipment of the vehicle performs.

(5) A vehicle travels “autonomously” if—

(a) it is being controlled not by an individual but by equipment of the vehicle, and

(b) neither the vehicle nor its surroundings are being monitored by an individual with a view to immediate intervention in the driving of the vehicle.

(6) References to “control” of a vehicle are to control of the motion of the vehicle.

(7) A vehicle that travels autonomously does so—

(a) “safely” if it travels to an acceptably safe standard, and

(b) “legally” if it travels with an acceptably low risk of committing a traffic infraction.

(8) In assessing whether a vehicle is capable of travelling autonomously and safely, the Secretary of State must have particular regard to the statement of safety principles.