Science & Technology · 5 Intermediate · September 3, 2026

Uber Brings Self-Driving Taxis to the UK

Photo: LAUDM Hausdb RIWAMo (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons

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Vocabulary

self-driving /ˌsɛlfˈdraɪvɪŋ/ adjective

able to move without a person controlling it

The self-driving car can move around the city by itself.

sensor /ˈsɛnsər/ noun

a tool that finds or measures things like light, heat, or movement

The sensors on the car help it see other vehicles on the road.

steering wheel /ˈstɪrɪŋ wil/ noun

the round object in a car that you turn to control direction

The driver turns the steering wheel to go left or right.

technology /tɛkˈnɑːlədʒi/ noun

machines and methods that use science and knowledge

Modern technology makes cars smarter and safer.

launch /lɔːntʃ/ verb

to start something new for the first time

The company will launch its new service next month.

passenger /ˈpæsɪndʒər/ noun

a person who travels in a vehicle but does not drive it

The passenger sat in the back of the taxi.

Article

Uber has started a new service in the United Kingdom. The company now has 15 self-driving taxis in London. However, these cars are not completely automatic. A safety driver sits in the car with passengers. The driver can control the vehicle if there is a problem.

How Does It Work?

The self-driving taxi uses special technology to move around the city. Cameras and sensors help the car see the road, other vehicles, and people. The car can stop at red lights and turn at corners. The safety driver watches everything. If the car needs help, the driver takes control of the steering wheel.

Why Is This Important?

This is the first self-driving taxi service in the UK with real passengers. Other cities in the world already have these services, but the UK is new to this technology. Uber wants to show that self-driving cars are safe and useful in busy cities. The company hopes more cities will accept this service in the future.

What Do Passengers Think?

People who ride in these taxis say the experience is interesting and safe. The car drives very carefully. Passengers can see how the technology works. Some people feel more comfortable knowing a human driver is there. Others think it is fun to try something new and modern.

What Happens Next?

Uber plans to add more self-driving taxis to London soon. The company needs to follow UK rules and safety laws. Safety drivers will stay in the cars for now. Eventually, Uber hopes to remove the safety driver, but this will take time. The technology must prove it is completely safe before that happens.

Discussion Questions

Would you feel safe riding in a self-driving taxi with a safety driver? Why or why not?
What do you think is the most important thing about this new technology?
Do you think self-driving taxis will become normal in your city? When?
What are the good things about self-driving taxis? What are the bad things?
If the safety driver is not needed, should Uber remove them? When is it safe to do this?

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