Uber is set to trial self-driving cars in London, starting with safety drivers in place. While this is being positioned as a tech milestone, the reality on the ground is more personal—especially for the people who rely on Uber to make a living or get around the city.

What It Means for Drivers

If you drive for Uber in London, this development may feel like a direct threat. But the impact will unfold in phases:

• In the short term, nothing changes. Human drivers are still the core of Uber’s business, and all self-driving trials will include a backup driver. That means no lost earnings—for now.

• Over time, Uber may start routing specific trip types to autonomous vehicles. Think Heathrow pickups, Canary Wharf drop-offs, or any location with consistent traffic patterns.

• Job shift, not just job loss: Some drivers may be able to shift into roles supporting the autonomous fleet—vehicle maintenance, monitoring, or remote support. The open question is whether Uber will invest in upskilling existing drivers or outsource those new jobs.

If you're a driver, ask yourself: What role could you play with automation, rather than just being replaced by it?

What It Means for Customers

If you ride with Uber regularly, here’s what you should expect:

• More choice: You may see a new ride option for self-driving cars. These will likely be available only in central areas and during limited hours.

• Experience trade-offs: The ride may be smoother but more cautious. There’s no driver to chat with, and routes may be slower to react to unexpected roadblocks.

• Pricing questions: Will it cost less, or more? Uber might subsidise autonomous rides at first to build demand. But if the vehicles cost more to operate, those savings may not last.

• Safety concerns: Would you trust a driverless car at 2 a.m. after a night out? Or for your child’s school run? These are questions Uber hasn’t answered yet.

What to Watch Next

• Will drivers organise to demand retraining or job guarantees?

• Will customers embrace autonomy or avoid it?

• How will local regulators monitor these trials—and how transparent will Uber be with the data?

London is now a testbed for the future of ride-hailing. Whether you're behind the wheel or in the back seat, this trial will affect you. The key is staying ahead of the changes, not reacting too late.