Ministers are reviewing the Highway Code in order to permit driverless cars on Britain’s roads.

The present law is seen as inadequate and prevents driverless cars from operating in the UK. The government is keen that developers of the new technology should not be hampered by the old regulations.

Leading the way in driverless vehicle technology is California’s Google, which has unveiled a car that can drive passengers by itself, with no steering wheel and only a start-stop button – which can be used for emergency stops, together with regular stopping and starting. It harnesses GPS technology together with Google Maps in order to navigate a route to the desired destination.

But while Google will have prototypes ready for testing in a few months, there are also advances being made in the field in Britain. The Department of Engineering and Science in the University of Oxford is working on a vehicle that memorises a commonly used route – such as a work or school run – and can “recognise” where it is. The driver can regain control of the vehicle by operating the brake pedal at any time.

The very first self-drive car licences are expected to be issued to their human ‘pilots’ in September by California’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

UK ministers are keen that Britain is not left behind and that domestic as well as overseas driverless car developers are able to test their technology here.

Mr Willets, Minister for Universities and Science said: “Certainly there are new regulations being drafted in California and obviously this is something I have discussed with the Department for Transport, we are aware of it.”

As driverless cars take off, no doubt changes will need to be made as regards other aspects of driving law: from insurance to annual breakdown cover.