Uber has received permission from the DGT to deploy 20 self-driving vehicles in Madrid. In a joint press release dated September 10, 2026, Uber and WeRide describe the approval as Spain’s first national permit for Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles under the experimental ES-AV structure. The project puts Madrid among the first European cities to move from pilot projects to real-world testing of driverless passenger transport.
Uber and WeRide are partnering on the project, with Avomo also involved and support from the Comunidad de Madrid. Testing will begin immediately, focusing on mapping and route validation in high-traffic areas. Uber aims to have the robotaxis operating commercially before the end of 2026, with Madrid as a starting point for a wider European rollout. For now, the permit covers mapping and route validation. It also allows operational-readiness testing, but not full commercial service without human supervision, as several Spanish media outlets have reported. The Uber/WeRide press release says the initial phase will involve 20 WeRide GXR vehicles in high-demand areas of Greater Madrid, each with a specialist observer on board.
Uber is taking a cautious approach. Each vehicle will use Level 4 autonomous technology, which can handle driving tasks within set areas and conditions. A human driver will remain behind the wheel, ready to take over if needed. The focus is on gathering data and checking safety before passengers can ride without a human present. Democrata.es reports that the experimental ES-AV structure does not authorize fully driverless robotaxis across Spain.
During this phase, each robotaxi will lead selected routes to gather detailed information about Madrid’s streets. The aim is to identify workable routes and the conditions needed for reliable service. Uber, WeRide and Avomo hope this groundwork will help them move faster and more safely than competitors. The timeline for commercial service depends on test results and further regulatory decisions, Madrid Secreto reports.
Madrid is positioning itself as a leader in autonomous mobility, aiming to be among the first EU cities to offer a working robotaxi service. The DGT’s approval is Spain’s first at this level of autonomy. Uber’s project is also the first in the capital to receive such a permit, El Mundo reports. The Comunidad de Madrid has publicly backed the initiative, reflecting the region’s ambition to become a center for autonomous mobility new idea.
Safety comes first. The autonomous taxis have systems to intervene in risky situations, but a human supervisor is required during the trial phase. Uber will consider removing the backup driver only after the vehicles prove they can handle Madrid’s traffic. The companies hope to launch commercial service by the end of 2026, though the final timeline depends on successful testing and regulatory approval, the Uber/WeRide press release says.
Uber and WeRide have run similar projects in other cities. Madrid is now the fourth location in a plan to reach 15 cities by 2030. The companies are drawing on experience from earlier deployments to speed up the rollout in Spain and avoid problems that have slowed other projects.
Regulatory and public-acceptance challenges remain as the technology advances. The Spanish government’s support for the trials signals a shift in attitude, but the real test will come when passengers ride in a driverless taxi for the first time. For now, the vehicles will be on Madrid’s streets with a human at the controls until the data supports a change.
Spain’s automotive sector is watching closely. The trials could influence how autonomous passenger transport is regulated and commercialized across the country. Early adoption and clear rules can shape the future of new technologies, as seen in other mobility sectors, including the electric vehicle market covered in this earlier breakdown.
If the trials succeed, Madrid could become a model for urban mobility in Europe. Uber’s willingness to test under strict supervision and work with local authorities points to a practical strategy. The trials will also generate real-world data. The future of driverless taxis in Spain depends on the results of these first supervised journeys and on whether Uber can earn public trust through safe operations.
