This PAS specifies requirements for operational safety cases and the supporting safety management system for automated vehicle trials and testing in the UK to demonstrate that the operation of automated vehicles can be undertaken safely and securely within the defined operating environment.

It covers the development of an operational safety case to demonstrate that the risks to all affected parties throughout the operation of automated vehicles are reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) and to an acceptable level. This includes operational risk assessments, training, safety monitoring, compliance and permissions granted. It is applicable to all real-world testing environments, including testbeds, public domains and privately owned land and to all levels of driving automation systems.

This PAS does not cover the systems safety of the vehicle; for example, functional safety, safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF) and cybersecurity assessments, but does rely on their outputs. This PAS does not include the safety case requirements for the testing of a connected vehicle that is not also automated.

This PAS is intended for use by trialling organizations, including private developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), developing safety cases for automated vehicle trials and testing. Prior to the implementation of a government approval and authorization process, the requirements of this PAS can be used to demonstrate the safe deployment of automated vehicles.

This PAS might be of interest to organizations requiring assurance that a safety case has been developed in line with good practice; for example, highway authorities, road operators, landowners, leaseholders and insurers. It might also be of interest to organizations developing and implementing automation in off-highway environments.