Supported by the UK’s government-sponsored Transport System Catapult – which is running the LUTZ Pathfinder driverless vehicle project in Milton Keynes – the private test-track events are aimed at teams developing autonomous vehicle technologies and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and will be held every three months, starting in the UK at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in November.

“Driverless vehicle technology is a young discipline which pools expertise from different areas of mechanical, electrical and software engineering skills. We’re keen to close the skills gaps between education and what industry is telling us is missing in the talent pool. These events will bring people together and help to develop their skills, and experience to be ready for the critical next step for their products.”

Co-Founder Alex Lawrence-Berkeley said: “These track days are for innovators, inventors and researchers. Teams at commercial, academic or hobbyist level can explore autonomous vehicle technology in a safe, affordable and collaborative environment – and have access to specialist training that only experienced industry professionals can deliver.”

Venues:

Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Leicestershire, UK: 15-16 Nov 2016 – Includes 1.6 km multi-lane motorway straight.

Driving Center Castellet, Provence, France: 21-22 Feb 2017 – Racing circuit with separate handling areas.

Longcross Test Track, Surrey, UK: 10-11 May 2017 – Surfaced and unsurfaced test circuits.

Zentrum Teesdorf, Austria: 28-29 July 2017 – Flagship event with four circuits, including a road-training centre, handling circuit, off-road area and others, plus multiple face-to-face training workshops, networking and more.

For more details, visit: www.selfdrivingtrackdays.com