Ever wondered what it's like to have your car navigate the complexities of daily driving with minimal input from you? Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) capability aims to provide just that, evolving your driving experience. While the name "Full Self-Driving" might suggest complete autonomy, it's crucial to understand that FSD (Supervised) requires active driver supervision at all times. It's a powerful driver-assistance system, not a fully autonomous vehicle.
Step 1: Understanding Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
First things first, let's get a handle on what FSD (Supervised) actually is and what it isn't. It's a suite of advanced driver-assistance features designed to help your Tesla navigate a variety of driving scenarios. Think of it as an intelligent co-pilot, not a replacement for your attention.
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What FSD (Supervised) Offers:
Navigation on Autopilot: This feature actively guides your Tesla from a highway's on-ramp to off-ramp, including performing automatic lane changes, navigating interchanges, automatically engaging the turn signal, and taking the correct exit.
Auto Lane Change: When Autosteer is engaged, your Tesla can move into an adjacent lane by simply engaging the turn signal.
Autopark: Your Tesla can automatically detect and maneuver into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
Summon/Smart Summon: This allows your Tesla to move in and out of tight parking spaces, or even navigate through parking lots to come to you, using the mobile app.
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Your Tesla can slow down and stop at traffic lights and stop signs, and react to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles on the road.
City Street Driving: FSD (Supervised) is designed to handle more complex urban driving scenarios, including navigating intersections, making turns, and following curves in the road.
Key Differences from Basic Autopilot:
It's important to distinguish FSD (Supervised) from the standard Autopilot that comes with every Tesla. Basic Autopilot includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (maintains speed and following distance) and Autosteer (steers within a clearly marked lane on highways). FSD (Supervised) significantly expands upon these capabilities, bringing more advanced features to city streets and more complex highway situations.
Step 2: Ensuring Your Tesla is Equipped
Before you can experience FSD (Supervised), your Tesla needs to meet certain hardware requirements.
Checking Your Hardware Version:
Tesla vehicles come with different hardware versions that support varying levels of Autopilot and FSD capabilities. The Full Self-Driving Computer (Hardware 3.0 or AP3) is essential for FSD (Supervised). Newer vehicles typically ship with this hardware or later versions (like Hardware 4.0). If you have an older Tesla that purchased FSD, Tesla has offered upgrades to the FSD Computer.
You can typically check your vehicle's hardware version through the touchscreen interface under the "Software" or "Additional Vehicle Information" section. If you're unsure, contacting Tesla service can clarify this for you.
Software Updates:
FSD (Supervised) is continuously evolving through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Ensuring your Tesla's software is up-to-date is crucial for accessing the latest features and improvements. Your car will typically notify you when a new update is available.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Step 3: Acquiring Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
There are generally two primary ways to get FSD (Supervised) for your Tesla:
Purchasing Outright:
You can buy the FSD (Supervised) package as an upfront purchase. The price can be substantial, but it grants you permanent access to the features for that specific vehicle. Keep in mind that FSD (Supervised) is tied to the vehicle, and if you sell it, the new owner will have access to it. Tesla has offered programs for transferring FSD (Supervised) to a new vehicle under specific conditions and for a limited time.
Monthly Subscription:
Tesla also offers a monthly subscription for FSD (Supervised). This can be a more flexible option, allowing you to pay a recurring fee to access the features. The subscription cost has seen reductions, making it more accessible for some owners. This is a great way to try out FSD (Supervised) without the large upfront investment, or if you only need the features for specific periods.
To subscribe, you typically do so through your Tesla app or your Tesla account online.
Step 4: Activating and Engaging FSD (Supervised)
Once you've acquired FSD (Supervised) and your car is updated, the activation process is straightforward.
Enabling FSD (Supervised) in Controls:
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
Carefully read and understand the pop-up window that appears, as it reiterates the need for active supervision.
Touch Yes to enable the feature.
Engaging FSD (Supervised) While Driving:
For vehicles with a stalk (Model S, Model X): Pull the drive stalk down once.
For stockless vehicles (Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck): Press the right scroll wheel once, or touch the "Start FSD" button on the touchscreen.
When FSD (Supervised) is engaged, the steering wheel icon on your display will turn blue, and a blue line representing your driving path will appear.
Engaging FSD (Supervised) from Park (Optional):
Enable this feature by touching Controls > Start FSD (Supervised) from Park.
If Brake Confirm is enabled (it is by default), you'll need to briefly press the brake pedal to confirm each time you start FSD (Supervised) from Park.
(Optional) Enter a destination. If you don't, your Tesla will choose the most probable driving path or suggest a destination.
Touch and hold Start FSD (Supervised) on the touchscreen, and if prompted, press the brake pedal. Your Tesla will shift into Drive or Reverse as needed, pull out of the parking space, and begin navigating.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Step 5: Supervising and Intervening (Crucial!)
This is the most important step. Despite the name, FSD (Supervised) is not fully autonomous. You, the driver, are responsible for the vehicle's operation at all times.
Maintaining Vigilance:
Keep your hands on the steering wheel: Tesla's system detects torque to ensure your hands are on the wheel. If insufficient torque is applied, you'll receive escalating visual and audible alerts. Repeatedly ignoring these warnings can lead to a lockout from Autopilot features for the duration of the trip.
Pay attention to the road: The cabin camera also helps determine your attentiveness and reminds you to keep your eyes on the road when Autosteer is active.
Be ready to intervene: You must be prepared to take over control at any moment. This means being ready to steer, brake, or accelerate.
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How to Deactivate FSD (Supervised):
For vehicles with a stalk: Push the drive stalk up.
For stockless vehicles: Press the right scroll wheel.
Intervene with the steering wheel (applying enough force to take over).
Gently press the brake pedal.
Understanding Limitations:
FSD (Supervised) is constantly learning and improving, but it has limitations. It may not perform optimally in all weather conditions, in areas with unclear lane markings, or in highly complex and unpredictable traffic situations. Always be aware of your surroundings and the system's capabilities.
Step 6: Improving Your FSD (Supervised) Experience (Safety Score)
For a period, access to FSD Beta (the precursor to FSD Supervised) was tied to a "Safety Score" determined by your driving habits. While this requirement has been lifted for broad access in North America, maintaining good driving habits is still beneficial for the system's performance and overall safety.
Key Factors for Good Driving Habits:
Hard Braking: Engage the brake pedal early and smoothly. Utilize regenerative braking whenever possible.
Aggressive Turning: Turn gradually, reducing speed into turns and accelerating smoothly out of them.
Unsafe Following: Maintain a safe following distance of several car lengths.
Excessive Speeding: Adhere to speed limits and drive at a safe and consistent speed.
Late-Night Driving: If possible, plan trips to avoid driving between 11 PM and 4 AM.
Forced Autopilot Disengagement: Use Autopilot features as described in the manual and maintain vigilance.
Unbuckled Driving: Always fasten your seatbelt before shifting out of park.
Step 7: Staying Informed About FSD Evolution
Tesla's FSD (Supervised) is a dynamic technology, continually being refined and expanded.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
Following Updates:
Tesla's Official Channels: Keep an eye on Tesla's official website, app, and social media for announcements regarding FSD updates and new features.
Owner's Manual: Regularly review your Tesla's owner's manual for the most up-to-date information on FSD (Supervised) features and operation.
Community Forums: Engage with other Tesla owners in online forums and communities to learn about real-world experiences and insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to purchase Tesla Full Self-Driving?
You can purchase Full Self-Driving (Supervised) outright through your Tesla account or as a monthly subscription via the Tesla app or website.
How to enable Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in my Tesla?
Go to Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on your touchscreen and confirm.
How to engage Full Self-Driving (Supervised) while driving?
For stalked vehicles, pull the drive stalk down once. For stockless vehicles, press the right scroll wheel once or touch the "Start FSD" button on the touchscreen.
How to improve my Tesla Safety Score for FSD (if applicable)?
Practice smooth acceleration and braking, avoid aggressive turns, maintain safe following distances, and adhere to speed limits.
How to deactivate Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
Push the drive stalk up (stalked vehicles), press the right scroll wheel (stockless vehicles), intervene with the steering wheel, or gently press the brake pedal.
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to know if my Tesla has the necessary FSD hardware?
Check your Tesla's touchscreen under "Software" or "Additional Vehicle Information," or contact Tesla service. Most newer Teslas come with the required Hardware 3.0 or later.
How to transfer Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to a new Tesla?
Tesla occasionally offers limited-time programs for FSD (Supervised) transfers to new vehicles, subject to specific eligibility criteria. Check Tesla's support page for current details.
How to use Autopark with Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
Slowly drive by potential parking spaces until your Tesla detects them and a parking icon appears on the display. Select the space on the touchscreen and touch "Start."
How to update my Tesla's software for FSD (Supervised)?
Tesla vehicles receive over-the-air software updates automatically. Ensure your vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi for faster downloads.
How to understand the legal status of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in my region?
Always consult local traffic laws and regulations regarding advanced driver-assistance systems. FSD (Supervised) requires active driver supervision and is not fully autonomous.
Learn more about engaging Full Self-Driving (Supervised) with this video:
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