So, you're ready to experience the future of driving with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) capability? That's fantastic! While it doesn't mean your Tesla is fully autonomous and you can take a nap behind the wheel (you still need to be fully attentive and supervise it!), FSD (Supervised) offers a remarkable glimpse into what's possible. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to activate and utilize this advanced technology.
Step 1: Are You Ready for the Future? (Verifying Eligibility and Understanding FSD)
Before you can activate FSD (Supervised), we need to ensure your Tesla is equipped and ready. This is where your journey begins!
1.1. Hardware Check: The Brains Behind the Operation
Your Tesla needs the right "brain" to process all the complex data FSD (Supervised) requires.
FSD Computer 3.0 or above: This is the core requirement. Most newer Teslas come with this, but if you have an older model and purchased FSD (Supervised), you might be eligible for a complimentary upgrade. You can check your vehicle's configuration by going to
Controls>Software>Additional Vehicle Informationon your Tesla's touchscreen.Cameras: Your Tesla relies on a network of 8 external cameras to provide a 360-degree view of its surroundings. Ensure these cameras are unobstructed and calibrated for optimal performance.
1.2. Software Savvy: Keeping Your Tesla Updated
FSD (Supervised) is constantly evolving, and keeping your software up-to-date is crucial.
Latest Software Version: Ensure your Tesla has the latest software update downloaded via Wi-Fi. Tesla regularly pushes over-the-air updates that include FSD (Supervised) improvements and new features.
Map Updates: While FSD (Supervised) primarily uses visual data, the most recent map data enhances accuracy.
1.3. Acquiring FSD (Supervised): Purchase or Subscribe?
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is an optional package.
One-time Purchase: You can buy the FSD (Supervised) capability outright.
Subscription: Alternatively, you can subscribe to FSD (Supervised) on a monthly basis. This is a great option if you want to try it out or prefer a more flexible payment model. You can subscribe via the Tesla app (
Upgrades>Software Upgrades>Full Self-Driving (Supervised)) or directly from your vehicle's touchscreen (Controls>Upgrades).
1.4. Driver Requirements: Your Role in the Equation
Remember, FSD (Supervised) is a driver-assistance system, not fully autonomous.
Active Supervision: You must remain attentive and keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times.
Seatbelt Buckled: Ensure your seatbelt is fastened.
Cabin Camera: The in-cabin camera (located above the rearview mirror) monitors driver attentiveness. Keep it unobstructed.
Read the Manual: Always refer to your Owner's Manual for comprehensive instructions and safety information.
Step 2: Activating FSD (Supervised) in Your Tesla
Now that you're prepared, let's get FSD (Supervised) engaged!
2.1. Initial Setup via Touchscreen
This is where you enable the FSD (Supervised) features.
From your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to
Controls>Autopilot>Full Self-Driving (Supervised).Carefully read and understand the pop-up window regarding FSD (Supervised)'s responsibilities and limitations.
Touch
Yesto enable the feature.
2.2. Customizing Your FSD (Supervised) Experience (Optional but Recommended)
Tailor FSD (Supervised) to your preferences.
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Profile: Within the
Autopilotsettings, you can choose a driving style:Standard: The default setting.
Chill: Provides a more relaxed driving style with minimal lane changes.
Hurry: Drives with more urgency.
You can also adjust this on the fly by tilting the right scroll button on the steering wheel left or right when FSD (Supervised) is engaged.
Max Speed Offset: Set a percentage offset over the detected speed limit for situations where you need to match the flow of traffic. You are always responsible for the vehicle's speed.
Use HOV Lanes: Choose whether FSD (Supervised) can utilize High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on your route.
2.3. Engaging FSD (Supervised) While Driving
This is the moment of truth!
Engaging from Park: If you've enabled
Start FSD (Supervised) from Park(underControls>Autopilot), you can touch and holdStart FSD (Supervised)on the touchscreen. You may need to briefly press the brake pedal to confirm. Your Tesla will then maneuver out of the parking space and begin navigating.Engaging While Driving:
For Model 3 and Model Y (and Cybertruck): Pull the gear lever (stalk) down once in quick succession.
For Model S and Model X (2012-2021): Pull the cruise stalk toward you twice in quick succession.
For stockless vehicles (newer models without stalks): Press the right scroll wheel once.
Visual Confirmation: When FSD (Supervised) is available to engage, a gray steering wheel icon will appear on your display. Once engaged, this icon will turn blue, and a blue line representing your driving path will appear.
Step 3: Understanding and Supervising FSD (Supervised) in Action
FSD (Supervised) is designed to handle a wide range of driving scenarios, but your constant vigilance is paramount.
3.1. What FSD (Supervised) Does (and Doesn't Do)
FSD (Supervised) goes beyond basic Autopilot.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Adjusts your speed to the traffic around you.
Autosteer: Provides steering assistance to keep your vehicle in clearly marked lanes.
Navigate on Autopilot: Actively guides your vehicle from on-ramp to off-ramp on highways, including suggesting and making lane changes, navigating interchanges, and taking exits.
Auto Lane Change: The car will change lanes automatically on highways when the blinker is engaged.
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Recognizes and responds to traffic lights and stop signs, bringing your Tesla to a stop. Note: You often need to lightly press the accelerator or confirm to proceed through green lights or after stopping at a stop sign.
Autosteer on City Streets: This is where FSD (Supervised) truly shines, making turns and navigating within cities.
Autopark: Automatically maneuvers your Tesla into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
Summon/Smart Summon: Moves your Tesla into and out of tight parking spaces, or even retrieves it from a parking spot to your location (using cameras for obstacle avoidance).
3.2. Staying Attentive: The Golden Rule
Even with FSD (Supervised) engaged, you are the primary driver.
Hands on the Wheel: Tesla's system measures torque applied to the steering wheel. If insufficient torque is detected, you'll receive escalating audible and visual alerts to remind you to place your hands on the wheel.
Eyes on the Road: The cabin camera helps determine your attentiveness. If you repeatedly ignore warnings, you may be locked out from using Autopilot for the remainder of the trip.
Be Ready to Intervene: Always be prepared to take over immediately. If you need to disengage FSD (Supervised), you can press the brake pedal or push the drive stalk up (or press the right scroll wheel for stockless vehicles).
3.3. Visualizations: Your Window into FSD (Supervised)'s World
The touchscreen provides a real-time display of what FSD (Supervised) "sees" and plans.
Detailed Visualization: The display will show detected objects (vehicles, pedestrians, road markings, traffic lights, etc.) and FSD (Supervised)'s planned actions.
Expanded Visualization: You can expand the FSD (Supervised) visualization area to fullscreen for a more immersive view.
Step 4: Continuous Learning and Best Practices
Mastering FSD (Supervised) is an ongoing process.
4.1. Software Updates are Your Friends
Regularly check for and install software updates. These often bring improvements to FSD (Supervised)'s performance, new features, and enhanced safety.
4.2. Practice Makes Perfect
Start in familiar, less complex environments. Gradually introduce FSD (Supervised) to more challenging driving scenarios as you become more comfortable and confident in its capabilities and your ability to supervise.
4.3. Understand Limitations
FSD (Supervised) is advanced, but it's not foolproof. It may encounter situations it can't handle perfectly (e.g., poorly marked lanes, unusual road construction, unexpected obstacles). Your intervention is crucial in these moments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Activating Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
How to check if my Tesla has the FSD (Supervised) hardware?
You can check your vehicle's Autopilot computer type by going to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information on your Tesla's touchscreen. Look for FSD Computer 3.0 or above.
How to subscribe to Tesla FSD (Supervised)?
You can subscribe directly from your Tesla's touchscreen by going to Controls > Upgrades or through the Tesla app by navigating to Upgrades > Software Upgrades > Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
How to activate FSD (Supervised) while driving a Model 3/Y?
Pull the gear lever (right stalk) down once in quick succession to engage FSD (Supervised).
How to activate FSD (Supervised) while driving a stockless Tesla?
Press the right scroll wheel once to engage FSD (Supervised).
How to customize FSD (Supervised) driving style?
Go to Controls > Autopilot in your Tesla's touchscreen and adjust the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Profile to Chill, Standard, or Hurry. You can also adjust this on the fly by tilting the right scroll wheel while FSD (Supervised) is active.
How to disengage FSD (Supervised)?
You can disengage FSD (Supervised) by pressing the brake pedal or by pushing the drive stalk up (for stalked vehicles) or pressing the right scroll wheel (for stockless vehicles).
How to ensure driver attentiveness when using FSD (Supervised)?
Keep your hands on the steering wheel, maintain an unobstructed view for the cabin camera, and always be prepared to take over.
How to get FSD (Supervised) software updates?
Ensure your Tesla is connected to Wi-Fi, and software updates, including FSD (Supervised) improvements, will be downloaded over-the-air.
How to use FSD (Supervised) for parking?
FSD (Supervised) includes Autopark. Slowly drive by potential parking spaces, and if your Tesla detects a suitable spot, a parking icon will appear on the display. Select the space and touch Start on the touchscreen (or use the right scroll wheel for Model S/X).
How to use Smart Summon with FSD (Supervised)?
Smart Summon is activated through the Tesla mobile app. Your Tesla will navigate parking lots to come to your location or a designated spot.
Learn how to easily turn on Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in your Tesla by watching this video:
