Have you ever dreamt of a car that drives itself, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey? With Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) capability, that dream is closer to reality than ever before for your Model 3! While it's not a fully autonomous system and still requires your vigilant supervision, FSD (Supervised) offers a remarkable glimpse into the future of driving.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about activating and using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in your Tesla Model 3.
Understanding Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Your Tesla Model 3
Before diving into activation, it's crucial to understand what "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" truly means. Despite the name, it's currently a Level 2 driver-assistance system. This means:
Active Driver Supervision is Required: You must remain attentive and be ready to take over at any moment. Your hands should be on the wheel (or ready to grab it), and your eyes on the road.
It's an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS): FSD (Supervised) enhances your driving experience by assisting with steering, acceleration, braking, lane changes, navigating intersections, and even parking. It's designed to make driving safer and more convenient, not to replace you entirely.
Continuous Improvement: Tesla regularly releases over-the-air software updates, constantly improving and expanding the capabilities of FSD (Supervised).
Step 1: Confirming FSD (Supervised) Capability and Readiness
First things first, let's make sure your Model 3 is ready to embrace the future of driving!
Sub-heading: Do You Have the FSD (Supervised) Package?
Purchase or Subscription: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is an optional add-on. You either purchased it upfront when you bought your Model 3, or you can subscribe to it monthly via your Tesla app or Tesla account online. If you're unsure, check your Tesla account or the "Software" section on your car's touchscreen.
Hardware Requirements: Newer Model 3s generally come equipped with the necessary hardware (Hardware 3 or 4) for FSD (Supervised). If you have an older Model 3, you might need a hardware upgrade. Tesla usually handles these upgrades for FSD purchasers. You can check your hardware version in your car's "Software" menu.
Sub-heading: Software Updates are Key!
Latest Software Version: FSD (Supervised) features are delivered through software updates. Ensure your Model 3 is running the latest software version. Tesla often pushes FSD (Supervised) updates to eligible vehicles with active subscriptions or purchases.
To check for updates: Go to Controls > Software on your Model 3's touchscreen.
Connect to Wi-Fi: For the fastest and most reliable downloads, always connect your Tesla to a strong Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Enabling FSD (Supervised) Features in Your Tesla
Once you've confirmed your car's readiness and updated software, it's time to enable the FSD (Supervised) features.
Sub-heading: Accessing Autopilot Settings
In Your Vehicle: Shift your Model 3 into PARK.
Touchscreen Navigation: Tap Controls > Autopilot on your large center touchscreen. This is your hub for all things related to driver-assistance features.
Sub-heading: Activating Key FSD (Supervised) Components
Within the Autopilot menu, you'll find various settings. To fully activate FSD (Supervised), you'll primarily be looking for:
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control (Beta): This allows your Model 3 to recognize and react to traffic lights and stop signs. Make sure this is enabled.
Full Self-Driving (Supervised): This is the main toggle for the advanced features. Ensure this is turned ON. You might also see an option to "Start FSD (Supervised) from Park," which is incredibly convenient for initiating FSD (Supervised) when leaving a parking spot.
Important Note: When first enabling these features, you may be presented with a user agreement or disclaimers reminding you of the supervised nature of the system. Read these carefully to understand your responsibilities as the driver.
Step 3: Engaging Full Self-Driving (Supervised) While Driving
Now that the features are enabled in your settings, let's get FSD (Supervised) to take the wheel (with your supervision, of course!).
Sub-heading: Engaging from a Stop or Park
Set a Destination (Optional but Recommended): While not always strictly necessary, setting a destination in your navigation system allows FSD (Supervised) to plan and execute a route more comprehensively.
Engaging from Park: If you've enabled "Start FSD (Supervised) from Park" in your settings, when parked, the "Start FSD (Supervised)" button will appear on your touchscreen (it might be blue). Touch and hold this button. If prompted, you may also need to briefly press the brake pedal to confirm. Your Model 3 will then shift into Drive or Reverse as needed and begin navigating.
Engaging from a Stop: When at a complete stop, with "Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control" enabled, your Model 3 will display a gray steering wheel icon. Once it detects it's safe to proceed, you can engage FSD (Supervised) by:
For stalk-equipped Model 3s: Pulling the drive stalk down once.
For stockless (newer) Model 3s: Pressing the right scroll wheel once.
Sub-heading: Engaging While Driving
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer: FSD (Supervised) builds upon these foundational Autopilot features. To engage FSD (Supervised) while driving, first engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer.
FSD (Supervised) Engagement: Once Autosteer is active, the steering wheel icon on your display will turn blue. A blue line representing your driving path will also appear. This indicates FSD (Supervised) is engaged.
For stalk-equipped Model 3s: Pull the drive stalk down once.
For stockless (newer) Model 3s: Press the right scroll wheel once.
Sub-heading: Monitoring and Intervention
Always Be Attentive: Even when FSD (Supervised) is active, your primary responsibility is to monitor the road and be ready to intervene. The system is designed to assist, not to be fully autonomous.
Hands on the Wheel (or Ready): Tesla uses a cabin camera to monitor driver attentiveness. While "nagging" (reminders to apply slight steering wheel pressure) has been reduced with newer FSD (Supervised) versions and cabin camera monitoring, you still need to be engaged.
Intervening:
To deactivate FSD (Supervised): Push the drive stalk up (for stalk-equipped vehicles), press the right scroll wheel (for stockless vehicles), intervene with the steering wheel, or gently press the brake pedal.
Step 4: Understanding FSD (Supervised) Behavior and Limitations
FSD (Supervised) is incredibly capable, but it's vital to understand its nuances and limitations.
Sub-heading: How FSD (Supervised) Navigates
Following the Route: FSD (Supervised) attempts to drive to your destination by following curves in the road, negotiating intersections (including left and right turns and roundabouts), and entering/exiting highways.
Object Detection: The touchscreen will display a visualization of the environment, showing other vehicles, pedestrians, curbs, bicyclists, and more.
Speed Control: FSD (Supervised) maintains your set speed and following distance, and will slow down or stop for traffic lights, stop signs, and other obstacles.
Sub-heading: Important Limitations and Warnings
Environmental Factors: Performance can be affected by weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog), faded lane markings, dirty cameras, and bright light.
Road Conditions: FSD (Supervised) may not perform optimally on winding roads with sharp curves, icy or slippery roads, or in areas with complex or rapidly changing traffic conditions.
No Obstacle Avoidance for All Scenarios: While it helps, FSD (Supervised) is not designed to steer around all objects partially in a driving lane and may not stop for objects completely blocking the lane. Always be prepared to take immediate action.
Not a Replacement for Driver Judgment: Never depend on FSD (Supervised) to make critical judgments about traffic, road conditions, or potential hazards.
Step 5: Optimizing Your FSD (Supervised) Experience
A few tips to get the most out of your FSD (Supervised) journey:
Sub-heading: Keeping Your Cameras Clean
Regular Cleaning: Tesla's FSD (Supervised) relies heavily on its cameras. Ensure all cameras (front, side pillar, fender, and rear) are clean and free of obstructions before each drive. Dirty cameras can significantly impair performance.
Sub-heading: Camera Calibration
Initial Calibration: Your Model 3's cameras need to self-calibrate before Autopilot features, including FSD (Supervised), can be fully utilized. This typically occurs after driving 20-25 miles on well-marked roads. The touchscreen will display a progress indicator.
Recalibration: If cameras are serviced or after certain software updates, recalibration might be needed. You can manually clear calibration through Controls > Service > Camera Calibration > Clear Calibration and then drive to recalibrate.
Sub-heading: Understanding Updates and Beta Programs
Over-the-Air Updates: Tesla continuously refines FSD (Supervised) through over-the-air software updates. Stay connected to Wi-Fi to receive these improvements.
FSD (Supervised) Beta Program: Historically, Tesla has had a "FSD Beta" program for early access to new features. While the current "FSD (Supervised)" is a wider release, be aware that it's still a rapidly evolving technology.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Tesla Model 3 has Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capability?
You can check this in your Tesla app or on your car's touchscreen under Controls > Software. It will indicate if you have the FSD (Supervised) package purchased or an active subscription.
How to update my Tesla Model 3 software to get the latest FSD (Supervised) features?
Connect your Model 3 to a strong Wi-Fi network. Then, go to Controls > Software on your touchscreen. If an update is available, you'll be prompted to install it. You can also check for updates in the Tesla app.
How to engage Full Self-Driving (Supervised) from a parking spot?
First, ensure "Start FSD (Supervised) from Park" is enabled in Controls > Autopilot. Then, when parked, touch and hold the "Start FSD (Supervised)" button on your touchscreen.
How to disengage Full Self-Driving (Supervised) instantly?
You can disengage FSD (Supervised) by gently pressing the brake pedal, intervening with the steering wheel, pushing the drive stalk up (for stalk-equipped vehicles), or pressing the right scroll wheel (for stockless vehicles).
How to ensure my Tesla's cameras are clean for optimal FSD (Supervised) performance?
Regularly inspect and clean all exterior cameras (front, side pillar, fender, and rear) to ensure they are free from dirt, ice, or other obstructions.
How to recalibrate Tesla Model 3 cameras if FSD (Supervised) is acting unusually?
Go to Controls > Service > Camera Calibration > Clear Calibration. After clearing, drive on well-marked roads for 20-25 miles to allow the cameras to recalibrate.
How does FSD (Supervised) handle intersections with traffic lights and stop signs?
With "Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control (Beta)" enabled, FSD (Supervised) will recognize and react to traffic lights and stop signs, slowing down and stopping as necessary, and proceeding when safe and legal.
How do I know if FSD (Supervised) is actively engaged while driving?
When FSD (Supervised) is engaged, the steering wheel icon on your touchscreen will turn blue, and a blue line representing your driving path will appear.
How much supervision is truly required when using Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
Constant and active supervision is required. You must remain attentive, keep your hands on or near the steering wheel, and be prepared to take over at any moment. FSD (Supervised) does not make the vehicle autonomous.
How do I get a 30-day trial of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for my Model 3?
New and existing Tesla Model 3 owners are often eligible for a 30-day trial if their vehicle has FSD (Supervised) software version 12.3 or later installed. The trial typically begins automatically once the software is installed.
For a visual guide on engaging FSD from park, check out this video:
