Have you ever dreamt of a car that largely drives itself, navigating complex city streets and highways with an almost futuristic ease? Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) system aims to bring that dream closer to reality, offering a sophisticated suite of driver-assistance features that go beyond standard Autopilot. While the name "Full Self-Driving" might suggest complete autonomy, it's crucial to understand that FSD (Supervised) is a Level 2 driver-assistance system. This means it requires your constant attention and you must be ready to take over at any moment. Think of it as a highly intelligent co-pilot, not a chauffeur.
If you're ready to explore the capabilities of Tesla's FSD (Supervised) and integrate it into your driving experience, let's dive into a step-by-step guide.
A Comprehensive Guide to Utilizing Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
Step 1: Are You Ready to Embrace the Future of Driving?
Before you even touch your Tesla's touchscreen, consider your readiness. FSD (Supervised) is an advanced system, and while it's designed to make driving easier, it demands your vigilance. Are you comfortable with the car making decisions and movements on its own, knowing you're ultimately responsible? Your mindset is the first, and perhaps most important, step.
Sub-heading: Understanding FSD (Supervised) vs. Autopilot
It's vital to differentiate between Tesla's standard Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
Autopilot: This is the base package included with every Tesla. It includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (maintaining a set speed and distance from the car ahead) and Autosteer (keeping the car centered in its lane on highways).
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP): This is an optional upgrade that adds features like Navigate on Autopilot (highway driving from on-ramp to off-ramp, including lane changes), Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Summon/Smart Summon.
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (FSD): This is the most advanced package, building upon EAP. It includes all EAP features plus Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control and, most significantly, Autosteer on City Streets. This allows the car to navigate urban environments, including making turns and handling intersections, all under your active supervision.
Step 2: Ensuring Your Tesla is Equipped and Ready
Before you can engage FSD (Supervised), you need to confirm your vehicle has the necessary hardware and software.
Sub-heading: Hardware Requirements
Most newer Teslas (generally those manufactured from April 2019 onwards) come equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3) or Hardware 4 (HW4), which are necessary for FSD (Supervised).
Cameras: Tesla's "vision-only" approach relies on eight cameras strategically placed around the vehicle to provide a 360-degree view.
Computer: The car needs the Full Self-Driving computer (HW3 or HW4). If you have an older Tesla with earlier hardware and purchased the FSD package, Tesla has stated they will provide a complimentary hardware upgrade. You can check your Autopilot configuration on your vehicle's touchscreen by going to
Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information.
Sub-heading: Software Activation and Updates
Even with the correct hardware, FSD (Supervised) needs to be activated and kept updated.
Purchase or Subscribe: FSD (Supervised) can be purchased outright or subscribed to monthly. You can do this through your Tesla app (
Upgrades > Software Upgrades) or directly on your car's touchscreen (Controls > Upgrades).As of April 2024, the monthly subscription for FSD (Supervised) was reduced from $199 to $99.
Software Updates: Tesla constantly improves FSD (Supervised) through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Ensure your car is connected to Wi-Fi to receive these updates promptly. These updates often bring significant improvements to the system's capabilities and safety.
Camera Calibration: For optimal performance, ensure your cameras are clean and properly calibrated. Dirty cameras can significantly impair FSD (Supervised) functionality.
Step 3: Activating and Engaging Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
Once your Tesla is ready, engaging FSD (Supervised) is straightforward, but remember: always remain attentive and prepared to intervene.
Sub-heading: On the Road
Enable FSD (Supervised) in Settings: On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to
Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised). You'll likely need to confirm your understanding of its limitations.Expanded Visualization (Optional): For a more immersive experience, you can enable
Expanded Full Self-Driving Visualizationin the Autopilot settings and then swipe the visualization window on the touchscreen to fill the entire screen. This provides a detailed real-time view of what your Tesla "sees."Engaging FSD (Supervised):
Vehicles with stocks: Pull the drive stalk down once.
Stockless vehicles (e.g., newer Model 3/Y): Press the right scroll wheel once. 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.
Setting Max Speed Offset (Optional): In the Autopilot settings, you can adjust the "Max Speed Offset." This allows FSD (Supervised) to drive a certain percentage above the detected speed limit if necessary to match the flow of traffic. You are always responsible for your vehicle's speed.
Sub-heading: Engaging from Park (Start FSD (Supervised) from Park)
Enable Feature: Go to
Controls > Start FSD (Supervised) from Park. "Brake Confirm" is enabled by default, meaning you'll need to briefly press the brake pedal to confirm each time you start FSD (Supervised) from Park.Enter Destination (Optional): If you don't choose a destination, your Tesla will choose the most probable driving path or suggest one.
Engage: Touch and hold
Start FSD (Supervised)on the touchscreen. If prompted, press the brake pedal. Your Tesla will then shift into Drive or Reverse as needed, pull out of the parking space, and begin navigating.
Step 4: Supervising and Intervening While Using FSD (Supervised)
This is arguably the most critical step. FSD (Supervised) is an assistance system, not fully autonomous.
Sub-heading: Constant Driver Attention
Hands on the Wheel: Even with FSD (Supervised) engaged, keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. Tesla uses an in-cabin camera to monitor driver attention.
Eyes on the Road: Your eyes should be focused on the road, traffic conditions, pedestrians, and cyclists. Do not become complacent.
Be Prepared to Intervene: Always be ready to take immediate action, especially in complex situations like blind corners, crossing intersections, or narrow driving scenarios.
Understand Limitations: FSD (Supervised) may make unexpected maneuvers or struggle in certain conditions (e.g., heavy rain, snow, faded lane markings, construction zones). Be ready to take over.
Sub-heading: How to Intervene and Disengage
Brake Pedal: Tapping the brake pedal is the quickest way to disengage FSD (Supervised).
Steering Wheel Intervention: For stockless vehicles, intervening with the steering wheel (e.g., applying pressure or turning it) will disengage FSD (Supervised). For vehicles with stalks, pushing the drive stalk up will disengage it.
Scroll Wheel: For stockless vehicles, pressing the right scroll wheel again will disengage FSD.
Step 5: Customizing Your FSD (Supervised) Experience
Tesla allows for some personalization to suit your driving style within FSD (Supervised).
Sub-heading: Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Profile
You can adjust the driving style of FSD (Supervised):
Standard: The default setting.
Chill: Provides a more relaxed driving style with minimal lane changes.
Hurry: Drives with more urgency. You can change this profile on the touchscreen or by tilting the right scroll button to the right or left while FSD (Supervised) is engaged.
Sub-heading: Other Settings
Use HOV Lanes: Choose whether FSD (Supervised) can utilize High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes if they are on your route.
Tesla Vision Park Assist: This feature displays a high-fidelity 3D representation of the area around your vehicle, including nearby objects, barriers, vehicles, and road markings, aiding in parking. Enable it via
Vehicle settings > Autopilot > Park Assist > Tesla Vision. Remember, it's for guidance only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
How to purchase or subscribe to FSD (Supervised)?
You can purchase FSD (Supervised) as a one-time upgrade or subscribe monthly through the Tesla app under "Upgrades" or directly from your car's touchscreen within the "Controls" menu.
How to check if my Tesla has the required FSD hardware?
On your vehicle's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Look for the "Full Self-Driving Computer" designation (HW3 or HW4).
How to engage Full Self-Driving (Supervised) while driving?
For Teslas with a drive stalk, pull the stalk down once. For newer, stockless Teslas, press the right scroll wheel once.
How to disengage Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
Tap the brake pedal, apply pressure to or turn the steering wheel (for stockless vehicles), or push the drive stalk up (for vehicles with stalks).
How to ensure my cameras are clean for optimal FSD performance?
Regularly inspect and clean all eight cameras around your vehicle. Dirt, mud, ice, or condensation can obstruct the cameras and impair FSD functionality.
How to change the FSD (Supervised) driving profile (Chill, Standard, Hurry)?
While FSD (Supervised) is engaged, you can tilt the right scroll button left or right to switch between profiles, or select it directly on the touchscreen in Autopilot settings.
How to use Autopark with FSD (Supervised)?
Slowly drive by potential parking spaces until your Tesla detects them and displays a parking icon. Select the desired space on the touchscreen (for Model 3/Y/Cybertruck) or use the right scroll wheel (for Model S/X), then touch/push to start.
How to update FSD (Supervised) software?
Ensure your Tesla is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal, and software updates will be downloaded automatically over the air when available. You'll be prompted to install them.
How to know when FSD (Supervised) is available but not engaged?
The top corner of your touchscreen will display a gray steering wheel icon next to the driving gear.
How to maintain safety while using FSD (Supervised)?
Always keep your hands on the steering wheel, pay constant attention to the road and surroundings, and be prepared to take over immediately. FSD (Supervised) is an assistance system, not an autonomous one.
For a visual demonstration of engaging FSD, you might find this video helpful:
