Have you ever wondered what it's like to experience the future of driving? Stepping into a Tesla means embracing a new era of automotive technology, where the line between driver and machine beautifully blurs. Forget complicated gear shifts or clutch pedals; Tesla vehicles are designed for an intuitive, automatic driving experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently drive a Tesla, from basic controls to advanced Autopilot features.
Step 1: Getting Acquainted with Your Tesla's Interior ♀️
Before you even think about putting your foot on the accelerator, let's get comfortable in the cockpit. Unlike traditional cars, a Tesla's interior is minimalist, with most controls centralized on the large touchscreen display.
 |
| How To Drive Tesla Automatic |
1.1 The Central Touchscreen: Your Command Center
The heart of your Tesla is the expansive central touchscreen. This is where you control almost everything, from climate and navigation to media and driving settings. Take a moment to explore it, but avoid making drastic changes while driving, especially when you're just starting out.
1.2 The Steering Wheel: More Than Just Steering
Your Tesla's steering wheel is deceptively simple. It features two scroll wheels on either side.
The left scroll wheel typically controls volume, but can also be customized for other functions like adjusting mirror positions or controlling wiper speed.
The right scroll wheel is crucial for engaging Autopilot features and adjusting your set speed.
1.3 The Stalks: Simple & Intuitive
Tesla vehicles generally have two stalks behind the steering wheel:
The right stalk is for shifting gears (Drive, Reverse, Neutral, Park). A quick flick up for Reverse, down for Drive, and a press of the button on the end for Park.
The left stalk handles your turn signals, high beams, and windshield wipers.
Step 2: The Basics of Driving (Manual Control First!)
Even though Teslas are known for their automatic features, it's essential to understand how to drive them manually first.
2.1 Starting Your Tesla: It's Simpler Than You Think
There's no "start" button in a Tesla.
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
Unlock the car: Use your key card, phone key, or key fob.
Sit down: Once you're in the driver's seat with your foot on the brake, the car "wakes up."
Shift into Drive: Press the brake pedal, then pull the right stalk down once for Drive (D). To engage Reverse (R), push the right stalk up once. For Park (P), press the button on the end of the stalk.
2.2 Accelerating and Braking: The Single Pedal Experience
Teslas offer a feature called Regenerative Braking. This means that when you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car automatically slows down and recaptures energy, charging the battery.
Press the accelerator: The car moves forward.
Lift off the accelerator: The car slows down significantly, often to a complete stop, without needing to press the brake pedal in many situations.
Press the brake pedal: Use this for sudden stops, emergency braking, or when you need more immediate deceleration. You'll get used to the "one-pedal driving" very quickly!
Step 3: Engaging Tesla's Automatic Driving Features: Autopilot & FSD (Supervised)
Now for the exciting part! Tesla offers several levels of automatic driving assistance, broadly categorized under Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised). It's crucial to remember that these features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous. You must keep your hands on the wheel and be prepared to take over at any moment.
3.1 Autopilot: Your Driving Co-Pilot
Every new Tesla comes standard with Autopilot, which includes:
3.1.1 Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)
This feature matches your car's speed to the flow of surrounding traffic.
To activate: While driving, pull the right stalk down once. You'll see an icon on your screen indicating TACC is active.
Adjusting Speed: Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase your set speed, and down to decrease it.
Adjusting Follow Distance: Roll the left scroll wheel horizontally (left or right) to adjust the distance your Tesla maintains from the vehicle in front of it.
3.1.2 Autosteer
Autosteer helps steer your car within a clearly marked lane while also utilizing Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
To activate: With TACC active, pull the right stalk down twice in quick succession. A blue steering wheel icon will appear on your screen, indicating Autosteer is engaged.
Hands on the Wheel: Tesla will periodically remind you to keep your hands on the steering wheel. Failure to do so will result in escalating warnings and eventual disengagement of Autosteer.
Disengaging Autosteer:
Press the brake pedal.
Press the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel.
Take over and steer manually.
3.2 Full Self-Driving (Supervised): Enhanced Capabilities (Subscription or Purchase) ️
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (FSD) offers more advanced features beyond basic Autopilot. This is an optional package, typically available via a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
3.2.1 Enabling FSD (Supervised)
On your touchscreen, go to Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and confirm.
You can also customize settings like your FSD profile (Chill or Hurry) and max speed offset.
3.2.2 Key FSD (Supervised) Features:
Navigate on Autopilot: Actively guides your vehicle from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggesting lane changes, navigating interchanges, and taking the correct exit.
Auto Lane Change: Moves your Tesla into an adjacent lane when you engage the turn signal while Autosteer is active.
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Identifies and responds to traffic lights and stop signs, bringing your vehicle to a stop with your active supervision.
Autopark: Automatically parks your vehicle, either parallel or perpendicularly, when it detects a suitable parking space.
To use: Drive slowly past a potential parking spot. When a parking icon appears on the touchscreen, select it and then touch "Start."
Summon (Dumb & Smart):
Dumb Summon: Moves your Tesla forward or backward a short distance using the mobile app or key fob – useful for tight parking spots.
Smart Summon (Actually Smart Summon): Allows your vehicle to navigate more complex environments and parking spaces, maneuvering around objects to come find you in a parking lot. This is operated via the Tesla mobile app. You select a target destination or "Come to Me" and hold the button on the app, while maintaining line of sight and readiness to intervene.
3.2.3 Starting FSD (Supervised) from Park:
Enable by touching Controls > Start FSD (Supervised) from Park.
(Optional) Enter a destination.
Touch and hold Start FSD (Supervised) on the touchscreen and, if prompted, press the brake pedal. Your Tesla will then begin navigating.
Step 4: Safety First! Important Considerations for Automatic Driving ⚠️
While Tesla's automatic driving features are impressive, they are driver assistance systems, not fully autonomous. Your vigilance is paramount.
4.1 Driver Responsibility
Always keep your hands on the steering wheel. Tesla vehicles use a cabin camera to monitor driver inattentiveness.
Stay alert and pay attention to the road and surroundings.
Be prepared to take immediate control at all times, especially in complex situations, around blind corners, in intersections, or in narrow driving scenarios.
Do not use these features in adverse weather conditions that impair visibility (heavy rain, fog, snow).
Ensure all cameras are clean and unobstructed for optimal performance.
4.2 Limitations and Warnings
Autopilot features may disengage if the system detects that you are not attentive or if conditions are not suitable.
The system may not detect all objects, especially very low or very high objects, or react to all oncoming/side traffic.
Always perform visual checks and confirm that any suggested maneuver is safe and legal.
Step 5: Customizing Your Driving Experience ✨
Teslas allow for a high degree of customization to tailor the automatic driving experience to your preferences.
5.1 Autopilot Settings
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Navigate to Controls > Autopilot on your touchscreen. Here you can:
Set Speed: Choose whether Autopilot engages at the detected speed limit or your current driving speed.
Offset: If using the speed limit, you can set a fixed or percentage offset for how much faster (or slower) your Tesla will drive.
Autopilot Activation: Choose between "Single Click" (engages both TACC and Autosteer) or "Double Click" (engages Autosteer after TACC is active).
Green Traffic Light Chime: Get an audible alert when the traffic light turns green.
5.2 Driver Profiles
You can create personalized driver profiles that save your seat position, mirror settings, and even your Autopilot preferences. This is great for households with multiple Tesla drivers!
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving a Tesla Automatically
How to drive Tesla in stop-and-go traffic?
Tesla's Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) is excellent for stop-and-go traffic. Once engaged, it will automatically accelerate and brake to maintain a set distance from the car in front, even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and then resuming when traffic moves.
How to adjust the speed of Autopilot?
Roll the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel up to increase the set speed and down to decrease it.
How to change lanes with Autopilot engaged?
If you have Auto Lane Change enabled (part of Enhanced Autopilot or FSD (Supervised)), simply engage your turn signal in the direction you wish to move. Your Tesla will then check for clear space and execute the lane change automatically.
How to park a Tesla automatically using Autopark?
Drive slowly past a potential parking spot, either parallel or perpendicular. When your Tesla detects a suitable space, a parking icon will appear on the touchscreen. Tap this icon, then touch "Start," and the car will maneuver itself into the spot.
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
How to summon my Tesla using the mobile app?
Open the Tesla mobile app, select "Summon," then choose between "Come to Me" or "Go to Target." Hold the corresponding button on the screen while maintaining a clear line of sight to your vehicle.
How to disengage Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
You can disengage these features by pressing the brake pedal, pressing the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel, or by taking over and steering manually.
How to ensure my Tesla's cameras are clean for optimal performance?
Regularly inspect and clean the cameras located around your Tesla (front, rear, side pillars, etc.). Dirt, snow, or ice can impair their function and limit Autopilot capabilities.
How to update my Tesla's software?
Tesla vehicles receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Connect your car to Wi-Fi and go to Controls > Software on your touchscreen to check for and install available updates. You can also manage update preferences (Advanced or Standard).
How to use voice commands while driving my Tesla?
Fully press the microphone button on the right side of the steering wheel. When you hear a chime, state your command. You can control climate, navigation, media, and various car functions with your voice.
How to charge my Tesla at home?
The most common methods for home charging are using a Tesla Wall Connector (fastest, requires installation) or a Mobile Connector (portable, slower, plugs into standard or 240V outlets).
Check out this video for a visual guide on driving a Tesla:
 |
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
