How to Enable Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Your Tesla: A Deep Dive

So, you’ve got a Tesla and you’re itching to unleash its full potential with Full Self-Driving (FSD)? Fantastic! Let’s cut to the chase: Enabling FSD on your Tesla involves a few key steps, assuming you’ve already purchased the FSD capability:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm your Tesla meets the hardware requirements. While most newer Teslas (generally those produced after late 2016) are equipped with the necessary hardware, double-check your car’s specifications. Older models might require a hardware upgrade (computer and/or cameras).
2. Purchase or Subscribe: Make sure you’ve either purchased the FSD capability outright or are subscribed to the monthly FSD subscription. The subscription is a great option if you want to experience FSD without a large upfront investment.
3. Enroll in the FSD Beta Program (if available): Tesla periodically releases FSD Beta software to a limited group of drivers. If available in your region and you meet the safety score requirements (more on that below), you can enroll via the Tesla app.
4. Safety Score (if applicable for Beta): Tesla uses a Safety Score to evaluate your driving behavior. A high Safety Score is usually required to gain access to the FSD Beta. The Safety Score monitors metrics like hard braking, aggressive turning, following distance, and forward collision warnings. Drive cautiously and improve your score.
5. Software Updates: Ensure your Tesla’s software is up to date. Tesla releases regular software updates, often containing improvements and fixes related to FSD.
6. Enable FSD Features: Once you have access (either through general release or the Beta program) and the software is updated, you can enable FSD features through the car’s touchscreen. Navigate to Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Beta) and toggle the features you want to enable. This menu will be clearly visible once FSD is active.
7. Pay Attention and Be Ready to Take Over: Remember, even with FSD enabled, you are still responsible for the vehicle. FSD is an advanced driver-assistance system, not a fully autonomous system. Stay attentive, keep your hands on the wheel (or be prepared to grip the wheel), and be ready to take control at any moment.

Now, let’s delve deeper and answer some frequently asked questions to paint a more complete picture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla FSD

Will My Old Tesla Support FSD?

Whether your older Tesla supports FSD depends on the hardware it’s equipped with. Tesla has undergone several hardware iterations. Generally, cars built after late 2016 (with Autopilot 2.0 or later) can support FSD, but might require a hardware upgrade. The older Autopilot 1.0 hardware (Nvidia-based) found in earlier Model S and Model X vehicles is not compatible and cannot be upgraded. Contact Tesla directly with your VIN to confirm your vehicle’s hardware configuration.

What is the Tesla Safety Score and How Does It Affect FSD Access?

The Tesla Safety Score is a system used by Tesla to assess a driver’s driving behavior and assign a score based on various safety metrics. These metrics include:

• Hard Braking: How frequently you brake abruptly.
• Aggressive Turning: How often you take corners sharply.
• Unsafe Following: Maintaining too short of a distance from the car in front of you.
• Forward Collision Warnings: How often the car detects a potential collision.
• Forced Autopilot Disengagements: When Autopilot disengages due to driver intervention.

A higher Safety Score indicates safer driving habits. Tesla uses the Safety Score as a factor in granting access to the FSD Beta program. A score of 90 or higher is generally required, although the exact threshold can vary depending on Tesla’s rollout strategy and the number of available slots. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be granted access. You can view your Safety Score in the Tesla app.

Is FSD a One-Time Purchase or a Subscription?

Tesla offers two options for accessing FSD: a one-time purchase and a monthly subscription. The one-time purchase gives you permanent access to FSD features (subject to the software’s evolution), whereas the subscription provides access on a monthly basis. The subscription is often attractive to those who want to try FSD or only need it occasionally.

What Features are Included in FSD?

The specific features included in FSD have evolved over time, but currently, FSD typically includes the following:

• Navigate on Autopilot: Automatic navigation from on-ramp to off-ramp on highways, including lane changes and merges.
• Automatic Lane Change: Automatically changes lanes on the highway while Autopilot is engaged.
• Autopark: Automatically parks the car in parallel or perpendicular parking spaces.
• Summon: Allows you to remotely move your car forward or backward in tight spaces using the Tesla app.
• Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Automatically slows down and stops for traffic lights and stop signs.
• Autosteer on City Streets: Enables automatic steering in city environments, navigating intersections and complex road situations. This is the most advanced and actively evolving part of FSD.

How Much Does FSD Cost?

The cost of FSD varies depending on whether you choose the one-time purchase or the subscription. The one-time purchase price is currently around $12,000 USD, but this is subject to change. The monthly subscription typically costs around $200 USD per month. Tesla occasionally offers discounts or promotions, so it’s best to check the Tesla website or app for the most up-to-date pricing information.

How Do I Install Hardware 4.0 on My Older Tesla?

For owners of older Teslas (generally those produced before 2023) with earlier versions of the Autopilot hardware, upgrading to Hardware 4.0 requires scheduling an appointment with Tesla service. The installation process involves replacing the car’s main computer and the surrounding cameras. As of now, Tesla has been prioritizing Hardware 4.0 upgrades for those who have already purchased FSD and are requesting the upgrade. Contact your local Tesla service center for specific details, availability, and pricing.

What’s the Difference Between Autopilot and Full Self-Driving?

Autopilot is a standard feature in all new Teslas and provides basic driver-assistance features, such as:

• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Automatically maintains a safe following distance from the car in front.
• Autosteer: Assists with steering within a clearly marked lane on highways.

Full Self-Driving (FSD) is an optional upgrade that builds upon Autopilot and adds more advanced features, enabling the car to navigate more complex situations and eventually, in theory, drive itself with minimal human intervention. The key difference is that FSD aims for near-complete autonomy, while Autopilot is a more basic driver-assistance system.

Is FSD Really “Full Self-Driving”?

This is a crucial point. Despite the name, FSD is NOT a fully autonomous system. It is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that requires constant driver supervision. The driver must remain attentive and be prepared to take control of the vehicle at any time. Misusing FSD can be dangerous and could lead to accidents. The “Full Self-Driving” name is aspirational, reflecting Tesla’s long-term goal.

Can I Transfer FSD to a New Tesla?

Historically, FSD was not transferable to a new Tesla. Once purchased, it was tied to the original vehicle. However, Tesla has experimented with limited-time transfer options as a promotional incentive. Whether FSD is transferable and under what conditions will depend on Tesla’s current policies at the time of your purchase. Always confirm the transferability status before buying a new Tesla if transferring FSD is a concern.

What Happens to My FSD Subscription if I Sell My Tesla?

Your FSD subscription is tied to your Tesla account, not the car itself. When you sell your Tesla, the FSD subscription will be cancelled. The new owner will not have access to FSD unless they purchase it separately or start their own subscription.

How Often Does Tesla Update FSD?

Tesla releases software updates for FSD on a regular basis, often every few weeks or months. These updates typically include improvements to existing features, new features, and bug fixes. Tesla is continuously working to refine and improve FSD, so expect frequent updates.

What Are the Legal Implications of Using FSD?

The legal implications of using FSD vary depending on the jurisdiction. It’s crucial to understand the laws in your area regarding autonomous driving features. In most places, drivers are still legally responsible for the operation of their vehicle, even when using FSD. This means you must remain attentive and be prepared to take control at any time. Misusing FSD and causing an accident could lead to legal penalties. Always familiarize yourself with local laws before using FSD. Remember, you’re still the driver.

Hopefully, this deep dive into enabling FSD on your Tesla has been helpful! Remember to drive safely, stay informed, and enjoy the journey (with your hands on the wheel, ready to take over).