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Cracking the Code: How to Start Tesla Full Self-Driving

So, you’ve got that sleek Tesla sitting in your driveway, and the siren song of Full Self-Driving (FSD) is calling your name. You’re itching to experience the future of driving, where the car practically chauffeurs you around. But how do you actually start using it? It’s not as simple as flipping a switch, but don’t worry, we’re here to break down the process with the clarity of a seasoned Tesla whisperer.

The path to engaging FSD in your Tesla involves these key steps: ensure compatibility, subscribe to or purchase FSD, enable FSD features in settings, pass the Safety Score assessment (if applicable), and then finally, engage Autopilot and initiate FSD. Let’s delve deeper into each.

Pre-requisites: Setting the Stage for Autonomous Bliss

1. Compatibility Check: Does Your Tesla Make the Cut?

Not all Teslas are created equal when it comes to FSD. Older models might lack the necessary hardware, specifically the Full Self-Driving Computer (HW3) or, in newer models, even HW4.

How to check: Navigate to your Tesla’s “Software” tab within the car’s settings. Look for “Autopilot computer type.” If it says “Full Self-Driving Computer,” you’re golden. If it says anything else, you might need a hardware upgrade.
Upgrade Options: If necessary, Tesla offers a Full Self-Driving Computer upgrade. Contact your local service center for pricing and scheduling. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, as demand can be high.

2. The FSD Question: To Subscribe or Buy Outright?

Tesla offers two paths to FSD: a monthly subscription or an outright purchase. Which one is right for you depends on your driving habits and financial preferences.

Subscription: Provides access to FSD features for a monthly fee. Ideal for those who don’t drive frequently or want to test the waters before committing to a full purchase. Keep an eye on Tesla’s pricing; it fluctuates.
Outright Purchase: A one-time payment grants you permanent access to FSD (as long as your car remains compatible). More cost-effective in the long run if you plan to keep your Tesla for several years and use FSD regularly.

3. Activating the Beast: Enabling FSD Features in Settings

Once you’ve subscribed or purchased FSD, it’s time to activate it in your Tesla’s settings.

Navigation: Tap the car icon on the touchscreen, then navigate to “Autopilot.”
FSD Features: Enable the desired FSD features. These may include:
- Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Allows the car to automatically recognize and respond to traffic lights and stop signs.
- Navigate on Autopilot: Enables automatic navigation on highways, including lane changes and exits.
- Autosteer on City Streets: The core FSD feature, allowing the car to navigate complex city streets. Note: Requires a high Safety Score or prior FSD experience, if applicable.
- Auto Lane Change: Initiates lane changes on the highway with driver confirmation (or no confirmation, depending on your settings).
- Summon: Allows you to remotely move your car forward or backward in tight spaces using the Tesla app.
- Smart Summon: (Generally rolled into “Summon” now) Can navigate more complex environments to pick you up.

The Safety Dance: Proving You’re FSD-Worthy (Potentially)

4. The Tesla Safety Score: Your FSD Entry Ticket (Sometimes)

Tesla introduced the Safety Score system to assess drivers’ safety habits. Initially, a high Safety Score was required to gain access to the FSD Beta. Now, access is generally granted to subscribers relatively quickly. However, understanding the Safety Score is still crucial.

How it Works: The Safety Score monitors your driving behavior, including:
- Forward Collision Warnings per 1,000 Miles: Frequency of forward collision warnings.
- Hard Braking: Instances of aggressive braking.
- Aggressive Turning: Sharp turns that indicate unsafe driving.
- Unsafe Following Distance: How closely you follow other vehicles.
- Forced Autopilot Disengagements: Disengagements caused by driver intervention due to unsafe actions.
Improving Your Score: Drive cautiously and smoothly. Avoid hard braking, aggressive turns, and tailgating. Maintain a safe following distance.
Monitoring Your Score: Track your Safety Score in the Tesla app. The app provides detailed insights into your driving behavior and areas for improvement.

Unleashing the Beast: Engaging FSD

5. Engaging the System: The Moment of Truth

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! How do you actually turn on FSD?

Engage Autopilot: Pull the gear selector down twice in quick succession. This activates Autopilot.
Activate Navigate on Autopilot (Highway): If you’re on a highway, Navigate on Autopilot will typically engage automatically if your destination is set. You can adjust settings to require confirmation for lane changes or to automatically make them.
Autosteer on City Streets: Once Autopilot is engaged and you are on a city street, “Autosteer on City Streets” should activate. Be vigilant! FSD is not perfect, especially in complex urban environments.
Driver Monitoring: Always pay attention to the road and be prepared to take control. FSD is an assistance system, not a fully autonomous system. Tesla’s driver monitoring system uses a cabin camera to ensure you’re paying attention.

Mastering the Art: Tips and Best Practices

Start Slow: Begin by using FSD in familiar environments with low traffic.
Be Vigilant: Always pay attention to the road and be prepared to take control.
Learn the System’s Limitations: Understand where FSD struggles, such as unprotected left turns or complex intersections.
Provide Feedback: Use the voice command “Report” to submit feedback to Tesla about FSD’s performance. This helps improve the system over time.
Stay Updated: Tesla frequently releases software updates that improve FSD’s capabilities. Keep your car’s software up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla Full Self-Driving

1. Is Full Self-Driving truly “full” self-driving?

No. Despite the name, FSD is not fully autonomous. It is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that requires constant driver supervision and intervention. The “full” refers to the features it encompasses compared to standard Autopilot.

2. What happens if I disengage FSD?

You can disengage FSD at any time by pressing the brake pedal, turning the steering wheel, or pressing the Autopilot stalk. The car will revert to manual control.

3. Can I transfer my FSD subscription to another Tesla?

No, FSD subscriptions are tied to the specific vehicle and cannot be transferred.

4. Does FSD work in all weather conditions?

FSD’s performance can be affected by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or fog. Visibility issues can impact sensor performance.

5. What is the difference between Autopilot and Full Self-Driving?

Autopilot is the standard driver-assistance system that comes with every Tesla and includes features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. Full Self-Driving is an optional upgrade that adds more advanced features like Navigate on Autopilot, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, and Autosteer on City Streets.

6. Will FSD eventually become fully autonomous?

Tesla’s goal is to achieve full autonomy, but the timeline is uncertain. It depends on regulatory approval and continued advancements in AI and sensor technology.

7. How much does Tesla Full Self-Driving cost?

The price varies and Tesla has changed prices over time. Check Tesla’s website for the most up-to-date pricing for both the outright purchase and the monthly subscription.

8. Is FSD available worldwide?

Availability varies by region due to regulatory restrictions and local testing.

9. What are the ethical considerations of Full Self-Driving?

The ethical implications of autonomous driving are complex and include questions about liability in accidents, the prioritization of safety in emergency situations, and the potential impact on employment in the transportation industry.

10. How does Tesla use data collected by FSD?

Tesla uses data collected from its fleet of vehicles to improve FSD’s performance. This data includes images, videos, and sensor readings. Tesla anonymizes and aggregates this data to protect driver privacy.

11. Can I use FSD on all roads?

While FSD aims to function on all roads, its performance may vary depending on the complexity of the environment. It is best suited for well-marked roads with clear lane markings.

12. What are the legal implications of using FSD?

Drivers are always legally responsible for the operation of their vehicles, even when using FSD. It’s crucial to understand and adhere to local traffic laws.

Embarking on the FSD journey is exciting. With a little preparation, understanding, and a healthy dose of vigilance, you can unlock a new dimension of driving. Just remember, stay alert, stay informed, and enjoy the (assisted) ride!