Tesla Brings Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to Australia

A Major Milestone for Tesla

Tesla has launched its highly anticipated Full Self-Driving (Supervised) package in Australia, marking the first time the technology has been introduced in a right-hand-drive (RHD) market. Priced at USD 10,100, the suite builds on Tesla’s existing Autopilot capabilities and reflects the company’s ambition to expand advanced driver assistance systems globally.

Until now, FSD (Supervised) had only been available in the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. With Australia added to the list, Tesla is signaling its intent to adapt its technology for diverse regulatory and driving environments around the world.

Summary Table

Expanding Beyond North America and China

While Tesla has marketed the feature as “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” in North America and several other countries, in China the suite is known as “City Autopilot.” Local regulations there prevent Tesla from using the FSD name, even though the feature set is nearly identical.

Australia is the first country outside of North America where Tesla has launched FSD using its full name, underlining its confidence in the system’s readiness for RHD markets.

How the Rollout Will Work

The Australian rollout is designed to be gradual. Owners of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with Hardware 4 (Tesla’s latest suite of onboard computing and sensor hardware) will be the first to receive access.

Tesla has also confirmed that select customers outside the company are being admitted to its Early Access Program, allowing them to test the new features ahead of wider release. From there, availability will expand more broadly across eligible vehicles.

Complimentary Trial for New Owners

Every new Tesla sold in Australia will automatically come with a 30-day free trial of FSD (Supervised). This strategy allows new customers to experience the system firsthand before committing to the full purchase price.

For those who initially choose not to buy the package, Tesla has indicated that upgrade options will be available later, though final details on subscriptions or long-term purchase alternatives have not yet been confirmed.

What Features Are Included?

Full Self-Driving (Supervised) builds upon Tesla’s Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot systems, adding several advanced features designed to make driving easier and safer.

The suite includes:

• Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (standard with Autopilot)

• Navigate on Autopilot: Automatically guides the car on highways, including interchanges and exits

• Auto Lane Change: Allows lane changes with driver supervision

• Autopark: Handles parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers

• Summon and Smart Summon: Moves the vehicle in and out of tight spaces using the Tesla app

• Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Detects and responds to stop signs and traffic signals

Together, these features represent the most advanced iteration of Tesla’s driver-assistance technology available in Australia.

Not Fully Autonomous: Legal Classification

Despite its ambitious name, FSD (Supervised) is still classified as a Level 2 driver-assistance system under the international SAE scale. This means that:

• The driver must remain attentive at all times

• Hands should remain on the steering wheel

• The driver remains legally responsible for the vehicle’s operation

Regulators and automotive safety groups in Australia have emphasized that FSD does not equate to full autonomy. It is an advanced support system, not a replacement for human drivers.

Adapting to Australian Roads

Introducing FSD to a right-hand-drive country required additional development and training. Tesla has had to adjust the system for unique Australian driving scenarios such as:

• Melbourne’s hook turns

• Distinctive road signage

• School zones

• Complex parking areas

By training the system with localized driving data, Tesla aims to ensure FSD behaves safely and predictably in everyday Australian conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Teslas in Australia are eligible for FSD?

A: Initially, only Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with Tesla’s latest Hardware 4 are eligible.

Q: Does FSD make the car fully autonomous?

A: No. It is a Level 2 system requiring constant driver attention and supervision.

Q: What does FSD add compared to Enhanced Autopilot?

A: FSD adds Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, in addition to all Enhanced Autopilot features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Summon.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The one-time purchase cost in Australia is USD 10,100. Subscription options have not yet been announced.

Q: Is the driver legally responsible if an accident occurs?

A: Yes. Even when FSD is engaged, the driver is responsible for safe vehicle operation.

Q: Can the FSD package be transferred to a future Tesla?

A: No. Currently, FSD is tied to the specific vehicle in which it was purchased.

Final Thoughts

Tesla’s decision to roll out Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Australia marks a turning point in its global strategy. As the first right-hand-drive market to receive the technology, Australia serves as a proving ground for how Tesla’s system adapts to local driving conditions.

While it remains a supervised system requiring full driver responsibility, the launch represents a significant step forward in making advanced driver assistance features more accessible to customers worldwide.

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