Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (Supervised): A Glimpse of the Future, But Is It Ready for Today’s Roads?
By: Alex Sterling, Automotive Technology Analyst (10 Years Experience)
For a decade, I’ve been navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive technology, from the nascent stages of driver assistance to the ambitious promises of full autonomy. This past November, a recent experience behind the wheel of a Tesla Model Y equipped with their latest “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” system provided a profound, albeit complex, insight into where we stand. Over approximately 150 miles of varied driving, from bustling city streets to open highways, I ceded control to the FSD system for nearly 145 of those miles, intervening only for the necessities of parking or, admittedly, occasional moments of curiosity. The system’s handling of intricate traffic scenarios was, frankly, astonishing. It navigated complex intersections, fluidly merged onto highways, and reacted to unexpected events with a level of sophistication that genuinely felt like stepping into the future of personal transportation. Yet, despite this remarkable performance, my conclusion remains firm: this is not a system I would purchase, nor one I could confidently recommend to the average consumer in its current iteration.
Unpacking the “Full Self-Driving” Promise: A Decade of Evolution
Tesla has a unique talent for challenging skepticism, and I count myself among those who have been vocal doubters for years. Back in my early days reviewing vehicles for major networks, even as an undergraduate, I was critical of Tesla’s early Autopilot iterations. My core concerns then – a system that appeared overconfident, bore a name that implied more than it delivered, and critically, remained far from legally autonomous – persist today. However, to ignore the sheer progress made would be disingenuous. In the intervening years, Tesla’s flagship driver-assistance suite has transformed from a sophisticated cruise control with lane-keeping capabilities into “Full Self-Driving (Supervised).” This evolution has endowed it with the capacity to manage virtually all driving tasks, provided a human remains actively engaged and ready to assume command.
The path from those early systems to FSD has been, without question, fraught with challenges. Numerous lawsuits and, tragically, fatal accidents have punctuated this journey. While many of these incidents could arguably have been prevented with more cautious deployment strategies, the technological advancements are undeniable. The current iteration of FSD represents a significant leap, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in a production vehicle accessible to the public.
The financial aspect of Tesla FSD cost is also a significant consideration. At an upfront price of $8,000 for lifetime access or a $99 monthly subscription, it’s a substantial investment. While some newer models like the Model X and Model S now include it as a standard feature, the long-term value proposition for older “Hardware 3” equipped vehicles remains uncertain. Tesla’s historical practice of not always providing equivalent software upgrades to older hardware raises questions about the true meaning of “lifetime” access. Nevertheless, when compared to the nascent and proprietary offerings from other automakers, the sheer capability delivered by Tesla’s system at this price point is difficult to dismiss entirely.
My recent test utilized FSD version 13.2.9, a build that isn’t even the absolute latest. Yet, it offered a compelling demonstration of Tesla’s AI-driven software in a highly refined state. The experience was, in a single word, remarkable. Freeway driving was handled with an almost uncanny ease, with only a single instance of a questionable late merge requiring my intervention. In urban environments, the system exhibited a commendable level of caution at blind intersections and demonstrated remarkable patience at stop signs. Navigating uncertainty, a hallmark of real-world driving, was managed with impressive adeptness in the vast majority of scenarios. This refined Tesla Full Self-Driving review highlights the system’s current capabilities.
Navigating the Unpredictability: The “Roll the Dice” Phenomenon
The inherent paradox of FSD lies in its dual nature: it is often remarkably safe, yet prone to moments of profound, unpredictable failure. The system’s default behavior in most situations leans towards the safest possible maneuver, most of the time. However, when it errs, it can err spectacularly and unexpectedly. The crux of the problem is that the underlying mechanisms governing its decision-making are opaque to the user. This lack of transparency prevents drivers from anticipating when the system might falter. Consequently, it necessitates a level of constant vigilance that the average driver, particularly one enticed by the promise of “self-driving,” is ill-equipped to maintain.
This has been a recurring theme, sadly underscored by a fatal crash involving the system as early as 2017, with numerous others following. Lawsuits alleging wrongful death against Tesla are a testament to the gravity of these incidents. Tesla’s official stance remains that its systems are not legally driving the vehicle and that the owner bears full responsibility for constant supervision. While the specifics of each case are unique, and the software has undoubtedly evolved, the system has indeed entered a particularly unsettling “uncanny valley.” My Model Y performed so flawlessly for extended periods that I found myself progressively lowering my guard. It was precisely at these moments of relaxed attentiveness that the system would present a critical error – a near collision with a merging vehicle or an attempted left turn against a red light, albeit in the absence of cross-traffic. This unpredictable nature of Tesla FSD performance is a significant concern.
This introduces the fundamental challenge: without a deep understanding of the AI’s internal logic, predicting its failures becomes an impossible task. Thus, vigilance must be absolute. If you are genuinely engaged – contemplating potential failure points, keeping your hands poised for immediate control, and meticulously monitoring your surroundings – is this truly a more relaxing experience than simply driving yourself? For me, the mental effort of anticipating the errors of a reasonably competent, yet fundamentally unpredictable, artificial intelligence proved to be as taxing as active driving. Furthermore, it was considerably more monotonous. The inability to text, look away, or even indulge in a brief daydream rendered journeys significantly longer and more tedious, despite the car handling the mechanics of driving. The sheer cost of Tesla FSD becomes a question when the experience isn’t inherently more enjoyable.
The ultimate objective, the holy grail of this technology, is to remove the driver from the equation entirely. This is precisely what Tesla is exploring with its nascent robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, and the long-held promise that Elon Musk has dangled for years. While this future appears closer than ever, it remains just beyond our grasp. For now, the driver is relegated to a passive, watchful observer, tasked with not only preventing potential collisions but also combating the encroaching specter of boredom. This is the crux of the Tesla FSD debate.
The Unsettling Equilibrium: Trust vs. Reality in Autonomous Driving
Early iterations of Autopilot, while more limited in scope, were paradoxically easier to manage mentally. I understood its limitations and treated it as an advanced cruise control. There was a clear, definable boundary between its capabilities and its shortcomings. Today, that distinction has become hopelessly blurred. FSD’s proficiency across a vast spectrum of driving scenarios creates a strong desire to relax and surrender control. However, the fundamental inability to comprehend its decision-making process prevents genuine trust. This lack of certifiable safety, especially when the lives of others are on the line, means you cannot truly disengage. The only recourse is to remain on high alert, anticipating the inevitable missteps. This is the reality for Tesla FSD buyers.
But what if these missteps are infrequent? In my 150 miles of driving, I encountered two clear instances requiring intervention. I was prepared and managed to avert any actual problems. However, if this is the benchmark, consider the burden placed upon the average consumer. My roughly five hours of driving through and around San Diego equates to an intervention-requiring incident every 2.5 hours. Now, envision yourself sitting idly, “supervising” a driver for that duration, completely unable to distract yourself. By the time the critical error occurs, will you truly be paying attention? This is the terrifying quandary: a system that instills enough confidence to lower our guard, yet remains insufficiently safe to operate without constant human oversight. This brings into question the future of autonomous vehicles.
The pursuit of truly autonomous driving, often referred to as Level 5 autonomy, requires a system that operates flawlessly without human intervention. While FSD is undeniably a pioneering effort and a significant step in the direction of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), it has not yet reached that ultimate destination. The critical difference between a sophisticated ADAS and true autonomy lies in the expectation of vigilance. Current FSD demands it, making the experience a complex interplay of technological marvel and human responsibility. For those seeking the ultimate peace of mind and a genuinely hands-off driving experience, particularly in regions like California autonomous vehicle laws are still evolving, the current FSD system may not yet be the solution.
The ongoing advancements in AI in automotive technology are breathtaking. Companies are investing heavily in autonomous vehicle technology development, seeking to perfect the algorithms and sensors that power these systems. The impact of AI on transportation is profound, promising to reshape our cities and daily commutes. However, the ethical and safety considerations remain paramount. The challenges of self-driving cars extend beyond the technical; they involve public trust, regulatory frameworks, and the fundamental question of who is liable when something goes wrong. While Tesla is at the forefront of this revolution, with Tesla AI advancements frequently making headlines, the current iteration of FSD serves as a powerful, yet cautionary, reminder of the journey still ahead. It’s a technology that astounds and impresses, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future, but for now, that future still requires us to keep our hands firmly on the wheel, and our eyes wide open.
This level of sophisticated driver assistance, particularly the AI-powered navigation systems that are becoming increasingly prevalent, demands a serious conversation about user education and realistic expectations. The promise of safe autonomous driving is closer than ever, but achieving it requires a nuanced understanding of current capabilities and limitations. The next generation of vehicles will undoubtedly feature even more advanced ADAS, but the transition to full autonomy will likely be gradual, marked by continuous improvements and rigorous testing. For those considering upgrading to a Tesla or exploring other vehicles with advanced ADAS features, understanding the specifics of ADAS features and their real-world implications is crucial. The automotive industry trends clearly point towards increased automation, but the path forward requires careful consideration of both innovation and user safety.
If you’re intrigued by the potential of advanced driver assistance and curious to explore what’s available today, we encourage you to consult with automotive technology specialists or visit reputable dealerships offering demonstrations of these cutting-edge systems. Understanding the nuances of each system, from its operational design domain to its safety protocols, is the most responsible next step in navigating the evolving landscape of the modern automobile.