Still Waiting for Final Approval
Tesla’s Full-Self-Driving feature could already claim a hefty sum on your bank account, but it couldn’t truly drive itself in Europe yet. That is changing now, although for now you won’t be able to drive it yourself. Yes, you read that correctly.
Tesla’s Full-Self-Driving Capability is an extensive software package that offers a whole range of intelligent features for thousands of euros. For example, cars with FSD can change lanes themselves, stop for traffic lights, and exit a parking space. FSD, however, is primarily a promise of expansion. That promise is partly fulfilled by the launch of various extra functions and features, but a Tesla still doesn’t truly drive itself even with FSD. In America, that is already the case, at least to some extent. There, you can go ‘hands-free’ through traffic, at least as long as the interior camera sees that the driver is still paying attention.
Now that feature is also coming to Europe, and the Netherlands is next in its rollout. However, don’t think you can download the feature in the app this afternoon, because it’s not that far yet. In the run-up to final approval, it will first be possible to experience FSD as a passenger. So you’ll ride along with an employee who isn’t driving manually but can demonstrate FSD. These employees are specially approved to legally drive on the road with FSD, before this becomes possible for everyone.
The FSD demonstrations were already possible by the end of 2025 in several other European countries, but now also here. Booking a ‘ride-along test drive’ can be done online, and the demonstration drives depart from Tesla Stores in Amsterdam, Arnhem, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Zwolle, Groningen, Utrecht, and The Hague.
The definitive launch of FSD for consumers is still awaiting legal approval. Tesla expects this to succeed soon, so that FSD will still become available early this year.