Tesla has officially launched its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) package in Australia and New Zealand, marking the first rollout of the technology in a right-hand-drive market.
The feature, which allows Teslas to drive from door to door with minimal driver input, has been long-awaited by local owners. While the name suggests full autonomy, Tesla stresses it remains a Level 2 driver assistance system requiring constant driver attention.
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Why the Rollout Took Time
Tesla’s driver-assistance software has been available in the US and other left-hand-drive markets for years. But local conditions required significant retraining of the system before it could operate safely here.
That meant programming the software to handle:
- Melbourne’s hook turns
- Australian-specific road signs and markings
- Local school zones and carparks
This region-specific training explains the long delay between global availability and its Australian debut.
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How the Rollout Works
Tesla is phasing in access across eligible vehicles.
- Phase One — Owners of Model 3 and Model Y fitted with Hardware 4 (HW4) cameras who have already purchased the $10,100 package.
- Phase Two — Wider access for all HW4 Model 3 and Model Y customers.
- Phase Three — Broader rollout to other compatible Teslas through the Early Access Program before wider release.
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Price and Trial Options
Australian buyers face the same $10,100 upfront cost as overseas customers. However, Tesla is softening the blow with a new 30-day free trial included on new vehicles. After the trial, customers can choose between:
- A one-off purchase ($10,100)
- A yet-to-be-announced monthly subscription
Important catch: the package is locked to the vehicle. It can’t be transferred if you sell your Tesla — unless Tesla’s current limited-time promotion (ending September 30) is extended.
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What Does It Actually Do?
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) adds advanced features on top of Tesla’s Basic and Enhanced Autopilot systems:
- Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
- Automated city-street driving (under supervision)
- All existing Autopilot functions, including lane keeping and adaptive cruise
It’s worth noting that in China, Tesla markets this suite as “City Autopilot” due to local regulatory restrictions on the FSD name.
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Safety and Legal Context
Tesla has emphasised repeatedly that despite the name, this is not self-driving technology. Drivers remain responsible for the vehicle at all times. The system issues multiple warnings and requires drivers to accept on-screen agreements before activating.
The cautious messaging follows ongoing lawsuits in the US, including a recent case where a court found Tesla partly liable for a fatal crash involving Autopilot. Tesla is appealing the verdict.
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Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Australia Rollout |
| Availability | Model 3 & Model Y with HW4 (phased rollout) |
| Upfront Price | $10,100 |
| Free Trial | 30 days on new vehicles |
| Subscription | Coming soon (price unconfirmed) |
| Transferable? | No (linked to the vehicle) |
| First Right-Hand-Drive Market | Yes (Australia & New Zealand) |
5 Key Takeaways
- Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is now live in Australia and New Zealand
- The rollout starts with Model 3 and Model Y vehicles fitted with Hardware 4
- Buyers face a $10,100 cost, but a 30-day free trial is included with new cars.
- Despite its name, FSD is a Level 2 driver-assistance system, not full autonomy.
- The launch makes Australia the first right-hand-drive market to access the tech
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