Tesla has officially launched its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, known as FSD (Supervised), in Australia, marking a significant breakthrough for local Tesla owners. The FSD package, which has been in development for years, allows vehicles to navigate autonomously while still requiring driver oversight. The rollout comes after a lengthy anticipation period as Tesla focused primarily on the American market.
In late August 2025, I had the opportunity to test the latest software build, 2025.26.7.10, in a new Tesla Model 3 equipped with Hardware 4 (HW4). My journey spanned over 1,000 kilometers, starting from metro Melbourne to regional Wodonga, giving me a comprehensive view of the system’s capabilities.
During my initial experience with Tesla’s Autopilot back in 2016, I was impressed by its ability to maintain lane discipline and adapt to surrounding traffic. The introduction of FSD (Supervised) represents the most significant advancement in autonomous driving technology in nearly a decade, surpassing anything else currently available on the market.
The arrival of FSD (Supervised) in Australia is a pivotal moment for Tesla owners. Although regulatory approval has been a topic of discussion, Tesla has been able to offer the features of FSD (Supervised) without needing formal authorization. As the company continues to test FSD (unsupervised) in the United States, it will eventually require regulatory approval to implement similar systems in Australia.
In Australia, the responsibility for safe vehicle operation still rests with the driver. This is highlighted during the purchase process of the software as well as when enabling the feature in the vehicle. The National Transport Commission (NTC) is actively working on harmonizing autonomous vehicle regulations across states, but this process is expected to take time, with a national framework potentially not arriving until late 2026.
Most Tesla owners in Australia are already familiar with the existing Autopilot features, which include standard lane centering and adaptive cruise control, as well as Enhanced Autopilot capabilities like Navigate on Autopilot. However, FSD (Supervised) represents a major leap in technology, utilizing a new architecture and eliminating much of the human-written code.
The system employs eight cameras positioned around the vehicle to monitor its environment multiple times per second, achieving performance that often exceeds human capabilities. Despite the impressive technology, it is not without its flaws. While I never felt unsafe during my test, the system can make errors, and driver intervention is sometimes necessary.
One notable improvement in FSD (Supervised) is the elimination of phantom braking, a common issue in earlier iterations. The system can also navigate unmarked roads and adjust to driving conditions, showcasing its human-like decision-making abilities. I was particularly impressed by how the vehicle executed tasks like merging into traffic and navigating complex intersections with ease.
As I tested the software, I began to envision its broader implications for Australians. The technology could significantly enhance mobility for individuals who may find it difficult to drive, particularly older adults. With FSD (unsupervised) on the horizon, those without a driver’s license could still access transportation.
The setup process for FSD (Supervised) was straightforward. After enabling the feature and accepting the associated disclaimers, the vehicle was ready to drive. While the system can operate without a set destination, it performs optimally when given one. The experience of watching the vehicle navigate Melbourne’s busy streets was remarkable, with FSD (Supervised) demonstrating precise acceleration, braking, and signaling.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the system still has limitations. For instance, it struggled with certain scenarios, such as navigating a drive-thru. The software is still evolving, and I expect improvements to continue as Tesla refines its technology.
The official rollout timeline for FSD (Supervised) in Australia is still unclear, with the public release anticipated to be “coming soon.” Currently, the price for the FSD package is A$10,100, and those who purchased it prior to the launch are eagerly awaiting access to the feature.
The FSD technology represents a substantial leap forward for Tesla and the autonomous vehicle industry as a whole. As I returned the HW4 vehicle after a week of testing, I realized how much I had come to appreciate the experience. The potential for FSD (Supervised) to transform personal transportation in Australia is immense, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves in the coming years.
