What a Free Full Self-Driving Trial Includes
Tesla offers trial periods for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, which lets you test the system's capabilities on your own vehicle before committing to purchase. The trial is not a separate product — it is temporary access to the same FSD software that owners pay for, usually through a one-time purchase or monthly subscription. During the trial, you get the full feature set: the car can navigate highways, change lanes, park itself, and handle city streets with minimal input from you.
Trial length varies. Tesla has offered trials ranging from one week to one month, depending on the promotion running at the time and whether you already own a Tesla. The trial activates on your vehicle's touchscreen and works only on the car it is assigned to. Once the trial ends, the features lock unless you purchase FSD or subscribe to it monthly.
Not every Tesla owner or buyer is offered a trial at the same time. Tesla runs these promotions periodically, often tied to product announcements, software updates, or sales events. Availability depends on your region, vehicle model, and whether you are a new or existing owner.
Key Takeaways
- Free FSD trials are temporary access to the full self-driving software and typically last between one week and one month.
- You set up the trial through your Tesla vehicle's touchscreen and can test all FSD features on your own car during that period.
- Trial availability changes throughout the year and depends on your location, vehicle model, and customer status.
- After the trial ends, you must purchase FSD or subscribe monthly to keep using the features.
- You can check whether a trial is currently available by logging into your Tesla account or contacting Tesla directly.
How to learn about a Trial Is Available for You
The first step is to check your Tesla account. Log in at tesla.com, go to your vehicle settings, and look for any banner or notification about FSD trials. Tesla also sends emails to owners when a trial becomes available, so check your inbox and spam folder if you have not seen a recent offer.
If you do not see a trial offer in your account, contact Tesla directly through the app or by calling your local service center. Tell them you are interested in testing FSD. They can confirm whether a trial is currently running in your area and whether your vehicle is may be able to access. Some regions and vehicle models get priority access before others.
You can also visit Tesla's website and look for any active promotions listed on the FSD product page. Trials are sometimes advertised there when they are running nationally or in specific markets.
Steps to set up a Free Trial on Your Vehicle
Once you know a trial is available and you are may be able to access, set up happens through your car's touchscreen. Tap the Tesla "T" menu, select Controls, then Software. Look for an option related to FSD trial or FSD access. The exact wording changes with software updates, but it will be clearly labeled as a trial or temporary access option.
Tap to begin the trial. Your vehicle will read the FSD software package, which can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on your internet connection and the size of the update. Keep your car plugged in during this read. Once the read completes, restart the vehicle by pressing and holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the Tesla logo appears on the screen.
After the restart, FSD features will be active. You will see new icons on the navigation screen and in the autopilot controls. The first time you use FSD, take time to review the on-screen prompts and understand which features are active in your area — some FSD capabilities depend on your location and road type.
What You Can and Cannot Do During the Trial
During your trial, you have full access to all FSD features available in your region. This includes Autosteer on city streets, automatic lane changes on highways, parking information, and navigation features that guide the car toward your destination. You can use these features as much as you want during the trial period — there is no limit on miles or number of uses.
However, FSD still requires your attention. You must keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. The system will alert you if it detects that you are not paying attention, and it will disengage if you do not respond. FSD is not fully autonomous — it is an advanced driver information system that handles some driving tasks but not all.
Some features may not be available in your specific area. City streets features, for example, work in certain cities and regions where Tesla has mapped and tested the roads. Highway features work more broadly but still depend on road type and local conditions. The car will show you which features are available as you drive.
What Happens When Your Trial Ends
On the last day of your trial, you will receive a notification on your vehicle's screen. FSD features will stop working at the end of that day. If you want to continue using FSD after the trial expires, you have two options: purchase FSD outright or subscribe to it monthly.
The purchase price for FSD varies by vehicle model and region. Monthly subscription costs also vary. You can see current pricing in your Tesla account under the FSD section. If you do not purchase or subscribe, your vehicle reverts to standard Autopilot, which includes features like cruise control and lane-keeping information — these remain free.
If you purchase FSD or subscribe after your trial, you will not lose any data or settings. Your vehicle straightforward transitions from trial access to paid access with no interruption to your driving experience.
Common Issues During and After Your Trial
If FSD features are not appearing on your screen after set up, restart your vehicle. Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the Tesla logo appears. If that does not work, check that your vehicle has the latest software version by going to Controls > Software > Check for Updates. Sometimes a software update is required before FSD features set up.
If you lose internet connection during the FSD read, the read will pause and resume when you reconnect. You do not need to start over. However, if the read fails multiple times, try parking in a location with stronger WiFi or cellular signal, or connect to a known WiFi network if your car supports it.
If your trial ends and you see FSD features still active, this is usually a display lag. Restart the vehicle. If FSD features remain active after restart and your trial has ended, contact Tesla support — this is rare but can happen if there is a software glitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my trial if it is about to expire?
Tesla does not automatically extend trials, but you can contact Tesla support to ask. In some cases, they may offer an extension or a discounted subscription period. There is no harm in asking, especially if you are seriously considering purchasing FSD.
Do I need to own a Tesla to get a free trial?
No. Tesla sometimes offers trials to people who are considering buying a Tesla, not just current owners. If you are shopping for a vehicle, ask the sales team whether a trial is available as part of your purchase or test drive experience.
Will the trial work on a used Tesla I just bought?
It depends on the vehicle's history and Tesla's current promotion. Some used vehicles are may be able to access for trials, and some are not. Check your account or contact Tesla to confirm. If the previous owner had FSD, the feature may have transferred to the new owner, so you might already have access.
Can I use the trial on multiple vehicles?
No. A trial is tied to one specific vehicle. If you own multiple Teslas, you would need a separate trial offer for each one, and Tesla does not may provide that all your vehicles will be may be able to access at the same time.
What if I do not have WiFi at home to read the FSD software?
You can read FSD using your vehicle's cellular connection, though it will be slower than WiFi. Alternatively, park near a public WiFi network (coffee shop, library, workplace) and connect there. Make sure your car is plugged in, as the read uses significant power.