What Tesla's Full Self-Driving Trial Offers
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) trial is a limited-time test period that lets you use advanced driving automation features on your Tesla vehicle before committing to the full purchase. During the trial, you get access to features like Autosteer on city streets, automatic lane changes, and parking information — capabilities that normally require a paid subscription. The trial typically lasts between one and three months, depending on when you start and which vehicle you own.
The trial is not the same as the standard Autopilot that comes with every Tesla. Standard Autopilot handles highway driving and lane-keeping. Full Self-Driving adds the ability to navigate city streets, make turns at traffic lights, and handle more complex driving scenarios with less driver input. During a trial period, you can test whether these features work the way you need them to in your actual driving environment before you pay for a subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla offers trial periods for Full Self-Driving that last one to three months and let you test advanced automation features without paying the subscription fee.
- The trial gives you access to city street navigation, automatic turns, and parking features that are not included in the standard Autopilot package.
- You must have a compatible Tesla vehicle and an active Tesla account to start a trial, and you need to accept Tesla's terms before the trial begins.
- During the trial, you remain responsible for monitoring the vehicle and taking control whenever necessary, as Full Self-Driving is not fully autonomous.
- After the trial ends, you can purchase a Full Self-Driving subscription to keep using the features, or the system reverts to standard Autopilot.
Which Tesla Vehicles Can Use Full Self-Driving Trials
Not every Tesla model is may be able to access for a Full Self-Driving trial. Generally, Tesla offers trials on Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles that were manufactured after a certain date and have the necessary hardware installed. Older vehicles or those with older hardware versions may not support the trial, even if they have Autopilot.
You can check whether your specific vehicle is may be able to access by opening the Tesla app, going to your vehicle settings, and looking for any trial offer in the Autopilot or subscription section. If your vehicle is may be able to access, Tesla will usually notify you through the app or email. If you do not see a trial offer and you own a compatible model, contact Tesla support to confirm your vehicle's hardware version and may be able to access status.
How to Start a Full Self-Driving Trial
To begin a trial, open the Tesla mobile app on your phone and navigate to your vehicle's controls. Look for the Autopilot or Subscriptions section — the exact location varies slightly depending on your app version, but it is typically under Controls or Service. If a trial is available for your vehicle, you will see an option to start it. Tap that option and review Tesla's terms and conditions, which explain your responsibilities as the driver.
After you accept the terms, the trial activates when ready. You do not need to visit a Tesla service center or make a phone call. The features become available in your vehicle within minutes, though you may need to restart the vehicle's system or drive it briefly for the software to fully update. Once active, you can use the Full Self-Driving features on any road where they are supported — typically city streets, highways, and parking areas.
If you do not see a trial offer in your app, it may mean your vehicle is not currently may be able to access, the trial period in your region has ended, or you have already used a trial on this account. Some trials are region-specific or time-limited, so availability changes throughout the year.
What You Can and Cannot Do During a Trial
During a Full Self-Driving trial, you can use features like Navigate on City Streets (which makes turns and navigates intersections), Autopark (which handles parking), and Summon (which moves the vehicle in and out of tight spaces with remote control). You can also use standard Autopilot features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control. These features work together to reduce the amount of active steering and pedal input you need to provide.
However, you cannot treat Full Self-Driving as a fully autonomous system. You must keep your hands ready to take control, watch the road at all times, and be prepared to brake or steer if the system makes an unexpected decision or encounters a situation it cannot handle. Tesla's terms require you to remain the responsible driver at all times. The system can fail to recognize obstacles, misinterpret traffic signals, or make poor decisions in unusual weather or complex traffic patterns.
You also cannot transfer a trial to another vehicle or another person. The trial is tied to your Tesla account and your specific vehicle. If you sell the vehicle or switch to a different Tesla, the trial does not carry over.
What Happens When Your Trial Ends
When your trial period expires, the Full Self-Driving features stop working. Your vehicle automatically reverts to standard Autopilot, which still includes highway Autosteer and lane-keeping but removes the city street navigation and advanced parking features. You will receive a notification in the Tesla app a few days before the trial ends, giving you time to decide what to do next.
At that point, you have three options. You can purchase a Full Self-Driving subscription, which costs a monthly fee that varies by region and vehicle model — typically between $15 and $25 per month, though some regions offer annual plans at a discount. You can purchase Full Self-Driving as a one-time add-on to your vehicle, which is a larger upfront cost but gives you permanent access. Or you can let the trial expire and continue using standard Autopilot without paying extra.
If you choose to purchase after the trial, you can do so directly through the Tesla app under Subscriptions. The purchase takes effect when ready, and you do not need to restart the vehicle or visit a service center.
Common Issues During a Full Self-Driving Trial
Some drivers find that Full Self-Driving features work differently in their area than they expected. The system performs better on well-marked roads with clear lane lines and standard traffic patterns. In areas with faded markings, complex intersections, or heavy construction, the system may hesitate, make jerky movements, or ask you to take control more often. This is normal and does not mean the system is broken — it means the environment is challenging for the current software version.
Another common issue is that the system may not recognize certain obstacles or may react slowly to sudden changes. For example, it might not see a pothole, a double-parked car, or a pedestrian stepping into the street as quickly as a human driver would. This is why you must stay alert and ready to take control at any moment. Never rely on Full Self-Driving to handle every situation perfectly.
If you experience a technical problem — such as the features not appearing in your app, the system crashing, or features becoming unavailable mid-drive — restart your vehicle by shifting into Neutral, pressing and holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for several seconds, and waiting for the Tesla logo to appear. If the problem persists, contact Tesla support through the app or visit a service center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Full Self-Driving on highways during the trial?
Yes. Full Self-Driving includes all standard Autopilot features, so you can use Autosteer and adaptive cruise control on highways. The trial also adds city street navigation, so you get the full range of features on both highway and city driving.
Do I need to pay for the trial?
No. Tesla trials are free. You only pay if you choose to purchase a subscription or permanent license after the trial ends. Some trials are offered to new vehicle owners as part of the purchase, while others are offered to existing owners periodically.
What if I want to cancel my trial early?
You can disable Full Self-Driving features at any time by going to Controls in the Tesla app and turning off the feature. This does not end your trial period — the features straightforward stop working until you re-enable them or the trial expires. If you want to end the trial completely and cannot find a disable option, contact Tesla support.
Can I use the trial on a vehicle I just bought used?
It depends on whether the previous owner already used a trial on that vehicle and account. Each Tesla account can typically use one trial per vehicle. If the vehicle is new to your account, you may be may be able to access for a trial. Check the Tesla app to see if an offer appears, or contact Tesla support with your vehicle identification number to confirm may be able to access.
What is the difference between a trial and a subscription?
A trial is a free, time-limited test period. A subscription is a recurring monthly or annual payment that gives you permanent access to Full Self-Driving features after the trial ends. Some regions also offer a one-time purchase option instead of a subscription.