Tesla embarks on supervised autonomous driving system testing demonstration in the United Kingdom, following Australia
Tesla is currently conducting Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised testing on the streets of London, demonstrating the technology's real-world capability[1][3][4]. The testing involves vehicles navigating complex routes, including famous landmarks and challenging intersections, with minimal driver intervention but under supervision[1][3][4].
As of mid-2025, FSD Supervised remains pending regulatory approval in the UK. Tesla has not yet launched the system for public use, but the UK government legislation currently permits testing only[1][3]. The company anticipates a rollout in Europe later in 2025, but the UK's post-Brexit regulatory environment may differ from the EU’s approach, which could affect the timing[2].
In a recent development, Thom Drew, Tesla's country director, clarified that there are no regulatory blockers for the software to be rolled out in right-hand-drive markets of Australia and New Zealand[5]. This news was welcomed by some Tesla owners in the UK who have been waiting for progress in their own market.
Tesla has already showcased FSD Supervised testing in Australia, with videos released in May for a journey around Melbourne and more recently for a trip around Sydney[6][7]. The Sydney FSD trip started with the car being seen going around a roundabout where the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera house are seen in the background.
Riz Akhtar, a mechanical engineer based in Melbourne and founder of carloop, specializes in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends[8]. Akhtar, who currently drives a red Tesla Model 3, has a passion for cars, particularly EVs, and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia.
The video depicts a trip around London, UK, with the Tesla autonomously driving through traffic, stopping for pedestrians, and completing a journey around busy streets[1][3]. This is not the first time FSD supervised has been spotted being tested in a right-hand-drive market. The video was posted on Tesla's Europe X account.
While Tesla's FSD is operational and well-tested in the UK, official regulatory approval for public use is expected potentially by late 2025 or during 2026, aligned with planned government trials[1][3]. The rollout of FSD supervised software will start on hardware 4 (HW4) before further releases in phases to more Tesla vehicles in these markets.
In summary, Tesla's FSD testing in the UK is progressing, with the software demonstrating its capabilities in real-world conditions. However, regulatory approval is pending, and the system is yet to be launched for public use. The rollout is anticipated to begin later in 2025 or during 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
- Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised testing, demonstrated in London, showcases the technology's real-world capability in the transportation industry.
- Despite the FSD Supervised testing in Australia and New Zealand, regulatory approval for public use in the UK's lifestyle and automotive sector is still pending, with a potential launch scheduled for late 2025 or during 2026.
- The technology companies, such as Tesla, are eager to integrate electric-vehicles into various markets, including the UK, as part of the global shift towards sustainable finance practices.
- The testing of FSD Supervised in right-hand-drive markets like UK, Australia, and New Zealand, could influence the regulatory environments of these markets, thereby shaping the future of technology in the transportation industry.
