Tesla has announced its controversial Full Self Driving (Supervised) level 2 autonomous driving feature is now downloadable for customers in Australia and New Zealand.
Chasing Cars was able to sample the technology in pre-release, 13.2.9 guise in Brisbane and Sydney and was impressed — you can watch the full video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h406fHRsI\_o
As in the United States, Tesla owners had the option to buy this package and any future updates by paying $10,100 for Full Self Driving at time of vehicle purchase, even though it was not available.
These customers should now already have Full Self Driving (Supervised) installed on their vehicles via an over-the-air software update, as long as they are in possession of an eligible Model 3 or Model Y example equipped with the current Hardware 4 (HW4).
Those who haven’t paid the large $10,100 sum will soon be able to sign up for a monthly subscription at a cost of $149 (or $159 NZD).
Pictured: 2025 Tesla Model 3
Tesla Australia has not announced a free, 30-day trial (as it did with Enhanced Autopilot) though Chasing Cars understands this is under consideration.
It’s understood those who paid for the package but own earlier, HW3 equipped cars will be offered a retrofit of the newer hardware free-of-charge.
What is Full Self Driving (Supervised)?
American EV specialist Tesla has been pouring R&D budget into autonomous vehicle technology. Full Self Driving (Supervised) has been available in the United States since April 2025, and unsupervised Self Driving trials are ongoing.
Pictured: 2025 Tesla Model Y
Full Self Driving (Supervised) is considered a Level 2 system, which means constant attention from the driver is required.
Effectively, you’re better to think of Full Self Driving (Supervised) as the most advanced form of adaptive cruise control system, rather than an early self-driving vehicle.
The system uses exterior cameras combined with connected mapping to start, navigate and drive between two destinations. It can drive in the city, on suburban roads, motorways and more without driver input — providing all goes well.
In Australia, Full Self Driving (Supervised) does not specifically contravene road rules. In NSW, at least, the rules call for driver attention at all times, but do not specify hands on the steering wheel or feet on the pedals.
It hasn’t been plain sailing for Full Self Driving in Australia, with the Victorian Government telling ABC News that Tesla’s Melbourne hook turn promo was ‘not approved’ at time of filming.
Tesla’s fresh technology announcement is likely to bolster sales of Model 3 and Model Y, being seen as a key advantage in a crowded market segment including rivals such as the BYD Sealion 7, Xpeng G6, Kia EV5 and many more.
