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Self-Driving Teslas Navigate Australia, With Glitches
1 Mar
Summary
- FSD mode requires constant human supervision under Australian law.
- Teslas struggle with local road features like hook turns.
- Drivers report mixed experiences, from calm commutes to safety concerns.
A growing fleet of Teslas equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode is now navigating Australian roads, though the technology still requires constant human supervision to comply with local laws. This advanced driver assistance system, classified as Level 2, utilizes cameras and neural network software to control steering, acceleration, braking, and lane changes.
Drivers can access FSD for a monthly fee of $149 or a one-time payment of $10,100, applicable to newer Model 3 and Y vehicles. While FSD aims to provide a safety layer by monitoring driver attentiveness, it has encountered challenges with distinct Australian road features, such as Melbourne's hook turns and roundabouts.
Users have shared a range of experiences online, from finding their commutes "calm" and less prone to fatigue to encountering unexpected stops. Some users, like those in Queensland and Victoria, have noted the system's continuous monitoring, which prompts them to stay alert. However, other drivers have reported instances where the car stopped in the middle of roundabouts or entered them from incorrect lanes.
Despite these early-stage issues, many Tesla enthusiasts remain optimistic about the technology's ongoing development. Some users have witnessed improvements in handling specific local maneuvers over time. The novelty of FSD also attracts significant attention from pedestrians and other road users, often captured in social media videos.
