Tesla FSD in Australia: No regulatory hurdles in the way

Are you looking forward to finally experiencing Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Australia? Tesla has great news: Thom Drew, Head of Tesla Australia, confirms that there are no regulatory hurdles for the introduction of FSD in Australia. To accompany this, Tesla has released a video showing FSD in Melbourne – including a perfectly executed Hook Turn. In this article, you will learn all about Tesla's progress and what it means for Australian Tesla fans.

FSD Test in Melbourne: A Milestone

Tesla shared a video via its AI account on X showing a Model 3 navigating the streets of Melbourne with FSD (Supervised). This is not only the first public FSD test in Australia but also the first in a right-hand drive market (RHD). The video demonstrates how FSD handles complex urban scenarios, from heavy traffic to pedestrians and cyclists.

A highlight is the Hook Turn, a unique traffic maneuver in Melbourne's city center. Here, a right-turning vehicle drives straight from the left lane, stops on the opposite side, and completes the turn when the light changes. This keeps tram tracks clear and reduces congestion, but it is tricky even for experienced drivers. The Model 3 executes the Hook Turn flawlessly, underscoring the strength of Tesla's Vision-Only Strategy. Users on X, like @TeslaAUS, cheer: “FSD nails the Hook Turn in Melbourne – unreal!”

No Regulatory Hurdles in Australia

In a conversation with News.com.au, Thom Drew explained that Tesla is working intensively on the introduction of FSD in Australia. The crucial point: “There are currently no regulatory obstacles in Australia, as we have in North America.” Unlike Europe, where FSD struggles with strict regulations, Australia offers a favorable starting position. Drew emphasized that Elon Musk prioritizes the global rollout of FSD, and the engineering team is working to introduce FSD in as many markets as possible.

Although no exact start date was mentioned, the positive assessment suggests that FSD (Supervised) could be available in Australia as early as 2025 – possibly even before the end of the second quarter, as originally planned for RHD markets.

Tesla's Vision-Only Strategy Shines

Tesla's approach of relying solely on cameras and neural networks once again proves its scalability. Unlike competitors like Waymo, which rely on HD maps and geofencing, Tesla requires no prior mapping. This allowed FSD to quickly adapt to Australia's right-hand drive traffic conditions and local peculiarities like the Hook Turn. The success in Melbourne shows that Tesla's data collection and AI training are effective even in new markets.

What Does This Mean for Australian Tesla Owners?

The active development and absence of regulatory hurdles are a strong sign that FSD (Supervised) could soon start in Australia. Important points:

Schedule: Tesla originally planned an RHD launch for Q1/Q2 2025. With the second quarter ending in about a month, the launch could be near.
Price: FSD costs 10,100 AUD (approx. 6,480 USD) in Australia, cheaper than in North America (8,000 USD).
Supervised Mode: As in North America and China, the driver remains responsible and must be ready to intervene at any time.

For Australian owners, this means that FSD may be available faster than in Europe, where there are regulatory challenges. On X, @AussieTeslaFan is excited: “No regulatory blockers for FSD in Australia? That’s huge!”

Relevance for Europe

For European readers, the Australian progress is exciting as it shows how flexible Tesla's FSD technology is. However, Europe faces stricter regulations, such as the UN/ECE Regulation R79, which restricts automated driving. Nevertheless, success in Australia could put pressure on European authorities to approve FSD faster. The Hook Turn proves that FSD can master complex local rules, which is also relevant for European cities with unique traffic conditions.

Conclusion: FSD is coming to Australia – and this is just the beginning

Tesla's FSD test in Melbourne with a right-hand drive Model 3 and the perfect Hook Turn are a milestone for the global rollout. With no regulatory hurdles and active development, Australia is on the verge of introducing FSD (Supervised) – possibly as early as 2025. For European Tesla fans, this is a promising glimpse into the future, even if we have to wait a little longer here. Look forward to more updates that bring FSD closer globally!