A significant breakthrough for autonomous driving in Europe: Norway has granted Tesla approval to test its driver assistance system FSD (Full Self-Driving) Supervised in public road traffic. This marks a crucial step for Tesla towards market launch in Europe – and it could soon benefit customers as well. What the approval means, what restrictions currently still apply, and how things will proceed, you can read here.
Norway as a testing ground for Tesla's autonomous future
According to official documents published on the platform X, Tesla has received a two-year valid exemption to test FSD Supervised on Norwegian roads. The approval was granted by the national road authority of Norway and allows tests with automatic steering and speed control on EU-approved Tesla vehicles of the latest generation (AI4 platform).
Important: The test operation is initially reserved only for Tesla employees – use by end customers is currently not allowed.
What is the goal of the tests?
The focus is on testing FSD Version 13 and its variants in real traffic situations. These practical tests are an important component to enable EU-wide approval in the medium term. They provide necessary data to overcome regulatory hurdles – both in Norway and in the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), which defines cross-border traffic regulations for Europe.
FSD in Europe: Not yet for customers, but a realistic goal
Although Tesla has already publicly tested FSD functions in Amsterdam, the path to customer approval in Europe remains complex. Currently, the focus is on the so-called Article 39 exemption of the UNECE, which allows innovative technologies to be approved early – provided a member state officially supports it.
Norway could be this state – or the Netherlands, where FSD is also being tested.
The next voting round within the UNECE will take place on May 12, 2025. This leaves Tesla with little time to gather the necessary test data and secure political support.
Why this development is so important
In the past, Europe was considered – unlike the USA – as cautious and reserved on the topic of autonomous driving. Many national traffic authorities demanded comprehensive tests and adjustments to existing laws. The approval in Norway is therefore not only a technological milestone but also a symbolic signal: Europe is beginning to open up to automated driving.
A successful test run could open the door for the following developments:
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FSD rollout for end customers in Europe
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Harmonization of European approval guidelines
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Stronger market presence of Tesla in the premium segment of automated vehicles
What does this mean for Tesla drivers in Germany and Europe?
There is still no direct approval for FSD in countries like Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. But if the tests in Norway and the Netherlands are successful and Tesla receives a UNECE exemption, a Europe-wide launch by the end of 2025 could be realistic.
According to Tesla, this is exactly the goal: introduction of FSD in Europe by the end of the year – subject to regulatory approvals.
Conclusion
Norway is becoming a pioneer for autonomous driving in Europe. The approval for Tesla to test FSD Supervised on public roads brings the company a big step closer to a European market introduction. Although usage remains initially reserved for employees, the groundwork for broader approval is laid. Now it's time to test, convince – and wait for the UNECE decision in May.
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