Tesla has introduced its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite in Australia, marking the brand’s first deployment of this technology in a right-hand-drive market. The offering, which is now available for $10,100 AUD, brings expanded autonomous functions to drivers in the region. Prospective customers can expect a staged rollout, initially limited to Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with Hardware 4. Tesla aims to deliver these features not only to satisfy growing local demand for advanced driver assistance, but also to navigate specific regional road configurations.
When Tesla first initiated limited trials of enhanced driver assistance in Australia, adoption was centered on its Basic and Enhanced Autopilot suites. Those offerings lacked several features now provided with Full Self-Driving, such as Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. Unlike FSD launches in China, where branding differs as “City Autopilot” due to regulations, Australian buyers now have access to the full branded FSD experience. This launch positions Australia alongside the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and China as key Tesla markets receiving the expansion of this supervised technology. The staged rollout strategy and Early Access Program approach demonstrate the company’s consistent reliance on incremental deployment in new territories.
What Features Define Tesla’s FSD Debut in Australia?
The Australian version of Full Self-Driving includes capabilities such as navigating intersections, managing traffic lights and stop signs, and all the features found in the company’s Basic and Enhanced Autopilot systems. Eligible vehicles—specifically Model 3s and Model Ys with Hardware 4—are the first to gain access through Tesla’s Early Access Program. According to Tesla, customers purchasing new vehicles will also receive a 30-day free trial of the suite.
How Will Access Expand for Local Drivers?
Rollout plans indicate that the initial deployment targets selected customers, expanding progressively as the system’s compatibility and safety metrics are evaluated. The company shared:
“The rollout will happen in stages. HW4 Model 3s and Model Ys will get it first.”
Industry observers note that Tesla continues to work closely with regulators and early testers to ensure the smooth integration of these advanced features in Australia’s diverse driving environments.
What Does Tesla Say About Wider Availability?
Company representatives suggested that Australian drivers will soon see broader availability. As stated in a recent company communication,
“[Tesla is] very close to being unlocked in customer cars.”
The gradual deployment reflects a risk-managed effort, prioritizing safety and user feedback before enlarging access to all eligible vehicles. The launch further distinguishes Australia as one of only a handful of markets outside North America to access the FSD suite by its original branding.
Global expansion of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system has sparked substantial discussion about the scope, permissions, and readiness of autonomous driving suites in various markets. Initial launches in North America preceded restricted access in locations such as China, where regulatory constraints shaped the feature set and branding. The approach in Australia sees the company combining lessons from these earlier releases with local expertise, moving beyond pilot programs to a public offering. The staged, hardware-dependent launch mirrors techniques used elsewhere to mitigate risk and gather real-world feedback at scale.
Drivers and industry professionals watching this rollout may benefit from understanding how regulatory and technological environments influence the deployment of automated driving features. Australia’s integration of right-hand drive requirements and its blend of urban and regional roads mean that robust testing is likely to remain a focus in the coming months. As more vehicles gain access to the suite, Tesla’s Australian launch will be observed for customer experience, safety outcomes, and regulatory responses—factors that may inform further rollouts elsewhere.
