Interest in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology has surged across Europe, prompting the company to extend its ride-along demonstration program by three months, now running until the end of March 2026. The program, which enables potential users and regulators to experience the capabilities of Tesla’s FSD firsthand, operates in several major European cities. High demand led some locations, particularly Cologne and Düsseldorf, to quickly reach full capacity for bookings, highlighting growing public engagement. Tesla representatives remarked that this extension facilitates broader exposure and more comprehensive feedback, potentially informing future regulatory approval processes.
Other reports earlier this year noted similar test programs limited to select cities and shorter durations, often with fewer available slots. At that time, European regulatory bodies appeared to take a cautious stance, and Tesla’s public demonstrations concentrated heavily on media and governmental officials rather than the general population. The recent expansion reflects not only increased demand but also a shift towards including more everyday drivers in the assessment of FSD performance. Public feedback has become a significant focus in Tesla’s latest approach, and officials have started to address calls for a wider rollout to additional countries.
How Has Tesla Changed Its Demo Program?
Tesla has not only extended the demonstration period but also expanded the number of participating cities for its FSD (Supervised) program. Multiple European countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, now feature scheduled demonstration dates from December 2025 through March 2026. Tesla’s EU Policy and Business Development Manager Ivan Komušanac highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering real-world feedback:
“We are currently offering ride-along experience in Germany, France, and Italy, as we are working towards an approval of FSD (Supervised) in Europe.”
The company encourages participants to record and share their experiences, aiming to gather diverse input from those involved.
What Reaction Has the Program Prompted?
Online responses to the extension have been robust, with many interested users reporting full bookings and advocating for expanded availability in more countries. Tesla enthusiasts and potential buyers have expressed interest in trying FSD in Switzerland and Finland. The widespread engagement indicates not only curiosity but also potential acceptance of automation technologies among the European public. According to Komušanac,
“This is a great feedback opportunity from the general public.”
Tesla appears to be leveraging this momentum to support regulatory discussions about broader acceptance of its self-driving suite.
Is Regulatory Approval More Likely For FSD?
The extended demos arrive as Tesla continues to demonstrate FSD (Supervised) to both government officials and the general public. In recent months, the brand showcased its technology to Roman city leaders and facilitated media trials in Germany and France. This concerted effort aligns with Tesla’s pursuit of regulatory clearance, aiming to present the technology’s capabilities transparently and collect substantial data from a variety of users.
The extension of Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) demonstration program marks a notable approach to involving the European public and regulatory bodies in the assessment of autonomous driving technology. By allowing a broader user base to test and review the system, Tesla positions itself to better understand local expectations and safety standards. For readers interested in advances in automotive autonomy, it is worth noting that regulatory approval processes for self-driving technology vary greatly across countries, often requiring large-scale, real-world trials before widespread adoption. Tesla’s prolonged test program can serve as a valuable indicator of both technological readiness and potential public acceptance, providing lessons for other companies seeking entry to the European self-driving market.
