How to Tell if Tesla Has FSD: Easy Steps to Check Full Self-Driving
Wondering if your Tesla comes equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability? Knowing whether your vehicle has FSD can help you unlock advanced features designed to make driving safer and more convenient. Since Tesla offers different autopilot packages, it’s important to identify which one your car has.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to check if your Tesla supports FSD. By looking at specific settings, software details, and available features, you can quickly determine if your vehicle includes this cutting-edge technology. Let’s explore the simple ways to tell if your Tesla has Full Self-Driving and what that means for your driving experience.
Understanding Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Feature
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature offers enhanced automation and safety through advanced software. You can assess your vehicle’s FSD status by recognizing what the technology includes and its core functions.
What Is Full Self-Driving?
Full Self-Driving (FSD) represents Tesla’s highest level of driver-assistance software, designed to navigate various driving scenarios with minimal driver input. It combines Autopilot capabilities with additional features such as automated lane changes, traffic-aware cruise control, and advanced navigation on highways and city streets. Your Tesla qualifies for FSD if it includes this software package, which enables ongoing feature updates via over-the-air software improvements.
Key Capabilities of Tesla FSD
Tesla FSD unlocks several advanced functions to improve driving convenience and safety:
- Navigate on Autopilot: Guides your vehicle from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, including automatic lane changes and highway exits.
- Auto Lane Change: Switches lanes automatically when you engage the turn signal.
- Autopark: Performs parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers without driver intervention.
- Summon: Moves your vehicle in and out of tight spaces remotely via the Tesla app.
- Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Detects and responds to traffic signals and stop signs autonomously.
- Full Self-Driving City Streets: Enables your vehicle to navigate city streets with minimal driver input when activated, available as part of FSD Beta in select regions.
Confirming these capabilities within your Tesla interface or owner documentation directly indicates the presence of FSD software and hardware.
Ways to Identify If a Tesla Has FSD
Determining if your Tesla has Full Self-Driving (FSD) requires checking several key indicators. These include software settings, account information, and physical features inside the car.
Checking the Vehicle’s Software Settings
Start by accessing the car’s touchscreen menu. Select Controls > Software to view installed packages. If the “Full Self-Driving Capability” package appears, your Tesla has FSD enabled. Look for active features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control in the Autopilot menu. These advanced options only unlock with FSD.
Confirming Through Tesla Account and Purchase History
Log into your Tesla account on the official website or app. Review your purchase history and vehicle details for FSD or “Full Self-Driving Capability.” Tesla lists FSD as a separate software upgrade, so an entry there confirms ownership. The purchase confirmation email or invoice also specifies whether FSD was included at sale or added later.
Physical Indicators Inside the Car
Observe the interior for FSD-specific hardware, such as eight external cameras and a custom Full Self-Driving computer under the hood. Although hard to identify visually, the car’s touchscreen may display FSD-related animations or notifications during startup. Additionally, some Tesla steering wheels have buttons labelled for autopilot functions, signaling enhanced driver-assistance features.
Using Tesla’s Interface to Verify FSD
You can confirm your Tesla has Full Self-Driving (FSD) by navigating its interface. The touchscreen provides direct access to settings and features that distinguish FSD from standard Autopilot.
Accessing the Autopilot Settings
Start by tapping the car icon on the lower left of your Tesla’s touchscreen to open the main control menu. Select ‘Autopilot’ from the sidebar. This menu lists all active driver-assist features. Look for the label “Full Self-Driving Capability” or options such as ‘Navigate on Autopilot,’ ‘Auto Lane Change,’ ‘Autopark,’ and ‘Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control.’ If these options are available and not grayed out, your vehicle includes FSD. If only basic Autopilot options like ‘Traffic-Aware Cruise Control’ and ‘Autosteer’ appear, the vehicle likely lacks FSD functionality.
Recognizing FSD-Specific Features in the Display
Your Tesla’s display dynamically shows FSD-specific elements during operation. For example, when driving on highways, icons for automatic lane changes and upcoming exits appear only if FSD is active. The display also highlights stop signs and traffic lights if the vehicle supports their detection and response—features exclusive to FSD. Additionally, detailed road path visualization with turn-by-turn guidance confirms the presence of FSD. Absence of these indicators signals the lack of full self-driving capabilities in your Tesla.
Additional Tips for Confirming FSD Status
You can use other methods to verify if your Tesla includes Full Self-Driving capabilities beyond checking settings and software. These steps ensure you accurately confirm your vehicle’s FSD status.
Asking Previous Owners or Dealers
Contact previous owners or the dealer directly for confirmation. They provide details on software packages installed when the vehicle was sold or serviced. Request specific information about FSD purchase or activation history. Sellers or dealers often keep records of software upgrades or feature packages, which clarify your Tesla’s FSD status.
Reviewing Vehicle Documentation
Examine your Tesla’s user manual, window sticker, or purchase agreement. These documents typically list the installed options and software packages, including FSD if enabled. Check the original sales paperwork or email confirmations from Tesla. Official invoices or service records mentioning “Full Self-Driving Capability” confirm that your car includes the FSD software package.
Conclusion
Knowing whether your Tesla has Full Self-Driving capability puts you in control of your driving experience. With just a few simple checks in your vehicle’s settings or documentation, you can confidently identify if FSD features are active. This knowledge helps you make the most of Tesla’s advanced technology while ensuring you stay informed about your car’s capabilities. Taking the time to verify FSD status means you’re better equipped to enjoy enhanced convenience and safety on the road.

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Rofiqul is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.