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Tesla 'Assisted Driving' (formerly FSD): what's approved in Europe, and what UK drivers can expect

Electric cars & tech2 min read

By Juan Pedro Nguema · Updated

Illustration for: Tesla 'Assisted Driving' (formerly FSD): what's approved in Europe, and what UK drivers can expect

In short: Tesla's driver-assistance system, sold in the US as "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)", is now allowed in eight EU countries. In October 2026 Tesla renamed it "Tesla Assisted Driving" in Europe after German officials said the old name was misleading. It is not approved for use in Great Britain. Whatever it's called, the driver stays responsible at all times.

What is it?

It's an advanced driver-assistance system. The car can steer, brake and accelerate on its own on many roads, including in towns. But it is not self-driving:

  • the driver must watch the road all the time and be ready to take over immediately;
  • the driver is legally responsible for what the car does;
  • it is updated over the air, so features can change.

Where is it allowed?

  • 13 April 2026: the Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) gave the first European approval. Owners in the Netherlands received it by software update.
  • June 2026: Denmark and Belgium followed.
  • October 2026: Tesla's website lists eight approved EU countries: the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark, Belgium, Slovenia, Czechia and Croatia.
  • Next step: an EU-wide vote, now expected in December at the earliest. It needs the support of 15 of the 27 countries, representing 65% of the EU population. France and Sweden have raised concerns about the system exceeding speed limits.

Why the new name?

On 6 October 2026 Germany's transport ministry said "Full Self-Driving" was misleading, because the system does not take over the whole driving task. Tesla's European websites now call it "Tesla Assisted Driving". Germany also wants the system limited to no more than 10% above the speed limit.

What about the UK?

  • Approvals in the EU don't automatically apply in Great Britain. Tesla would need approval from the UK's Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).
  • The UK's Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets up a separate system for genuinely self-driving vehicles, where the driver is not responsible. That's different from a supervised assistance system like this one.
  • There is no confirmed UK date. Treat any date you see online as a guess until the government or VCA announces it.

What this means for you

  • Learner and new drivers: the Highway Code is clear that driver-assistance systems don't replace you. You must stay in full control (Rule 150). That's also why our theory questions on driver assistance matter.
  • Buying a used Tesla: check exactly which software features come with the car, as some are tied to the account or the car and may not transfer the way you expect. Ask the seller in writing.
  • Insurance: tell your insurer about any driver-assistance features you pay for or use.

moValue has no connection with Tesla. This article will be updated when the UK position changes.

Sources