Tesla has launched a new “Ride Along Experience” program across Europe, inviting the public in Italy, Germany, and France to sit in the passenger seat and experience Full Self-Driving (Supervised) firsthand.
According to Tesla’s latest event page and announcements, potential buyers and EV enthusiasts in these three countries can now book a ride to see how FSD handles real roads in their own cities. Unlike a traditional test drive where customers drive the vehicle themselves, these sessions are strictly ride-along only, with a trained Tesla employee operating the vehicle.
Giving the Public a First Look at Real-World FSD Performance
Tesla’s goal is to showcase how FSD handles real traffic conditions and some of the toughest everyday driving scenarios. These ride-alongs give participants a chance to observe how the software navigates Europe’s unique driving environments—whether it’s roundabouts, narrow historic streets, or dense urban centers—before regulators officially approve FSD for consumer use.
For many attendees, this will be their very first exposure to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. It’s an exciting opportunity not only for prospective buyers but also for existing Tesla owners curious about the next generation of autonomy. While Italy, Germany, and France are the first markets to host these events, more European countries are expected to follow.
Why Passenger-Only Rides?
Legal Compliance — and a Better Demonstration
The passenger-only format appears to be designed to meet regulatory requirements for autonomous vehicle testing. By placing participants in the passenger seat while a trained specialist sits behind the wheel, Tesla can create a controlled, legally compliant environment.
It also allows guests to fully focus on the vehicle’s visualizations, decision-making, and driving behavior, without the pressure of learning FSD on the spot. In addition, the ride-along format becomes a live demonstration of how well FSD adapts to local driving culture—showing, for example, that navigating the notoriously chaotic traffic around Parisian roundabouts can be just as smooth as cruising on the highway.
Why Launch This Program Now?
Although the program looks like a marketing campaign on the surface, the timing suggests deeper strategic intent. The Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) is expected to approve Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system as early as February 2026, and Tesla appears to be accelerating efforts to build public trust across Europe.
By giving thousands of Europeans a stress-free, hands-off preview of autonomous driving, Tesla hopes to counter skepticism often amplified by traditional media. Creating widespread positive firsthand experiences may also increase regulatory pressure on EU institutions to more quickly approve Full Self-Driving technology.
A Classic Tesla Playbook: Win Support by Letting People Experience It
This initiative is another example of Tesla’s tried-and-true strategy: get people into the passenger seat and let the technology speak for itself.
