Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in real-world driving scenarios, but how does it respond when deliberately pushed to its limits? A recent test conducted by YouTuber Dirty Tesla, in partnership with Out of SpecReviews, put FSD version 14.1.7 through a series of aggressive maneuvers to assess its reaction time and decision-making.
Aggressive Testing Methodology
The experiment involved a Tesla Model Y being subjected to hostile driving behavior from another vehicle: a former Ford Crown Victoria police car. The test driver tailgated, cut off, brake-checked, side-swiped, and even drove head-on at the Tesla to simulate high-risk road conditions. The goal was to evaluate how the FSD system would respond under extreme duress.
System Performance Under Pressure
The results showed that FSD, when set to its most aggressive “Mad Max” profile, exhibited exceptionally fast reaction times, braking decisively to avoid collisions. Unlike a human driver, it remained unfazed by tailgating or sudden speed changes from other vehicles. In one instance, the system even initiated a vehicle turnaround when it detected an imminent threat.
Limitations and Quirks
Despite its robust performance, the FSD system displayed some limitations. It showed hesitation in driving off-road, even when it could have avoided a dangerous situation by doing so. On several occasions, when the driver attempted to override the system by accelerating on grass, the car unexpectedly shifted into Park, preventing further action.
Availability and Cost
Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) became available in Australia in September and is priced at $10,100 upfront or a $149 monthly subscription. It requires vehicles equipped with Hardware 4 (HW4) cameras and is currently compatible only with Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
The test highlights the potential of advanced driver-assistance systems in handling unpredictable road conditions, but also underscores the importance of ongoing development and refinement to address edge cases and ensure complete safety.
