Tesla has provided a free trial of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software version 14 to approximately 1.5 million owners of vehicles equipped with Hardware 4 in the United States. The trial, which began recently, lasts until January 8, 2026, covering the holiday season and post-holiday travel. This move aims to showcase the system's capabilities during peak family travel times.
Tesla quietly introduced the free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) trial for roughly 1.5 million Hardware 4 (HW4) owners in North America who had never purchased the package. The rollout was first spotted by Tesla enthusiast Sawyer Merritt after multiple owners shared screenshots indicating the trial expires on January 8, 2026. Merritt confirmed with affected users that none had active FSD subscriptions prior to the promotion.
The in-car message simply states, “You’re Getting FSD (Supervised) For the Holidays,” without specifying a 30-day limit. This extends the trial to about 40 days, encompassing Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the early post-holiday period. The timing aligns with peak family travel and gatherings, providing opportunities for owners to demonstrate features like hands-off highway driving and automatic lane changes to relatives.
FSD (Supervised) version 14.2.1 has received positive feedback from users. Tesla owner @LactoseLunatic described it as a “huge leap forward from version 14.1.4,” noting extreme smoothness, snappy lane changes, and assertive yet safe behavior that allows for relaxed monitoring. Another owner, @DevinOlsenn, reported driving 600 km without disengagements, adding that his wife now prefers FSD for daily use due to its refined feel. Sawyer Merritt tested the software in snow on unplowed New Hampshire roads, observing extra caution without hesitation. Longtime tester Chuck Cook praised improved sign recognition in school zones, indicating better dynamic awareness.
These reports suggest fewer interventions and a more reliable experience, potentially encouraging subscriptions after the trial. However, FSD requires constant driver supervision and is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding potential traffic safety law violations.