As of this publication, I am using Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software version 12.6.4.
Official Tesla video showing once-in-a-lifetime training scenarios. Learn more at tesla.com/fsd
If this is your first time riding in a Tesla—or your first time experiencing Full Self-Driving—you’re not alone. Most passengers have never seen a car drive itself in real-world conditions. At first, there’s usually curiosity, a little nervous laughter, and a lot of questions. That usually turns into surprise pretty quickly.
If you’d prefer, I’m happy to turn off Full Self-Driving and drive manually—your comfort and ride experience are my top priority.
What tends to stand out the most is how natural the ride feels. The car sees everything around us: vehicles, pedestrians, traffic lights, lane markings, parking lots, and even tight apartment complexes. Under normal conditions, it drives smoothly, without sudden or jerky movements. In special or unusual situations—based on traffic or road conditions—you may feel a brief hesitation or correction. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s remarkably calm and controlled, especially compared to the aggressive and distracted driving that’s become common on the roads.
It’s important to be clear about one thing: this is supervised driving. I’m fully alert, watching everything, and I can take over instantly if needed. And I do, especially when passenger comfort comes first. The human is still very much part of the equation.
Something many passengers don’t realize is that the system isn’t just watching the road—it’s also watching me. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving continuously monitors the driver to make sure I’m paying attention. If it detects distraction, it issues a strike. After five strikes, FSD is disabled for a full week. It doesn’t take chances. Between the car watching the environment and watching the driver, there are multiple layers of safety built in.
There are two main reasons why I decided to start using Full Self-Driving in the first place.
The first is safety. Even as a professional, veteran, full-time driver since 2017 with more than 28,000 rides combined between Uber and Lyft, I only have one pair of eyes—sometimes it feels like I have an extra pair on the back of my head, but that’s just experience talking. Blind spots still exist, and distracted drivers do unpredictable things that are nearly impossible to prevent every single time. Having a system that constantly watches everything, in every direction, adds an extra layer of awareness that no human can maintain nonstop for hours at a time.
The second reason is responsibility. I recently learned the hard way that car rental companies include clauses in their terms of service stating that whether a driver is at fault or not, the driver can still be responsible for damage-related costs, loss of use, diminution of value, and administrative or legal fees if insurance doesn’t cover them. That means avoiding accidents isn’t just about safety—it’s about accountability. Using technology that helps reduce risk matters.
I chose to invest $104.94/month (including taxes) in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving because when you drive 10–14 hours a day, safety is worth the cost.
For me, driving hundreds of miles a day in Atlanta traffic, Full Self-Driving reduces fatigue, stress, and those constant “close call” moments caused by other drivers’ mistakes. Atlanta traffic is fast, distracted, and unpredictable. Anything that adds awareness and consistency makes a difference.
My goal is simple: provide you with a safer, smoother, and more comfortable ride, while staying fully engaged and responsible as your driver. If this ride felt calm, professional, and safe, that’s not by accident—it’s by design.
And if that experience earns a five-star rating and a tip, it’s genuinely appreciated. It helps support drivers who invest in safety, technology, and professionalism to give you a better ride.
If you enjoyed the ride and would like to ride with me again on Uber or Lyft, click here to learn how.
Thank you for riding with me—it’s my pleasure to be of service.
Eduardo Silva