Tesla owners in the United Kingdom are eagerly awaiting the introduction of Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised. After the Dutch RDW granted the first European type approval in April 2026, a realistic market launch in the UK is finally within reach.
Here is the current timeline, the two main paths Tesla is taking, and which exact version of FSD Supervised to expect.
RDW Approval as Foundation
Tesla has received a provisional type approval from the Dutch RDW based on UN Regulation 171 (Driver Control Assistance Systems – DCAS). However, this approval only covers EU member states.
Two Main Paths for Approval
Path 1: Mutual Recognition (EU Type Approval)
This path allows Tesla to import the most powerful version of FSD Supervised – the same advanced software already being rolled out in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. However, this is initially limited to HW4 vehicles (newer models). HW3 cars (older Teslas in the UK) are not yet covered by the European approval.
Path 2: Optimized HW3 Software
Tesla is expected to release a stripped-down or optimized HW3 branch of FSD that is nearly as powerful as the HW4 version. This new HW3 software is slated to launch first in the US in June/July 2026 and later adapted for Europe and the UK.
RHD Data from Australia as Turbo
Another helpful factor: Australia (a right-hand drive market like the UK) began rolling out advanced FSD Supervised updates for HW4 vehicles in 2026. This data and software refinement will directly strengthen the UK VCA submission.
Expected Timeline
- EU Launch: First approvals (Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark) from April 2026
- HW3 Optimization: US rollout expected June/July 2026
- UK VCA Review: Expected 4–10 months after RDW approval
- UK Market Launch: End of 2026 to early 2027
Key Milestones for 2026
- April 2026: RDW type approval for HW4 (Netherlands)
- June 2026: Possible HW3 rollout in the US
- June 2026: World Forum (WP.29) session to adopt DCAS Phase 3 rules
- January 2027: New UN R171 rules come into effect