Tesla has just turned the traditional test drive inside out. Instead of asking buyers to come to a showroom, you can now ask Tesla to send a vehicle, complete with a trained Tesla advisor, directly to your doorstep.
Tesla is offering 45-minute sessions with a Model Y Long Range AWD, and it packs every key feature from FSD, Dog Mode, Arcade, Grok, and more into a small try-it-yourself experience. At this time, no other vehicles are being offered, but that may change from area to area as the program continues to expand.
How It Works
Getting into a Tesla Ride is super easy. There are a couple of ways to sign up. You can visit Tesla’s Events Page, which will show the option for “Try Full Self-Driving (Supervised) With a Tesla Ride” for your local area. You can then click through to your closest showroom and book a ride.
You can also contact your local showroom by phone or go through the Discover section in your Tesla app.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license and insurance, and a start and stop location within 30 minutes of each other. You are not required to have the same start and stop location, but you can.
The Experience
Upon arrival, the Tesla advisor jumps over to the passenger seat, and you take over as the driver. They’ll explain the basics of the vehicle, walk you through setting up your profile, and show you around the user interface. Plus, it doesn’t have to be solo - you can have family or friends in the back seat to get the full experience - just like you would at a showroom.
Since Tesla is bringing Model Ys to this demo, you’ll also have a chance to test out the latest build of FSD - V14.1, which is a massive plus.
After all, butts in seats sell cars, and butts in seats with FSD? Well, that sells the cars and software.
Who Qualifies & Where
The Tesla Ride program is new, and, as with all new Tesla programs, it means limited initial availability in the United States. You’ll need to meet Tesla’s standard Demo Drive terms, which means you must be 21+ years of age, hold a valid driver’s license and insurance, and live relatively nearby to a Tesla showroom or service center.
Right to Your Driveway
This door-to-door experience helps get people into Teslas who might otherwise be reluctant to drive into a showroom. It gives them a chance to experience FSD alongside a Tesla Advisor.
Tesla’s current demo drive system is fairly hands-off, and advisors simply hand over a key card and let you go on your way unless you ask for help. For those who’ve never experienced a system like FSD or an all-touch interface like a Tesla, that could be a challenge. This experience makes it frictionless to try out a new Tesla with the help of a Tesla advisor.
45 minutes of your time is all that is required—and there’s no driving from home to the showroom and back.
