FYI: A Tesla Model Y owner in Arizona encountered an unusual setback after successfully passing her driving test, resulting in a temporary revocation of her newly earned license.
Tesla Driver’s License Revoked Over Full Self-Driving Misunderstanding
A Tesla owner in Arizona recently faced an unexpected hurdle when her daughter, who had just passed her driving test using the family’s Tesla Model Y, had her license temporarily revoked. The confusion arose due to suspicions that the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system was in use during the test.
The Incident Detailed
According to a post on the Tesla Model Y subreddit by user u/theduke432, the daughter faced a surprising situation. Due to an issue with the DMV’s computers, they were advised to return the next day to collect the physical copy of her license. What should have been a straightforward process turned out to be a disappointment.
The next day, when they returned to complete the process, transportation department employees pulled them aside and revoked the license. The reason given was the suspicion that the FSD system was engaged during the test, a claim disputed by the family.
The Explanation and Reaction
The mother tried to clarify the misunderstanding, explaining that their Tesla Model Y didn’t even have the FSD feature. Despite this, officials insisted that the daughter’s minimal use of the brake pedal led them to believe the car was auto-braking. The mother explained the concept of regenerative braking to them, yet they remained unconvinced.
Officials stated, "If we don’t know she can brake with the brake pedal, then how do we know she can drive a non-Tesla."
Broader Implications
The incident sparked conversations about potentially banning Teslas from driving tests due to their advanced safety features. This case isn’t unique; earlier in the year, it was reported that Norwegian driving schools raised concerns about Tesla’s turn signals, claiming they posed challenges to new drivers.
The Today’s Context
Despite the setback, the young driver eventually received her license. However, this incident emphasizes a broader issue: the general public and relevant authorities still struggle to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of modern automotive technology like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving.
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Written by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
