Introduction: An Unexpected European Test
The adventure begins in the Belgian capital, where narrow streets and a tram network provide a unique testing ground for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving. The enthusiastic driver filmed two hours of travel compressed into 17 minutes, revealing both strengths and weaknesses of the system in a context very different from that of the United States.
1. Handling Reversible Vehicles
From the outset, Tesla demonstrated excellent detection capabilities: when a vehicle stops to reverse, the autonomous car recognized the situation and continued without abrupt braking. This smooth reaction shows that FSD can manage unexpected human driver behaviors.
Response to Rear‑Moving Vehicles
The algorithm analyzes the trajectory and adjusts its speed, avoiding any potential collision while maintaining a safe distance. This precision is crucial on European roads where space is often limited.
2. Managing Complex Intersections
A major test point was the intersection with construction and tram tracks, which left occupants perplexed about the nature of the roundabout and right‑of‑way. FSD had to navigate between multiple lanes, sometimes taking an additional path to find its exit.
- Analysis of road signs
- Adaptation to sudden lane changes
The Roundabout Dilemma
The confusion around right‑of‑way highlights the need for better integration of European geographic data into the system. Despite this, Tesla managed to cross the intersection without major incidents.
3. Interaction with Law Enforcement
When a police car approached from behind, the vehicle maneuvered to allow passage, but this action partially blocked a pedestrian crossing. This behavior illustrates the priority given to road safety while revealing room for improvement in autonomous decision making.
Priority for Pedestrians
The algorithm must balance vehicle safety with that of pedestrians, especially in densely populated urban areas. Tests show that FSD is still learning these complex scenarios.
4. In‑Airport Navigation
The trip to Charleroi Airport tested the system’s ability to follow precise routes in a dense urban environment. FSD successfully reached its destination without major detours, demonstrating good understanding of local maps.
“The drive was smooth, but some details still need fine‑tuning for European roads.” – Driver testimony
5. Inappropriate Lane Selection
A notable incident occurred when an intersection caused FSD to choose the wrong lane, continuing incorrectly throughout its journey. The passenger described this decision as illegitimate, underscoring that the system still needs to learn to respect strict European traffic rules.
Compliance with Road Standards
Supervised learning is essential to adapt FSD to different local legislations. Tesla is working on software updates to correct these errors.
Conclusion: A Promising Future, But Not Without Challenges
This Brussels experience shows that Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving works generally well, even in environments very different from where it was trained. Successes are plentiful, but occasional incidents remind us of the need for continuous adaptation to European specifics.
Want to learn more about FSD’s evolution and its international tests? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest tech analyses straight to your inbox.
