Tesla FSD 12.5.1 Update: Hands-Free Driving and Improved Performance

Tesla FSD 12.5.1: Hands-Free Driving Arrives

Tesla has released its latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) update, version 12.5.1, bringing some exciting new capabilities including hands-free driving. We took a Tesla Model 3 equipped with the new software out for a real-world test to see how it performs.

Key Updates in FSD 12.5.1

• Vision-based driver attention monitoring system enables hands-free driving
• 5x increase in operating parameters for more natural and nuanced driving behavior
• Improved smoothness and natural feeling
• Automatic speed setting based on road conditions

Hands-Free Driving Experience

One of the biggest changes with this update is the new vision-based driver attention monitoring system. Instead of requiring hands on the wheel, the system now uses interior cameras to ensure the driver is watching the road. A green dot appears next to the steering wheel visualization when the system detects the driver is paying attention.

In our testing, the hands-free capability worked well overall. The system quickly detected when the driver looked away and prompted them to pay attention. Looking back at the road immediately cleared the warning. This allows for a more relaxed driving experience while still ensuring driver attentiveness.

Improved Natural Driving Behavior

Tesla claims this update brings a 5x increase in operating parameters, allowing for more nuanced and natural driving behavior. In our real-world drive, we did notice smoother acceleration, braking, and turning compared to previous versions.

The car handled most situations very naturally, accelerating confidently when needed and smoothly slowing for turns. There were still a few instances of slightly jerky braking or hesitation, but overall the driving felt more human-like.

Automatic Speed Setting

A new feature with this update is the ability for FSD to automatically set an appropriate speed based on road conditions. We tested this out and found it generally chose reasonable speeds, typically a few miles per hour over the posted limit on main roads.

However, the speed selection wasn't always consistent. On the same road with the same speed limit, it sometimes chose different speeds at different times. More testing would be needed to fully evaluate this feature's effectiveness.

Real-World Performance

We put FSD 12.5.1 through its paces on a variety of roads including:

• Residential streets
• Main arterial roads
• Busy intersections
• Parking lots

Overall, the system handled most situations competently. Here are some key observations:

Intersections and Turns

FSD navigated most intersections smoothly, including unprotected left turns. It used turn signals appropriately and positioned the car correctly in turn lanes.

There was one instance where it got confused at a complex intersection, initially getting in a turn-only lane before correcting itself. This highlights that the system still isn't perfect and drivers need to stay alert.

Lane Changes and Positioning

Lane changes were generally smooth and well-timed. The car did a good job moving back into the right lane after passing on two-lane roads.

However, there were a couple instances where it stayed in the left lane longer than ideal. Future updates are supposed to improve lane change decisions.

Traffic and Pedestrians

The system did well detecting and responding to other vehicles and pedestrians. It maintained safe following distances and yielded appropriately to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Notably, it handled situations like pedestrians emerging from behind obstacles much more confidently than in previous versions.

Parking

We tested the autopark feature in a Costco parking lot. It successfully identified an open spot and smoothly backed into it. The parking process was noticeably faster than in previous versions, though still a bit slow compared to an experienced human driver.

Room for Improvement

While FSD 12.5.1 shows clear progress, there are still areas that need refinement:

• Occasional hesitation or jerky braking in some situations
• Inconsistent speed choices with the new automatic speed setting feature
• Some non-optimal lane change decisions
• Confusion at very complex intersections
• Parking speed still slower than human drivers

Upcoming Features

Tesla has announced several upcoming improvements to FSD:

• Earlier and more natural lane change decisions
• Vision-only driver monitoring that works with sunglasses
• End-to-end FSD on highways (currently uses older Autopilot stack)
• FSD capabilities for Cybertruck

These updates are expected to roll out in the coming weeks and months.

Hardware Considerations

It's worth noting that some of the latest FSD features, including hands-free driving, are currently only available on vehicles with Tesla's latest Hardware 4 computer. Owners of older Hardware 3 vehicles may not have access to all capabilities.

Tesla has stated they are working on bringing features to Hardware 3 cars, but it remains to be seen how long older hardware will be fully supported as FSD capabilities advance.

The Future of FSD

While Full Self-Driving still requires active driver supervision, this latest update shows significant progress towards Tesla's goal of true autonomous driving. The smoother, more natural driving behavior and hands-free capability make the system feel more refined and closer to human-level performance.

However, there are still clear limitations. The system can make mistakes, and drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times. It will likely be quite some time before FSD is truly ready for unsupervised operation.

Nonetheless, for Tesla owners who have purchased or subscribed to FSD, this update brings welcome improvements that make the system more capable and enjoyable to use on a daily basis.

Conclusion

Tesla's FSD 12.5.1 update marks another step forward in the company's pursuit of autonomous driving technology. The addition of hands-free driving and improved natural behavior make the system feel more advanced and closer to human-level performance in many situations.

While there are still limitations and areas for improvement, this update showcases Tesla's commitment to continually refining and enhancing their Full Self-Driving capabilities through over-the-air software updates.

For Tesla owners, FSD 12.5.1 brings tangible improvements to the driving experience. And with more updates on the horizon, the future of autonomous driving looks increasingly promising.

As always, it's crucial for drivers to remember that FSD is not yet fully autonomous. Active supervision is still required, and drivers must be ready to take control at any time. But with each update, we're getting closer to the dream of truly self-driving cars.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/cQZkZukD-DU?feature=shared