In a recent incident that has ignited debate over the role of advanced vehicle technologies in driver’s licensing, an Arizona teenager found her newly acquired driver’s license revoked due to confusion over her Tesla Model Y’s features.
The incident, shared on Reddit by user u/theduke432, unfolded when their daughter successfully passed her driving test using the family’s Tesla Model Y. However, the celebration was short-lived. Upon returning the next day to collect her physical license—due to computer issues at the DMV—the family was informed that the license would not be issued.
The reason? Examiners initially believed the teen had used Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature during the test. When informed that the vehicle wasn’t equipped with FSD, officials then cited concerns about the car’s regenerative braking system and auto-braking features.
According to the Reddit post, 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.”
This rationale led to discussions about potentially banning Teslas from driving exams altogether, citing “too many safety features” as the primary concern.
This incident highlights the growing pains as traditional driving regulations clash with rapidly advancing automotive technology. It’s not an isolated case; earlier this year, a Norwegian driving school raised concerns about Tesla’s unconventional design choices, specifically the lack of traditional stalks for turn signals and gear selection.
As electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems become more prevalent, incidents like these underscore the need for updated regulations and testing procedures that can accommodate these technological advancements while ensuring new drivers possess fundamental skills applicable to all vehicles.
The Arizona case raises important questions about how driving tests should evolve to balance traditional driving skills with the realities of modern vehicle technology. It also highlights the potential for misunderstanding and controversy as these advanced features become more common on our roads.
