Tesla is currently running a promotion that gives new buyers three months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) at no cost — a perk worth roughly $297 at today's subscription rate. If you're in the market for a Model 3, Model Y, or Cybertruck, here's what you need to know before you order.
Which vehicles qualify for the free FSD trial?
The three-month FSD (Supervised) offer applies to new orders of the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck when using a referral link at checkout. Model S and Model X are not eligible for this specific referral benefit in North America, though those buyers have access to a separate cash discount through the referral program.
How much is the free trial actually worth?
Tesla's FSD subscription currently runs $99 per month. Three months comes out to $297 in subscription value. That said, Tesla's referral program also gives you the option of a cash discount instead — $500 off a Model 3, Model Y, or Cybertruck. Mathematically, the cash discount has higher immediate monetary value, so the FSD trial is the better pick only if you genuinely plan to use the feature and want to evaluate it before committing to a subscription.
Do I need a referral link, or is this available to everyone?
According to verified reports, the three-month trial is tied to the referral program — you'll need to use a qualifying referral link when placing your order. Without one, new buyers would typically receive Tesla's standard 30-day FSD trial. The three-month referral trial replaces that standard trial and cannot be stacked on top of it.
Can I still buy FSD outright instead of subscribing?
No. As of February 14, 2026, Tesla stopped offering Full Self-Driving as a one-time purchase for new buyers. FSD is now subscription-only at $99/month. The outright purchase price for those who locked it in before the cutoff rose to $12,000 as of May 25, 2026. Additionally, the FSD Transfer Program — which allowed owners to move a purchased FSD license to a new vehicle — ended on March 31, 2026. If you're buying new today, the subscription model is your only path.
What version of FSD will I get during the trial?
New subscribers will receive FSD (Supervised), which is the current production-available version. For context, FSD version 14.3 entered employee beta testing on April 1, 2026, with version 14.3.3 actively being tested through May 2026. Whatever is in public release at the time of your delivery is what you'll have access to. For the latest on FSD rollouts, see our FSD coverage.
Should I take the free FSD or the cash discount?
It depends on how curious you are about the technology. The $500 cash discount has a higher face value than the $297 FSD trial. But if you've been on the fence about FSD and want a low-stakes way to test it across three months of real-world driving — commutes, road trips, city streets — the trial gives you meaningful time to evaluate it without any subscription commitment. Three months is long enough to form a genuine opinion, which is clearly Tesla's intent with the offer.
Marcus covers Tesla's software releases, FSD rollouts, and OTA changes. Background in automotive engineering. Based in Austin.
Sources verified at publish time. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email editorial@basenor.com.
