Tesla's New Autonomous Adventure: Testing in Flanders

Tesla has been authorized to test its self-driving software in Flanders, Belgium. This follows preliminary approval in the Netherlands, marking an EU first. Successful tests may expedite a European type approval. The software, requiring driver attention, will be tested over 5,000 kilometers.

Tesla has received authorization to test its supervised self-driving software in the Flanders region of Belgium, marking a significant step in the European regulatory landscape. According to a spokesperson for regional minister Annick De Ridder, the U.S. company could begin trials on a single car subject to licensing and insurance approvals.

Last week, De Ridder indicated that Flanders is evaluating the feasibility of expedited approval following provisional authorization by the Dutch regulator. This makes the Netherlands the first country in the EU to allow the supervised self-driving technology to operate on its roads, though drivers must remain attentive.

The testing in Flanders will cover approximately 5,000 kilometers to assess compatibility with Belgian road infrastructure and traffic regulations. Positive outcomes from the tests could fast-track the process for a provisional European type approval, De Ridder noted in a social media post.