Spain Says '¡Olé!' to Tesla FSD: Full Self-Driving Gets Green Light for Nationwide Testing

TL;DR: Spain just gave Tesla a big "¡Sí!" for Full Self-Driving (FSD) testing nationwide. This ain't no small-town demo; Tesla can now test 19 vehicles on any Spanish road, with an optional in-car safety operator, meaning remote supervision is on the table. It's a huge regulatory win for FSD in Europe.

Meta: Spain just rolled out a comprehensive national framework for autonomous vehicle testing, giving Tesla the green light for expansive FSD trials with 19 vehicles across any national route until November 2027, including optional remote safety operators.

Alright, check it out! While some countries are still debating if these self-driving cars should even be allowed to park themselves, Spain just threw open the doors and said, "Come on in, Tesla!" They've introduced a whole new national framework for autonomous vehicle testing, giving Tesla the clearest path yet to put its Full Self-Driving (FSD) through its paces on public roads. This ain't some back alley test, baby; this is nationwide, no holds barred, for two whole years!

The Directorate General for Traffic (DGT) just dropped the updated details, confirming that under their new ES-AV program, Tesla holds authorization FVA-03/2025. What does that mean for you and me? It means 19 Tesla vehicles can operate anywhere in Spain, on any national route, until November 2027. And here’s the kicker: Spain has moved into Phase 3 – Pre-deployment. That means testing in any operational design domain, more than 10 vehicles running simultaneously, and get this: an on-board safety operator is optional. A remote security operator is required, allowing for fully driverless supervision. That’s right, they’re basically saying, "Go on, run free!" (with someone watching from afar, of course).

Europe’s New Autonomous Hub

Now, Tesla ain't the only one at this party. Wayve, the UK-based AI-driving startup, is also authorized for three test vehicles, and Renault's got its autonomous shuttles cruising around. But Tesla's approval is a big one, arguably one of the most expansive in Europe. And Spain's not shy about it; they're making all this data public on the DGT’s transparency dashboard. They're all about that "transparency of test results" to get these automated vehicles rolling out faster. That's a confident move, showcasing the tech to the world.

This Spanish approval is a big piece of the puzzle for Tesla's grand European FSD plan. They've been hustling across the continent, rolling out FSD programs, working with authorities, and getting everything aligned with upcoming European-wide rules. All of this is building up to their big goal: getting formal approval, potentially starting with the Netherlands as early as February 2026. This nationwide authorization in Spain, with its unrestricted routes and remote operation, is gonna feed a ton of data into that final submission. Plus, they’re even letting customers go for FSD ride-alongs in Italy, France, and Germany. They’re getting the people hyped, baby!

What’s Next

Expect Tesla to leverage this expansive Spanish testing to accelerate FSD development and regulatory pushes across the EU. The data collected from such diverse driving environments and the move to remote supervision will be crucial for securing broader European approvals. This could set a precedent for other autonomous driving companies seeking large-scale testing in the region. The February 2026 target for Netherlands approval will be a key indicator of FSD's readiness for wider deployment.

So, FSD in Spain, baby! Looks like European roads are about to get a whole lot smarter, and faster, too. Better buckle up, 'cause the future ain't waiting for nobody! "Don't you be late now!"