Tesla Self-Driving 14.3 First Drive!

TL;DR

FSD 14.3 feels noticeably smoother and more human-like, with major parking improvements over 14.2.

Key Points

• 1.FSD 14.3's biggest headline feature is reasoning-enhanced parking. Unlike 14.2 which circled lots, ignored signs, and rarely took the first available spot, 14.3 immediately identified and parked in the first open charging spot in a garage on the first attempt.
• 2.Overall driving feel is measurably smoother and more human-like. Acceleration gradients, lane changes, and stops no longer feel robotic or jerky — the reviewer twice forgot he was on FSD during stop-and-go traffic.
• 3.Mad Max mode on the Cybertruck is now properly tuned. A previous issue where Mad Max caused uncomfortably aggressive takeoffs on the Cybertruck specifically has been fixed, making it feel on par with the Model 3/Y tuning.
• 4.Parking success rate has been the reviewer's biggest pain point, with 50% takeover rate on 14.2. FSD 14.3 went 2-for-2 on parking in the first drive — once in a garage and once in a busy taco shop lot — though it parked in a 7-Eleven-only spot rather than the more appropriate space.
• 5.No regressions were observed compared to 14.2. Early 14.x versions had wild braking, stopping for leaves, and jerky behavior — none of that appeared, and all existing 14.2 competencies like pedestrian handling and yellow lights were maintained.
• 6.Wide release to 14.2 customers could come within weeks. The reviewer believes 14.3 is close to release-ready, with the full extent of improvements likely only becoming clear after more miles driven over days rather than a single first drive.