Just picked up a new Tesla and wondering how to put it in Drive, how to reverse, or how to use FSD?
You’re not alone.
At EVACA, we meet many new Tesla owners who love their new car but are surprised by how different it feels from a traditional vehicle. This is especially true for the Tesla Model 3 Highland and the new Model Y, where Tesla has removed many traditional controls.
This simple Tesla beginner’s guide covers the most important things you should know before getting comfortable behind the wheel.
1. How to Put a New Tesla Model 3 or Model Y in Drive
One of the first questions new owners ask is:
“Where is the gear shifter?”
On newer Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3 Highland and new Model Y, there is no traditional gear stalk beside the steering wheel.
Instead, you can select your driving direction from the touchscreen.
After pressing the brake pedal, look at the left side of the center touchscreen.
To select a gear:
- Swipe up for Drive (D) — the vehicle moves forward.
- Swipe down for Reverse (R) — the vehicle moves backward.
- Press P for Park when you want to park the vehicle.
It may feel unusual during your first few drives, but most owners get used to the touchscreen gear selector quickly.
What if the touchscreen isn’t working?
Tesla also provides a secondary gear selector as a backup.
Depending on the specific Tesla model and configuration, these controls are located near the overhead console or other designated backup controls.
It’s worth learning where your backup gear selector is before you actually need it.
2. How to Reverse a Tesla
To reverse:
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Swipe down on the touchscreen gear selector.
- Confirm that R is displayed.
- Check the rear and side camera views.
- Slowly release the brake and control the vehicle carefully.
One of the biggest advantages of reversing a Tesla is its camera system.
The center display can show multiple camera angles, making parking and reversing easier once you become familiar with the interface.
Important: Cameras are driving aids. Always check your surroundings directly and don’t rely entirely on the screen.
3. How to Use Tesla FSD
Another common question we hear from new owners is:
“My Tesla has FSD. How do I actually use it?”
Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised), commonly called FSD (Supervised), can assist with driving, navigation, lane changes, turns and other driving tasks when the feature is available and enabled.
Before using FSD, make sure the feature is available on your vehicle and properly enabled in your Tesla settings.
Before activating FSD
Enter your destination into Tesla Navigation first.
Then check your Autopilot/FSD settings and make sure the appropriate FSD option is enabled.
Once you’re on the road and conditions are appropriate, follow the vehicle’s on-screen instructions to engage FSD.
You’ll see the driving visualization change when the system is active.
4. FSD Does NOT Mean You Can Stop Paying Attention
This is probably the most important thing for every new Tesla owner to understand.
FSD is supervised driving.
Even when FSD is controlling the vehicle, the driver remains responsible for the vehicle and must be ready to take control.
Keep your attention on:
- Traffic
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Construction zones
- Intersections
- Emergency vehicles
- Unexpected road conditions
Never assume the car will handle every situation correctly.
If something doesn’t look right, take control immediately.
5. How Do You Take Over From FSD?
New Tesla drivers sometimes become nervous because they don’t know what to do when they want to regain control.
You can take control whenever necessary.
Steering input or braking can disengage automated driving functions depending on the situation and current Tesla software configuration.
The important thing is simple:
You are always the driver.
Don’t wait for FSD to make a mistake before deciding to intervene.
6. Tesla One-Pedal Driving Feels Different at First
Another surprise for first-time Tesla owners is regenerative braking.
When you lift your foot off the accelerator, a Tesla can slow down significantly without you immediately pressing the brake pedal.
This is known as regenerative braking and is a major part of the Tesla driving experience.
For a new owner, the car may initially feel like it’s braking every time you release the accelerator.
After a few days, most drivers naturally learn to control speed using the accelerator pedal and use the physical brake less frequently.
Give yourself some time to become familiar with the feeling.
7. Set Up Your Tesla Phone Key
Your smartphone can function as your Tesla key.
After setting up the Tesla app and pairing your phone with the vehicle, the car can detect your phone when you approach.
You can then enter and drive without taking a traditional key out of your pocket.
However, we recommend keeping your Tesla key card with you as a backup, especially when travelling.
8. Learn the Cameras Before You Start Relying on Them
New Tesla vehicles rely heavily on cameras.
Spend a few minutes learning where information appears on the center screen when:
- Reversing
- Changing lanes
- Parking
- Using FSD
- Driving in tight spaces
Knowing what you’re looking at before you need it makes driving much less stressful.
9. Essential Setup for a New Tesla Owner
Once you understand the basic controls, spend some time setting up your Tesla properly.
We recommend checking:
- Driver profile
- Seat and steering wheel position
- Mirrors
- Phone Key
- Navigation
- Autopilot / FSD settings
- Charging limit
- Climate controls
- Dashcam
- Sentry Mode
- Safety settings
You should also protect the areas of the vehicle that experience the most wear.
Many new Model 3 and Model Y owners start with accessories such as:
- All-weather TPE floor mats
- Trunk and frunk mats
- Screen protectors
- Door sill protection
- Mud flaps
- Interior protection
- Door seals and noise-reduction accessories
Choosing accessories specifically designed for your Tesla model and model year is important because fitment can differ significantly between generations.
10. Take Your Time With Your New Tesla
If your new Tesla feels confusing during the first few days, that’s completely normal.
Tesla has changed many controls that drivers have used for decades.
There may be no traditional ignition button, gear shifter or physical controls where you expect them.
After learning the basics — Drive, Reverse, Park, regenerative braking, cameras, Phone Key and FSD — the experience becomes much more intuitive.
At EVACA, we work with Tesla owners every day, and we’ve seen how many first-time owners have the exact same questions.
That’s why our goal isn’t simply to provide Tesla accessories. We also want to help new Tesla owners understand, protect and enjoy their vehicles from day one.
Whether you drive a Tesla Model 3 Highland, Model Y, or the latest Model Y, learning these basics is one of the best things you can do after delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you put a new Tesla Model 3 in Drive?
Press the brake pedal and use the gear selector on the left side of the center touchscreen. Swipe upward to select Drive (D).
How do you reverse a new Tesla?
Press the brake pedal and swipe downward on the touchscreen gear selector to select Reverse (R).
Where is the gear shifter on the new Tesla Model 3?
Newer Model 3vehicles no longer use the traditional steering-column gear stalk. The primary gear selector is integrated into the touchscreen.
Can Tesla FSD drive by itself?
Tesla’s current system is FSD (Supervised). The driver must remain attentive and be prepared to take control at any time.
Is a Tesla difficult to drive for beginners?
The driving itself is relatively straightforward, but the touchscreen controls, regenerative braking, Phone Key and driver-assistance features can take some time to learn.