Tesla hires drivers in India to test Autopilot before market entry
Tesla has initiated the hiring process for specialised drivers in New Delhi and Mumbai as part of its plans to bring its Autopilot technology to Indian roads. The American electric vehicle (EV) giant is recruiting candidates to join its vehicle data collection team in roles described as “prototype vehicle operators.”
These drivers will be tasked with operating engineering vehicles for long hours each day—typically between five to eight hours—while collecting audio and camera data. This effort aims to train and test Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities in real-world Indian driving conditions.
The responsibilities go beyond simply driving; they include managing data-recording equipment, analysing the quality of the collected data and offering insights to improve the process. Ideal candidates are expected to have a strong understanding of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS), as well as advanced driving skills and adaptability to fast-paced work environments.
Tesla’s Autopilot system enhances driver convenience and safety by assisting in tasks such as lane changes, turns, and navigation. Though marketed as highly autonomous, these features still require active driver supervision. Vehicles used in North America already rely solely on Tesla’s proprietary camera-based vision system, moving away from radar-based inputs.
This hiring push marks a significant step toward Tesla’s entry into the Indian market, indicating that the company is preparing its autonomous technologies to meet the unique demands of local traffic conditions.
