Rivian Opens Early Access to Point-to-Point Hands-Free Driving

Rivian is inviting select owners to test its upcoming driver-assistance technology through a new Autonomy Early Access Program, starting with point-to-point hands-free driving expected to debut on a limited basis in late 2026.

The invitation-only program requires an active Autonomy+ subscription, regular use of preview features and participation in feedback activities before the technology reaches a wider group of customers.

Rivian Sets Requirements for Early Access Participants

Owners with an active Autonomy+ subscription can apply through their Rivian accounts. The service costs $49.99 per month or $2,500 for lifetime access. The 60-day Autonomy+ trial included with new R1S and R1T deliveries does not qualify, nor do first-generation R1 vehicles, which lack the hardware required for Rivian’s latest vision-based system.

Rivian’s newer hardware uses 10 high-definition cameras and five radars that can spot objects and vehicles as far as 1,000 feet out, according to InsideEVs.

Rivian is initially onboarding applicants in California and Florida, with additional areas expected later. Once accepted, participants can use the preview features on supported roads anywhere in the United States.

The company plans to review applications based on factors including Autonomy feature usage, recent safety records, vehicle model and geographic region. Invitations were scheduled to begin going out on October 15, 2026.

Participation comes with ongoing responsibilities. Drivers must use preview features regularly, report problems, enable data collection including location and camera sharing, and complete mandatory monthly surveys. Participants must also take part in one-on-one interviews or focus groups. Memberships are reviewed every 30 days and can be revoked.

Point-to-Point Driving Leads Rivian’s Upcoming Features

The program’s headline feature is point-to-point hands-free driving, which is expected to arrive first for a limited group in late 2026 before a wider rollout to second-generation R1 vehicles and the R2.

Rivian’s published plans also identify Auto Parking and On-Ramp to Off-Ramp as upcoming Autonomy+ features for this year. The latter is designed to follow a planned route along the highway.

More details on Rivian’s automated-driving plans are expected at its December 9 Autonomy & AI Day.

The systems are hands-off but not eyes-off, so drivers must still supervise. The upcoming features do not make the vehicles fully autonomous or allow drivers to stop paying attention while driving.

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