A passenger in Tesla's driverless Cybercab claims to have discovered a hidden manual control system within the vehicle. X user Matthew Skrzypczak posted a video showing what appeared to be a virtual joystick and buttons for manual operation on the taxi's display.

Skrzypczak described the screen configuration as an "engineering validation configuration" and stated that while he could manipulate the virtual joystick, the control did not function when he attempted to use it. He also noted that a horn button and a brake activation button appeared to work.

He speculated that the vehicle might have been recently used at a Supercharger, noting that fender cameras were still displaying Supercharger information. Skrzypczak suggested this scenario might explain the unusual display configuration, as he noted Tesla employees using the Cybercab in such situations.

The discovery comes amid scrutiny from federal regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Tesla's self-certification of the Cybercab, focusing on whether the company adequately determined that certain safety standards were inapplicable due to the vehicle's design.

Just days after Tesla began commercial deployment of the Cybercab in Austin, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the company's self-certification that the vehicle complies with federal safety standards

The Cybercab is designed for full autonomy and lacks a traditional steering wheel, accelerator, or brake pedals. Tesla describes it as a vehicle built entirely for autonomous operation. The company has begun offering limited rides in Austin, Texas, with plans to expand to other cities.

Tesla's Cybercab has no steering wheel, accelerator or brake pedals, with Tesla describing it as a vehicle built for full autonomy

NHTSA's investigation aims to examine the technical data and processes Tesla used for self-certification, particularly concerning whether the company correctly applied existing safety regulations to a vehicle without conventional human controls. The agency is also developing new rules for autonomous vehicles, but current requirements remain in effect.

Tesla boss Elon Musk says a mass consumer roll-out for private buyers could be possible by 2027

Tesla has stated the Cybercab is designed for full autonomy. The company envisions large fleets of these vehicles operating without human drivers. Elon Musk has indicated a potential mass consumer rollout for private buyers by 2027. The NHTSA investigation does not conclude that the Cybercab has violated federal law but is assessing the basis of Tesla's certification.