Rivian’s self-driving ambitions are inching closer to reality, and the startup is asking owners to help test the latest features before rolling them out to a wider audience.

The California EV maker has launched the Autonomy Early Access Program, an invitation-only project that will put select drivers at the top of the list when it comes to next-generation assistance systems, starting with point-to-point hands-free driving in late 2026.

Rivian's latest EVs offer Universal Hands-Free driving capabilities, but the cars can't automatically navigate from point A to point B.

To gain access, there’s a solid list of requirements, and Rivian is not paying anyone to participate. In fact, one of the criteria to get invited is to have an active Autonomy+ subscription, which costs $49.99 per month or $2,500 for lifetime access.

All new R1S and R1T deliveries include a 60-day trial, but trials are not eligible for the new early access program. The same goes for the first-generation R1T and R1S, also known as Gen 1, simply because they don’t come with the necessary hardware for Rivian’s latest vision-based system. The latest hardware suite includes 10 high-definition cameras and five radars, which enables the vehicles to perceive objects and vehicles up to 1,000 feet away.

To get started, all owners with an active Autonomy+ subscription can apply to join the Autonomy Early Access Program in their Rivian account. The project is currently onboarding owners in California and Florida, with more areas to follow. However, once an owner is accepted, they can use the pre-release features on any supported road in the United States, not just in their state.

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