Video: Man using Apple’s virtual reality headset while driving Cybertruck

A driver in the US has gone viral online after being filmed driving a Tesla Cybertruck while wearing Apple's new virtual reality headset – which can significantly block the user's view of the road and their peripheral vision.

In the footage, uploaded to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the motorist can be seen with both hands off the steering wheel, using the Apple Vision Pro – the US tech giant's latest virtual reality product – while taking advantage of the Cybertruck’s semi-autonomous capabilities.

Just released, the Apple Vision Pro is a wearable computer which can overlay applications onto an image of the real world, following the wearer's eyes as a cursor and using their hands to select options or change screens – in a similar way to if your phone or tablet computer had a see-through screen, but far more advanced.

At present, Tesla models available with its so-called 'Full Self-Driving' (FSD) system still require the driver to be alert and aware, and ready to take over if the semi-autonomous system detects danger or disengages.

The original video has garnered more than 24 million views and prompted a range of responses – including a warning from a senior US Government official.

US Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, reposted the video on his X page, stating: “Reminder – ALL advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times.”

Most online users have called the government to intervene with one X user stating: “It’s time for a full investigation into Tesla’s FSD and either certify it or remove it from the market,”

While another questioned: “How will the government deal with those who put others at risk with behaviour like this in the video?”

In 2017, Ford announced it was investigating the possibility of using virtual reality headsets to allow customers to 'test drive' their vehicles from the comfort of their own home.