One of the questions we get most often is: “How does Sentry Driver get data from my Tesla?” In this post, we’ll explain the technology behind the app.

The Tesla Fleet API

Tesla provides an official API called the Fleet API that allows authorized third-party apps to access vehicle data. This is the same underlying technology that powers Tesla’s own mobile app.

Key benefits of using the Fleet API:

• Official and supported - This is Tesla’s intended method for third-party integrations
• Secure - Uses OAuth authentication; we never see your Tesla password
• Reliable - Data comes directly from Tesla’s servers
• Efficient - Designed to minimize battery impact on your vehicle

What Data We Access

Through the Fleet API, Sentry Driver accesses:

• Vehicle location during active trips
• Speed data while driving
• Trip timestamps (when trips start and end)
• Driving events (hard braking, rapid acceleration)

What We Don’t Access

It’s equally important to understand what we don’t access:

• Camera footage - We have no access to your Tesla’s cameras
• Vehicle controls - We cannot honk, lock, or control your car in any way
• Your Tesla credentials - You authenticate directly with Tesla
• Climate or entertainment settings
• Data when the car is parked (no phantom drain concerns)

How Authentication Works

When you set up Sentry Driver:

1. You tap “Connect Tesla” in our app
2. You’re redirected to Tesla’s official login page
3. You sign in with your Tesla credentials (we never see these)
4. Tesla asks you to authorize Sentry Driver’s access
5. Tesla provides us with a secure token to access your vehicle data

This is the same OAuth flow used by banking apps and other secure services.

Parent Detection via Bluetooth

The Fleet API tells us about trips, but how do we know when you’re driving vs. your teen?

This is where Bluetooth comes in. During setup, you pair the Sentry Driver app with your phone. When you’re in the car, your phone’s Bluetooth is detected, and we know you’re driving - so monitoring is disabled.

When your phone isn’t detected (your teen has the car), monitoring is active.

Privacy and Security

We take data security seriously:

• All data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3)
• Data is stored on secure, encrypted servers
• We follow data minimization principles - we only collect what’s needed
• You can delete all your data at any time from the app

No Hardware Required

Because we use the Fleet API, there’s nothing to install in your Tesla. No OBD devices, no dongles, no subscriptions to Tesla Premium Connectivity (though that works too).

Your Tesla already has the cellular connectivity and sensors needed - we just access the data Tesla already collects.

Have more questions about how Sentry Driver works? Check out our FAQ or contact us.