Test Drive Procedure

The test drive procedure refers to the established steps the dealership staff follow when a customer wants to test drive a vehicle. It typically begins with the salesperson making a copy of the customer’s driver’s license (both for legal reasons and as a security measure). Then they usually have the customer sign a test drive agreement or waiver, which might outline responsibilities and confirm they have a valid license and insurance. The salesperson often rides along to guide the route and answer questions, although during certain times like the COVID-19 pandemic, some dealers allowed solo test drives for safety – in such cases the procedure might include tracking (like a GPS or the customer's own car left behind). Before heading out, the salesperson will usually do a walk-around to point out features and inspect the vehicle with the customer (and to note any pre-existing damage so they know it came back the same). They might put a dealer plate on the car if it’s not already plated. The route is often predetermined: a mix of local roads and highway to showcase the car's capabilities, usually 10-15 minutes. Upon return, there's often a debrief to see if the customer liked the car and address any concerns that came up. If multiple people are present (like a couple), sometimes one will go at a time (dealers require every driver to have a license on file). Also, dealers avoid loading too many customers in due to seatbelt count (e.g., in a two-seat sports car, only one customer at a time). A good test drive procedure balances allowing the customer to experience the car thoroughly with managing risk and liability for the dealership. It’s a pivotal part of the sales process since many purchases hinge on how the customer feels during that drive.