Tips for Test Driving a Car

Test Drive Tips

Prepare before the test drive

A good test drive starts before you even touch the steering wheel. A little preparation helps you stay confident and avoid distractions once you’re at the dealership.

Know the basics

Research the car you’re interested in, so you walk in with context. Look into common issues, typical pricing, safety ratings, and which car’s features come standard versus optional. This gives you a clearer sense of what to expect before you drive the car.

Bring what you need

Have your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a few prepared questions ready. If you want to check the cargo space, bring anything you regularly carry, such as a stroller, work bag, or gym gear, or items you keep in your glove box and cup holders.

Set your expectations

Think about how you’ll use the car each day. Consider whether you tend to drive long trips, how much storage matters to you, and whether comfort or performance is more important for your lifestyle. If you’re comparing hybrid options or larger vehicles like pickup trucks, note what matters most.

Inspect the car before you start driving

Before you turn the key, walk around the car slowly and pay attention to the details. You can learn a lot just by looking closely.

Exterior details

Look for dents, scratches, rust, uneven body gaps, and signs of tire wear. Make sure the lights work properly and note anything that seems out of place. If something looks off, it may reflect how the car was treated.

Step inside

Settle into the driver’s seat and adjust everything to fit you. Notice the seat comfort, the visibility from the front and back, whether there are large blind spots, how easy it is to reach the controls, and whether the cabin feels quiet or outdated. If the car feels uncomfortable before you even start driving, it may not be the right match.

Evaluate how the car drives

This is the heart of your test drive, so give yourself time and let the car show you what it can and can’t do.

Acceleration

Press the gas smoothly and pay attention to how the car responds. Notice whether it moves quickly or hesitates, especially if you often drive on highways or in busy city streets.

Braking

Find a safe spot to test the brakes. You want the car to slow down smoothly without shaking, pulling, or making unusual noises.

Steering

Take a few corners and try a tighter turn to understand how the steering feels. Ask yourself whether it feels too light, too heavy, or naturally comfortable for the way you drive.

Suspension and noise

Notice how the car handles bumps in the road. Listen for road noise as well, since this can affect comfort during longer drives.

Try different roads

If possible, drive on a mix of roads, such as a highway, a neighborhood street, and a slightly rougher surface. Each one tells you something different about how the car performs in everyday situations.

Test the technology and safety features

Cars today include a wide range of tech features, so take a moment to make sure everything works the way you expect.

Safety tools

Test features like the backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping alerts, and parking sensors. They should help you feel more supported on the road rather than distracted or overwhelmed.

Infotainment

Connect your phone to see how easily Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth pairs with the system. Try the navigation and sound settings, and pay attention to how quickly the screen responds and whether the menus feel intuitive.

Comfort settings

Check the basics, including the air conditioning, heating, seat warmers, and available charging ports. These small details can make a big difference over time, and noticing them early helps you avoid future frustrations.

Simulate your real life

You want the car to fit the way you actually live, and this is the part many people forget to check during a test drive.

Space and seating

Sit in the back seat even if you rarely ride there. If you have kids, friends, or family who will be passengers, you need to know whether the space feels comfortable and practical for them.

Cargo

Open the trunk and place anything you brought with you inside. Notice how easy it is to reach in, arrange your items, and pull them back out. This gives you a sense of how the car will handle your daily errands or weekend plans.

Daily routine

Think about the places you usually drive, whether that means tight parking lots, long commutes, or busy city traffic. Picture yourself navigating those situations in this car and ask whether it truly fits your lifestyle.

What to ask the salesperson

This part helps you understand the car beyond how it feels on the road.

Good questions to ask

• Has this model had any known issues?
• Have there been any recent repairs or reconditioning (for used cars)?
• What warranty options are available?
• Can I take an extended or overnight test drive?
• Are there other trims or similar cars I should compare?

Asking these keeps the conversation informative and helps you stay in control.

Red flags to watch for

If something feels off during your test drive, trust that feeling. Pay attention to any strange noises, rough shifting, delayed acceleration, or strong odors. Look for warning lights on the dashboard and notice whether the car pulls to one side while driving. You don’t need to diagnose the problem yourself; you only need to decide whether you’re comfortable moving forward with the car.

Compare multiple cars

Even if the first car feels perfect, it’s worth driving at least one more. Your perspective often changes when you have something else to compare it to.

Keep simple notes

Write down how each car felt in terms of comfort, driving experience, features, and price. Include anything that stood out, whether positive or negative. Looking back on these notes makes it easier to make a confident final choice.

Best Car Dealerships to Consider

Carvana

Carvana is an online-only dealership built around convenience. You can browse, finance, and arrange delivery from home, which makes the buying process quick and simple for shoppers who prefer avoiding in-person visits.

Features and services

• Fully online browsing and checkout
• 7-day return policy
• Home delivery and pickup
• 360-degree car imaging
• Financing through multiple lenders

Advantages

• Great for people who prefer online shopping
• Clear photos and detailed car descriptions
• Fast approval process
• No negotiation pressure

Limitations

• No traditional test drive before purchase
• Limited physical inspection before delivery
• Delivery is not available everywhere

Test drive experience at Carvana

• No pre-purchase test drives
• The 7-day return window works as an “at-home test drive”
• You can drive the car normally for a week
• If it doesn’t fit your needs, you can return it within the allowed time

CarMax

CarMax is known for straightforward pricing and a consistent in-store experience. They carry a large used-car inventory and make it easy to test drive before committing.

Features and services

• Online and in-person shopping
• Same-day test drives
• 30-day money-back guarantee (with mileage limits)
• Free limited warranties
• Optional extended protection plans

Advantages

• Transparent, no-haggle pricing
• Easy access to test drives
• Consistent customer experience across stores
• Many makes and models in one place

Limitations

• Prices may be higher than private sellers
• Inventory varies by location

Test drive experience at CarMax

• Walk in and test drive any available vehicle
• Staff brings the car out for you
• Reasonable driving time to get a good feel
• 30-day return policy adds extra reassurance

AutoNation

AutoNation operates franchise dealerships across the U.S., offering new, used, and certified vehicles from major brands. Their large network makes them a strong option if you want variety and on-site service.

Features and services

• Large nationwide dealership network
• New, used, and certified inventory
• Manufacturer-backed CPO programs
• On-site service and repair centers
• Financing through multiple lenders

Advantages

• Wide selection of brands and trims
• Ability to compare several cars in one visit
• Long-term service support at the same dealership
• Certified options with extra inspections

Limitations

• Experience differs slightly by location
• Pricing depends on store policies and market availability

Test drive experience at AutoNation

• Traditional on-lot test drives available
• Ability to test multiple cars in the same visit
• Staff encourges trying different trims and models
• Helpful if you’re comparing brands or narrowing down choices

Final Thoughts

A thoughtful test drive is the best way to understand whether a car truly fits your daily life. When you take your time, focus on how the car feels and pay attention to the features that matter, you gain the clarity you need to make a confident decision. Even if you skip the rest of the guide, remember this: look carefully, drive with intention, and trust how the car makes you feel behind the wheel.

Carvana, CarMax, and AutoNation each offer different ways to begin your search, whether you prefer an online process, a simple in-person visit, or the chance to try several cars at once. Knowing how they work simply helps you plan your test drive more effectively.

The choice ultimately comes down to what matters most to you as a car owner. If you want to explore how different dealerships compare, start with our car dealership reviews. For a clearer side-by-side look, use our comparison tool to evaluate companies based on your needs, budget, and preferred vehicle type. And for more guidance on navigating the used car market, browse our blog.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a test drive?

A test drive helps you see how a car fits your daily routine. You get a feel for comfort, handling, visibility, acceleration, braking, and how well the features match your needs. It’s the easiest way to decide whether the car actually works for your lifestyle.

What is the process of a test drive?

You arrive at the dealership, show your driver’s license and insurance, and the staff brings the car out for you. Before driving, you inspect the interior and exterior, adjust your seat and mirrors, and get familiar with the controls. Then you drive on a mix of roads, try key features, ask questions, and decide whether to move forward.

What do I need to take a car for a test drive?

You usually need a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Some dealerships may also ask for a second form of ID. If you want to check cargo space, bring items you use often, like a stroller or work bag.

When you test drive the car, what should you look for?

Pay attention to acceleration, braking, steering, suspension, cabin noise, seat comfort, visibility, tech performance, and how easy it is to use the controls. You should also check the space in the back seat and trunk, especially if you carry passengers or gear often.

What not to do on a test drive?

Don’t rush. Don’t let the salesperson set the pace for you. Avoid tuning out noises or ignoring anything that feels off. Don’t stay on one type of road, because it hides important details. And don’t focus only on features you like. You want a full picture of how the car handles real-life situations.

What’s the best time of day for a test drive?

Go during daylight, when you can see the car clearly, and test visibility from all angles. Weekdays are usually quieter, which gives you more time and less pressure. If you can, avoid weekends when dealerships are crowded.

Do I need an appointment to test drive a car?

Not always. Many dealerships accept walk-ins, but booking ahead saves time and makes sure the car you want is available when you arrive.

Can I take the car on the highway during a test drive?

Yes, and you should if possible. Highway driving helps you check acceleration, passing power, and overall stability at higher speeds.

How long should a test drive be?

Aim for at least 15 to 20 minutes, long enough to try different roads and driving situations. If you need more time, ask whether extended or overnight test drives are available.