If you are not sure if a particular car is right for you, the best way is to test drive it. However, you may be wondering if you are old enough to test drive a car? How old do you have to be to test drive?
The following article will answer and provide you with the necessary information about test driving a car.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Test Drive A Car?
Normally, the condition for you to test drive a car is that you must be over 18 years old and have a driver’s license. However, in each locality, each dealer has its requirements and regulations on test driving.
So it’s not too surprising when you come across some dealerships claiming the age-appropriate to test drive their vehicles is 21 years or older. Conversely, you may also encounter a dealer that will allow you to test drive their car when you are 18 or even 16 if a parent or guardian accompanies you.
Besides age, when registering for a test drive, a license/driver’s license is also something you need to pay attention to when taking a test drive. Many dealers require that to drive their car, and you must have a driver’s license.
In particular, Tesla also announced that you could drive your car without an age limit if you have a valid driver’s license.
In addition, some small dealers supply used cars that require only a license to test drive the vehicle. In these cases, the dealer will need your parents or relatives to have a driver’s license and must sit next to you to supervise you while driving.
Are you wondering why there are such different regulations and requirements? These regulations are related to insurance, liability, and local policies.
Driving is something you need to be careful about. If something goes wrong, it not only damages the vehicle but can also affect people’s lives, so dealers must follow the policies and regulations of the law and insurance company.
Is It Really Necessary To Test Drive A Car?
The car will accompany you for a long time, so choosing the right vehicle is very important.
With new cars, you need to try them out to see how it feels. Is the car too low or too high? Too small or too big? Is the driving engine right for you?… Take a test drive so you can make the best decision for yourself.
With used cars, the test drive is even more critical. If you don’t test drive it, you won’t know if it’s still in good condition, is it noisy, is it running correctly, is the indicator light damaged, is the rim distorted…? Without a test drive, you will not be able to know right and lead to buying a useless used car.
On the other hand, now that technology is advanced, businesses have produced cars of more uniform quality. It will be tough to find a faulty new vehicle.
So nowadays, people no longer tend to go to the dealership to test drive a new car. Instead, they will test drive an acquaintance’s car and decide whether to buy it or not.
How Long Does A Test Drive Usually Take?
According to the sharing of people who have bought a car, they all think that you will quickly realize whether the car is right for you or not. Just drive it around the parking lot, and you’ll get your answer.
A test drive usually lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. You can move it to the main road, accelerate and feel it to make the best decision.
Also, salespeople are likely to see if you’re serious about test driving and buying a car. If they realize that you are not severe, the test drive may end soon, and conversely, they will be more dedicated and enthusiastic if they know you are serious.
What Do You Need To Prepare Before Test Driving A Car?
Do not feel too worried about this question because test driving is not too difficult for most car dealers. All you need is a driver’s license and the appropriate age for the dealer.
Some test drive locations may want to make sure you have current insurance on your vehicle. This contract will apply if you cause damage or problems while driving.
In addition, before going to the test drive location, you should call the dealer in advance to check the documents and schedule of the test drive to avoid errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test drive the car alone?
The answer again depends on the dealer you choose for a test drive.
Many dealers will require their staff to accompany and assist you when you test drive the car. On the contrary, some dealers only ask staff to support and provide the necessary information, then let you test it yourself.
If you are a person who is easily distracted, and prefers quiet to feel the car, you should consider dealers in this second group.
Can I test drive a car without buying it?
Going through a test drive of a car without buying is entirely normal. The purpose of the test drive is for you to feel if it is right for you. And if it doesn’t fit, not buying is a decision everyone will understand.
There is a lot of debate on this issue from the perspective of customers and businesses. Employees and dealers may not be happy if you don’t buy after a test drive. However, they will not blame you; they may not be satisfied but will not be angry with you.
To reduce the embarrassment of not buying, you should thank them for their time.
Conclusion
Thus, we have given you the answer to the question: “How old do you have to be to test drive a car” and provide you with information related to this issue. We hope you find the car that’s right for you.
