Buying a car is a big purchase so it’s important you choose the right car for you. A key way to figure out if you like a car – or if you really don’t – is to take it for a test drive.
Driving the specific car you’re looking to purchase helps to identify any potential issues with the vehicle and creates an opportunity to ask questions if you’re unsure of anything. However, dealers have seen that fewer and fewer people are choosing to test drive a car before buying.
Remember, a test drive isn’t a commitment to buy. There are hundreds of thousands of cars for sale in the UK, so if this one isn’t right for you, there will be others. A test drive is as much about deciding that you don’t like a car as deciding that you do, so don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not completely satisfied.
And if you’re buying privately, the seller should be willing to let you test drive the car – provided that you have appropriate insurance. If they refuse without good reason, we’d suggest being very cautious about proceeding.
So, how do you get the most out of a test drive?
Before you start your test drive
A test drive starts before you’ve even left the car park. If you’re looking at a used car, walk around it and check for obvious damage. Take a look at the wheels and tyres, check that the exterior lights work and look for anything that doesn’t seem quite right.
Ideally, you should also ask to start a used car from cold. Some mechanical problems are easier to identify during a cold start, so if the engine is already warm when you arrive, you’re losing an opportunity to assess it.
But you’re not only looking for faults. Open the boot and think about whether the space is practical for your needs. Climb into the rear seats and see how easy they are to access. If you regularly carry children, adults or bulky luggage, make sure the car actually works for them.
If there’s something you definitely need to carry, bring it along. Child seats, pushchairs, golf clubs and mobility equipment can all take up more space than you might expect.
Make sure you’re testing the right version of a new car
If you’re buying a brand-new car, the dealership may not have a demonstrator that exactly matches the version you’re planning to order. That doesn’t necessarily make the test drive useless, but you need to know how it would differ from the model you are interested in.
A different engine or electric motor can substantially change performance, while a different gearbox may completely alter the driving experience.
Wheel size is also worth checking. Larger optional alloy wheels can affect ride comfort and road noise, while sportier trim levels may have different suspension or seats.
A high-specification demonstrator might also include technology, cameras, upgraded seats or other equipment that isn’t fitted to the version you’re considering.
Ask the salesperson to explain exactly how the demonstrator differs from the car you’re planning to order.
Make sure the car is a good fit for you
Once inside, take some time to set the car up properly. Adjust the driver’s seat and steering wheel, then set the mirrors. Make sure you can comfortably reach the pedals and controls and that you have a clear view of the instruments.
Check visibility in every direction. Look over your shoulders as well as using the mirrors, and pay attention to thick windscreen pillars or small rear windows that might make junctions or parking more difficult.
Some cars simply suit different body shapes better than others. If you can’t find a comfortable driving position during a test drive, best not assume you’ll eventually get used to it.
And don’t forget the passenger seats. If the car is going to be used regularly by your family, it makes sense to bring them along where practical.
Get familiar with the controls before moving off
Modern cars can have significantly different approaches to basic controls, particularly as more functions have moved onto touchscreens.
Spend a few minutes familiarising yourself with the dashboard before setting off.
Try adjusting the temperature, changing the radio station and entering a destination into the sat-nav. Connect your phone and try Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if they’re features you’ll regularly use.
You should also find out how the car’s driver-assistance systems work. Can you easily adjust the cruise control? How intrusive is the lane-keeping assistance? What happens when the intelligent speed assistance system detects a new speed limit? And, if you don’t like a particular warning, how easy is it to adjust or switch off?
A feature that’s mildly irritating during a half-hour test drive could become considerably more annoying after several years of ownership.
Plan a useful test-drive route
Test drives often last around half an hour, although this varies considerably between dealerships. If you don’t think that’s enough time, ask for longer. Some dealers may also offer extended or overnight test drives.
Try to drive the car on the sorts of roads you normally use. If you spend most of your week commuting on a motorway, make sure you get the car up to motorway speeds. If most of your driving is around town, spend some time in stop-start traffic.
Where possible, include hills, bends, rough surfaces and speed bumps. These can tell you far more about how comfortable you’ll find the car than a short loop around the dealership.
If you’re testing the car near your home, it may even be worth stopping by your house to check whether it comfortably fits on your driveway or in your garage.
You’d be surprised how often buyers discover that their shiny new car doesn’t quite fit where they planned to park it.
What should you look for while driving?
Most importantly, you’re trying to establish how you feel about the car. Try to work out whether you’d be happy driving it every day.
Pay attention to the ride. Does the car deal comfortably with potholes and broken road surfaces, or does every bump make itself known inside the cabin?
Listen to the amount of road and wind noise at higher speeds. A car that seems wonderfully quiet around town may be considerably less relaxing at 70mph.
Make sure the performance is adequate for your needs as well. Find a safe opportunity to accelerate up to the speed of faster traffic and see whether the car responds as you’d expect.
Taking a friend or family member with you can be helpful for a second opinion, but ultimately it’s you that will end up driving the car everyday so you need to be happy with it. Compare it to similar cars you’ve driven before and see if you’re comfortable driving it.
Check the steering, brakes and gearbox
Find a safe opportunity to apply the brakes progressively and firmly. The car should stop smoothly and predictably.
The steering should feel consistent and the car should generally track as you’d expect. Bear in mind that road camber and conditions can cause a vehicle to drift slightly, so a car moving gently to one side doesn’t automatically mean there’s a mechanical problem.
If you’re testing a manual car, pay attention to the clutch and gear change. Does the clutch engage smoothly? Is it easy to select gears? With an automatic, check that the gearbox changes smoothly during both gentle and stronger acceleration.
For a used car in particular, unexpected vibration, noises or inconsistent behaviour should be investigated rather than ignored.
Test driving an electric car
The same checklist applies when test driving an electric car. The main thing to keep in mind is the condition of the battery in used electric vehicles. On a test drive, put all the electrical components on, like heating, lights and the radio to see how this affects the estimated range.
At the start, take note of the mileage or reset the trip to track how many miles you travel and look at the estimated range. At the end compare the number of miles travelled with the how much the estimated range dropped by.
If there’s a significant difference between the two, this could be a sign of a battery that doesn’t hold its charge as well anymore. A difference of a few miles is okay, as range can be influenced by driving styles and the sort of roads you’re driving on.
Listen for problems on a used car
If you’re driving the exact used car you’re considering buying, you’re assessing two separate things at the same time: whether you like that model and whether this particular example is in good condition.
Turn the radio off for at least part of the journey and listen for unusual knocking, whining, squeaking or rattling noises. Keep your other senses alert too. Unusual smells, excessive smoke, vibrations or warning lights could indicate problems that warrant further investigation.
If the car has a manual gearbox, pay attention to where the clutch bites and whether it slips under acceleration. Check that the brakes operate smoothly and that there are no obvious vibrations through the steering wheel or pedal.
A test drive isn’t a substitute for a professional mechanical inspection, however. A short drive won’t necessarily reveal intermittent electrical problems, previous accident repairs or mechanical components that are approaching the end of their life.
If you’re unsure about a used car, have it independently inspected before committing to buy.
Parking is part of the test drive
Find somewhere suitable and try reversing into a parking space. This will give you a much better idea of the car’s visibility, turning circle and size.
Try the parking sensors and reversing camera if they’re fitted. If the car has a 360-degree camera or automated parking system, now is the time to find out whether you actually find it useful. This is particularly worthwhile if you’re moving into a much larger car than you’re used to.
What to do after a test drive
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision as soon as you return the keys. If you thought of questions while driving, ask the dealer or owner for clarification. Make some notes about what you liked and disliked, and take pictures of anything you want to remember.
If you’re buying a used car and noticed an unusual noise, warning light or other potential problem, get it investigated before agreeing to buy. We would avoid simply accepting assurances that it’ll be sorted out later.
If you’re still unsure about the model, test drive an alternative. You can also ask to drive the same car again, perhaps bringing a partner or family member with you the second time.
Above all, take your time. A car that doesn’t feel quite right during a half-hour test drive is unlikely to become more suitable simply because a salesperson is offering you a good deal.
Read more:
- The ten golden rules of buying a car
- Spares or repairs – and other dodgy trader tricks
- What’s important in a car’s service history?
This article was originally published in April 2023, before being updated in August 2026. Additional reporting by Trinity Francis.
