How does a test drive in 2024 work?
A test drive is part of buying a car. Once you have decided on a model that you want to test, you set a binding date with the seller. If possible, it should be located outside peak hours, i.e. preferably between ten and 3 p.m., and take place in daylight and good weather - for stress-free testing, without a large volume of traffic or rain. Before the start of the trip, also record formalities such as the duration or mileage for the test drive in a written agreement with the seller. Before you start, you should first check the roadworthiness of the car.
Check the roadworthiness of a car:
- Light: Is the light working properly?
- Tire: Is the tire tread depth at least 1.6 millimeters?
- HU examination: When was the last technical inspection?
You want to buy a used car? Then you should also take a look at the HU protocol before the test drive, which certifies the roadworthiness of the vehicle. Also make sure that any previous damage is recorded in writing. This way you can rule out the possibility that you will not be wrongly held responsible for them afterwards. In the case of a private sale, on the other hand, it is important to ask to be shown the vehicle documents and the seller's ID. This way you can check whether the seller is also the owner and is therefore entitled to sell the vehicle.
Procedure of a test drive
Have you completed the roadworthiness check and received the keys? Then the test drive can begin. Remember: You don't know the car yet and don't know how it accelerates or how the steering reacts, for example. Therefore, drive a little more carefully than usual and plan enough time for the test drive - this will ensure that you can get to know the car in peace and stress-free. Ideally, you will test drive in the city, on country roads and on the motorway. This is the best way to get to know the behavior of the car in different situations.
Take a passenger with you to take notes as you drive. Especially as a car layman, it is helpful to take a person with you who is familiar with cars. Also plan for fuel costs - because these are usually up to the test driver. After the test drive is completed, the test driver returns the vehicle to the owner.
What should I pay attention to during a test drive?
With a test drive, you will get a feel for your potential new vehicle. So pay particular attention to
- the driving behaviour,
- the overview while driving – do you have a good view of displays such as speedometers and the road? –and
- check what functions the car has.
If you pay attention during the test drive, you will quickly notice possible defects in the vehicle such as a defective alternator or the following signs of wear and tear, which you can also find in our tips for buying a used car.
Notes for wear:
- Doors or side panels rattle when closed
- Seats are difficult to adjust
- general condition does not correspond to the age of the vehicle
- unusual noises when driving or shifting gears
- Abnormalities such as jerking or creaking when steering, accelerating or braking
- Liquids leak before or after the ride
At the beginning of the test drive, start the engine "cold", i.e. without it having warmed up beforehand. The reason: You notice any starting problems more quickly.
Why is a test drive contract important?
Clear regulations in the test drive contract offer security – both for the seller and for you as the person taking the test drive. If, for example, damage occurs during the test drive due to an accident, the contract regulates who can be held liable. Disputes are thus avoided. You can read what exactly a contract for the test drive contains below.
What does the test drive contract include?
Name, address, telephone number, details of the car insurance company: A contract for the test drive contains information about the owner. It also contains information about the test driver. This includes name, address, identity card and driver's license number as well as the driving license classes. Important: Only the driver on the contract is allowed to test drive the vehicle.
The following information must also be stored in the test drive contract:
- Vehicle details: These include the manufacturer, the license plate, the vehicle type and previous damage such as scratches in the paint of used cars.
- Information on insurance coverage: The test drive contract specifies whether the vehicle is covered by liability and full or partial comprehensive insurance.
- Excess: You will also find information about the liability agreement in the event of an accident or other damage caused during the test drive.
- Duration of the trip and mileage: The start and end times of the test drive as well as the maximum number of kilometres that may be driven during the test drive are also regulated in the contract.
- Deposit or deposit: As security, the test driver deposits a deposit or a deposit with the seller for the duration of the trip. The test drive contract states how high this is.
- Insurance of the test driver: The test driver assures that the information on driving licence possession is correct. He also signs that he will only use the vehicle for the purpose of a test drive.
Accident during a test drive: How do I proceed and who is liable?
A stop sign overlooked, a deer crossing in the forest, a ball rolls onto the road - and an accident has already happened. In these moments, one thing is important above all: keeping a cool head. This also applies if an accident occurs during a test drive.
Accident during the test drive – the first steps:
- Step One: Set up a warning triangle to secure the accident site.
- Step Two: Provide first aid if necessary.
- Step Three: Call the ambulance if there are injured people.
- Step Four: Then inform the vehicle owner immediately and report the accident.
- Step five – optional: If the test drive agreement also stipulates that the police must be called in the event of an accident, this is the next step.
By the way, the police do not have to be called in all cases if an accident happens to you during the test drive - namely only if it is explicitly stated in the test drive agreement. If this is not the case, those involved in the accident are free to decide whether the police need to be called – but in principle, this can be advisable to avoid disputes.
If you're wondering, "Who is liable for the damage?" if an accident happens during a test drive, the answer is: the driver. As a rule, however, the insurance covers the damage. However, it is important to know how high the deductible is. In the case of dealers, fully comprehensive cover is often included in the test drive agreement – in the case of a private purchase, the test drive should at least be covered by liability insurance.
In the case of liability insurance, the liability of the test driver is limited to damage incurred by the seller if the accident downgrades the insurance class or reduces the value of the vehicle. If this is the case, the seller can demand compensation from the test driver. Stopped briefly at the gas station, left the keys and the car is gone? The driver is also liable in the event of theft. If the car is covered with partial comprehensive insurance during the test drive, this is different. In this case, only the previously determined deductible amount is due.
Test drive: How long and how many kilometres can I drive?
There is no general specification as to how long a test drive may last and how many kilometres may be covered. For these test drive criteria, the agreement with the vehicle owner applies. Important: The journey should not be too short. Take enough time to test the car in different situations – for example, in city traffic or on the highway. This will give you a feel for the handling of the car and allow you to assess whether it suits you. It should be at least 45 minutes. This will give you enough time to get a good impression of your potential new vehicle.