If you don’t have cover already in place, you’ll need to take out suitable insurance to test drive a vehicle. If you are covered, it’s likely it will be on a third-party basis only and you might wish to take out a comprehensive policy for the purpose of your test drive.
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Whilst many drivers assume their annual insurance will cover them to drive any vehicle, this is not necessarily the case and you should check the details of your policy. In this situation, you’ll need to have your own cover. Private sellers are unlikely to have insurance in place that allows another driver to test drive a vehicle. If you’re test driving a vehicle for a longer period of time, dealers will often require you to take out your own comprehensive insurance. Whilst many large dealerships will have their own insurance in place to cover test driving a car, some may only provide third-party cover. Yes! It’s illegal to drive any car for any purpose without the correct insurance and this includes taking a vehicle for a test drive. Do I need insurance to test drive a used car? It’s also important to consider insurance, as you’ll need to arrange your own when buying a car privately. In this situation, the seller will probably want to accompany you. If you’re buying a used car from a private seller, be sure to ask them about taking a test drive. Many dealers simply ask to see your driving licence but it’s always worth checking. It’s advisable to get in touch beforehand to see what the process is and what paperwork (if any) you’ll need to provide. Some dealerships allow you to book online or via the phone in advance, whilst others will let you just turn up and take a test drive on the day. This depends on where you’re looking at buying your new car and their protocol. You’re well within your rights not to go ahead with the purchase and it’s important you’re happy with any new vehicle you end up buying. You might decide it’s not right for you based on the test drive and wish to look for something more suitable. Yes, if you take a car for a test drive it doesn’t mean you’re committed to buying the vehicle. If you’re buying a used car, it’s especially important to take it for a spin to ensure there are no major running problems before deciding to buy. Going for a test drive will ensure it’s definitely the right choice for you. Perhaps you’ve had your eye on a certain type of model for a while but have never driven one before. You’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable driving any new car and that it fits all your requirements. It’s important to take any potential new vehicle for a test drive for a number of reasons. Always make sure you check the criteria of the seller before arranging to take the car out. For example, you might have to be over the age of 21 and have no more than six points on your licence. There are some instances where you might not be able to take a test drive, depending on the rules of the dealer. Whether you’re buying from a car dealership or from a private seller, you should be able to test drive a vehicle beforehand. So, if you’ve got your eye on a new motor, this is something you should consider. When can I test drive a car?ĭrivers usually test drive vehicles they’re thinking of buying. With our handy guide, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to take a test drive legally and safely. Whilst some factors are down to the discretion of the car dealership or owner of the vehicle, there are standard practices you need to follow when test driving any car. Many drivers also wonder if it’s possible to test drive a car alone and for how long you can take a vehicle out on the road. Vehicle loading, topography, weather and traffic conditions, as well as individual driving styles, can all affect the actual fuel consumption, energy consumption, electrical range, and CO₂ emissions of a car.When it comes to test driving a car, it can be confusing to know the rules around whether you’re properly insured to drive another vehicle. Optional features and accessories can change relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics which may result in a change in fuel or energy consumption and CO₂ values. To the extent that fuel and energy consumption or CO₂ values are given as ranges, these do not relate to a single, individual car and do not constitute part of the offer. For Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) range and Equivalent All Electric Range (EAER) figures are determined with the battery fully charged, using a combination of both battery power and fuel. *Data determined in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) as required by law.