For Buyers

Test driving a car

A test drive tells you things a viewing never will. Here's what you need to be legally covered, and what's worth testing while you're out.

You'll need a valid UK driving licence, a provisional licence is fine if a qualified, insured supervisor is with you.
Bring your photocard licence with you, sellers and dealers may ask to see it before handing over the keys.
You must be insured to drive the car. Most dealers cover test drives under their own trade insurance, but for a private sale you'll usually need cover of your own.
Check your own car insurance for Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover, many modern policies don't include this by default, so it's worth confirming rather than assuming.

What to test while you're out

A short drive covering a mix of roads tells you far more than a couple of minutes around the block.

Where possible, try town driving, a roundabout or two, and a faster A-road or motorway stretch.

Test the brakes at a safe speed in a suitable spot. They should feel firm and pull the car up evenly, not to one side.

Listen for knocks, rattles or vibrations, especially over bumps or when braking and accelerating.

Turn the steering all the way in each direction at low speed, listening for clicking, which can indicate worn CV joints.

On a manual, check the clutch bite point and that gears engage smoothly. On an automatic, gear changes should feel seamless, not jerky.

On a flat, straight road, check the car tracks straight without pulling to one side.

Check the driving position, seat adjustment, and all-round visibility work for you, not just the seller.

Check no warning lights stay on after starting the engine, and that the dashboard behaves as expected throughout the drive.

Ready to arrange a test drive?

Message the seller directly through DriveGrid to sort out a time that works.