![]() This is particularly important as you’ll be unfamiliar with the vehicle you’re driving. Before driving off, be sure to walk around the car and look for any pre-existing problems like dents or paint damage. Ask the salesperson to write down any issues.Īt the same time, make sure the tires appear inflated and that there is no unusual noise coming from the engine compartment or under the car. In addition, the salesperson should go over the basic operation of the vehicle (turn signals, gear shifter, etc.) before you get underway.ĭuring the drive: There’s no rule, but some dealerships require a salesperson to accompany customers on a test drive, and other dealerships don’t.īe prepared for either situation. Regardless of who else might be in the car, keep conversation to a minimum so you can focus on distraction-free driving. You may also be asked for information about your car insurance. Preparation: A salesperson will make a copy of your driver’s license to confirm your identity (you will be driving someone else’s cars after all). If a test drive is a new experience, then here’s what’s likely to happen. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten. ![]() We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. In some cases, the answer is less than 18 when asking, “How old do you have to be to test drive a car?” In these situations, the dealer would consider Mom or Dad to be the responsible party. This is important because if an accident happens during the test drive, then an adult, not a minor, could be liable for damages.īeing able to test drive with just a learner’s permit will depend on the dealer’s policies, a parent’s participation in the test-drive process, how much the dealer wants to do business, and how the dealer perceives your seriousness about buying a car. Having only a learner’s permit doesn’t automatically disqualify a younger driver from test-driving a car. What About Test Drives with a Learner’s Permit? So, a minor lacks the “capacity to contract” for a car. To be blunt, if you can’t legally buy the vehicle, the dealership doesn’t want you test-driving its vehicles. In addition, if a minor does buy a car, the contract can be voided. Check with an attorney for specifics in your state. An individual under 18 (a minor) cannot enter into a contract for non-essential items in most states. Things like food, clothing, and lodging are essential goods and services. Some states allow younger drivers to receive a full license, but no state mandates the minimum age for an unrestricted license beyond 18.Ĭapacity to Contract: If you’re car shopping on your own, a dealer needs the purchaser to be able to buy a car legally. Unrestricted Driver’s License: Most states grant an unrestricted driver’s license to people at age 18. This means there are no limitations on when or where they can drive or who can or cannot be in the car. This age threshold is important for two reasons. Many dealers will allow a test drive for individuals as young as 18. CoPilot does the hard work for you by searching all of the listings in your area and intelligently creating a personalized list of the best buys in the area that match what you’re looking for. You won’t realize how outdated other car searching apps are until you try the CoPilot car shopping app. These requirements may be established by corporate policy if the dealer is part of a chain or at a local level if the dealership is a single location operation. You may even run across a situation where age requirements are determined at the discretion of a salesperson or manager. In other words, don’t be surprised to come across different standards as you deal with different dealers. Second, age restrictions for a test drive are set by a dealership. ![]() From here, things get a bit complicated.įirst, no laws mandate a minimum age for test driving a vehicle other than state driver’s license requirements. To take any vehicle on a public road, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit (and be accompanied by a qualified adult). Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer when asking, “How old do you have to be to test drive a car?” One thing is for sure, though. For teens and young adults, test driving a car is one of those rights of passage in today’s world it’s the first step of car ownership. Before getting behind the wheel, there are fundamental questions to consider, including “How old do you have to be to test drive a car?” Let’s explore the answers and look at other test drive essentials for young drivers.
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